Yesterday, Lina Bowden, VERGE Capital provided her remarks to the Senate of Canada and a packed room of MP’s and supporters of the Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy for Canada 5 . Below are her remarks. PANEL REMARKS AT THE SENATE OF CANADA Why Canada’s government should invest in social finance. October 23, 2018 I had the opportunity to share how our region would benefit from Canada’s Social Innovation... Read More
October 31, 2018
We are thrilled to welcome three new volunteers to the Pillar team and one student placement. Aruna Dutt, Rida Fatima and Caleigh Atkinson will be volunteering their time to help us with our communications and social media strategy. Darian Wrenshall has come to us from the Media & Public Interest program at Western and will be supporting our Impact Consulting team. They all bring many great talents to the table... Read More
October 29, 2018
Nothing generates creativity like a road trip (or train trip!). A few of Pillar's staff headed up to Toronto for the Ontario Nonprofit Network conference, Nonprofit Driven. From economic equity, how to activate a network and what it means to have decent work for women in nonprofits; we enjoyed two days of collaborative thinking, while exploring some tough challenges for our sector. Each of us took the time to reflect... Read More
October 12, 2018
Each quarter we invite startup social enterprises to join us for six months of integrated, supported learning at Innovation Works. Sponsored by Libro Credit Union, we provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, learning opportunities and resources to boost the impact of these social enterprises. Social Enterprise Incubator participants receive: - 12 months access to Innovation Works - 12 months Pillar Nonprofit Network membership - 3 months of weekly workshops; including business development,... Read More
October 1, 2018
We are thrilled to share that Phyllis Retty will be joining the Pillar team on November 1 as our new Director of Finance. Meet Phyllis: Phyllis is a Certified Professional Accountant, CMA. Phyllis recently retired from 3M Canada in London, Ontario where her career spanned experience in Finance and Human Resources. Her 20 years in the Finance Department included roles providing financial counsel to the manufacturing organization, business divisions as... Read More
October 1, 2018
Over the past several municipal elections, Pillar Nonprofit Network has asked candidates running for municipal office to answer questions around issues that we felt were important in the community. This year, the questions we asked were around inclusion and equity because it has been identified as a key issue and area of focus in our community and as part of Pillar’s strategic plan. Read the Survey Responses >>Read More
August 31, 2018
Would you rather shop at a big box store or a store with BIG IMPACT? Well, our community has spoken and they want to shop from local social enterprises! Last year's Meaningful Market blew us away with attendance and community support, with over 250 attendees and $5,300 in sales! As a result, we have decided to hold another market this year. The Meaningful Market is a collection of local social... Read More
August 31, 2018
We are pleased to welcome Vida Nazir to the Pillar team! Vida will be supporting our Innovation Works team and helping us to keep the space running smoothly. Meet Vida: As a woman of many interests; I enjoy keeping my mind and body active. Some of my hobbies include but are not limited to playing video games, painting, knitting, sewing, reading, writing, crafting, and researching. While I hold my placement... Read More
July 31, 2018
We are pleased to announce that the London Life Young Leaders program will be offered through Pillar Nonprofit Network for the 2018/2019 year. Now in its second year in partnership with London Youth Advisory Council and sponsored by London Life this program provides young people in our community with a unique leadership opportunity. The program matches youth aged 18-24 with a nonprofit organization, providing them the opportunity to serve as... Read More
July 25, 2018
Drum roll please... with 20 investors we have exceeded our goal and raised $2,260,000 in lending capital that will fund numerous social enterprises, environmental initiatives and affordable housing in our communities over the next 7 years. The VERGE Breakthrough Fund is Southwestern Ontario’s first impact investing fund providing growth capital to social and environmental enterprises. The first of it's kind in Canada, the VERGE Breakthrough Fund is paving the way... Read More
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