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This fall, Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives is launching Community Accelerator, a new program that will provide youth with the skills, resources, and support to become a successful social entrepreneurs.
Photo courtesy Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives
New program helps Richmond youth become social entrepreneurs
Published 12:03 PDT, Thu August 10, 2023
Last Updated: 12:03 PDT, Thu August 10, 2023
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Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG) is preparing to launch a new program, called Community Accelerator, which will give youth between the ages of 15 and 25 an opportunity to become social entrepreneurs.
The initiative is modelled on an idea from the business world: startup accelerators. These cohort-based programs provide young entrepreneurs with mentoring, support, and networking opportunities, all aimed at helping participants start successful companies.
Community Accelerator will function much the same way, with participants developing a range of professional skills and competencies, from public speaking to financial literacy. The key difference is that, rather than starting businesses, participants will be working on projects that address community needs.
“Young people have an entrepreneurial spirit, and often, that applies to community issues as well,” says Ed Gavsie, president and chief executive officer of RCRG. “We want to provide a supportive, encouraging environment where youth can explore their ideas for enacting positive community change. More than that, we want to help bring their ideas to life.”
Community Accelerator is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to take advantage of different program elements. This includes a series of optional workshops, covering topics like leadership fundamentals and resume writing, as well as subjects relating specifically to the non-profit sector, such as program planning, fund development, and volunteer management.
“Young people have busy lives, and we don’t want a rigid program structure to deter them from participating in Community Accelerator,” says Gavsie. “We’re not asking youth to make a specific time commitment. We’re asking if they want to make a difference in their community. If the answer’s yes, then this program is for them.”
Community Accelerator is funded by RBC Foundation in support of RBC Future Launch.
“We’re excited to be working with RCRG to help bring RBC Future Launch to life,” says Mark Beckles, vice president, Social Impact & Innovation, RBC. “We have a responsibility to prepare young people for the opportunities and ambiguities of the future. RBC Future Launch is a $500 million commitment to helping Canadian youth prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Additional funding is provided by TD Bank Group.
The first Community Accelerator cohort begins in September. If you’re interested in participating, you can learn more about the program and complete an online application at rcrg.org/LeadershipRichmond.
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