![]() Neurodiversity: Underemployment of neurodivergent people is an important issue facing society. The incubator will explore how entrepreneurship could be a pathway to self-employment and financial independence for these communities. Inclusive Nations: Balsam aims to empower Indigenous peoples and immigrants seeking work. Examples include new housing models that will enable the people to age with dignity and remain in their homes. Balsam is committed to exploring different solutions. As such, its programs will focus on three key streams:Īging: As the population ages, housing is becoming a major issue for the elderly. We need to bring this to the forefront of District 3.” Addressing complex social problemsīalsam’s primary objective is to increase social impact by coaching more social entrepreneurs. I think this reflects the university’s values and its mission to drive positive change in society. “It’s about solving issues and making a difference in the community. “Social entrepreneurs look at three layers: the economic model of the business, the impact on the environment and the impact on society,” says Julie Hamel, Balsam’s new managing director and a social innovation coach with the incubator. These stakeholders integrate profitability and economic sustainability jointly with a positive impact on the environment, society and the economy. ![]() The newer social-impact entrepreneurship model integrates a wider agenda, leading to engagement with a greater breadth of stakeholders. Traditional tech-startup stakeholders are venture capitalists with a focus on a relatively sharp profitability agenda. Balsam’s launch marks a renewed focus on social-impact startups. The incubator is named after the balsam fir tree, which is known for its resilience.īalsam aims to nurture social ideators and entrepreneurs who seek to improve society and the environment with their innovative ideas.įor nearly 10 years, District 3 has played a key role in building the innovation ecosystem in Quebec and has provided startup programs and coaching support across the tech, health care and bio sectors. Concordia’s District 3 Innovation Hub has launched a new social impact incubator called Balsam Impact.
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