Author: The Record
Published July 31, 2024

Photo: courtesy

Grand Innovation Lab coming to Bishop’s University

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The Black Community Resource Center (BCRC) and Afro Summit are set to host the Grand Innovation Lab, a groundbreaking three-day program designed to empower Black youth through entrepreneurship and innovation. This event, scheduled from Aug. 5 to 7, will take place at Bishop’s University.

The Grand Innovation Lab aims to provide Black youth aged 14 to 19 with the tools and knowledge necessary to become future leaders and innovators. Kerwins Saint-Jean, the project coordinator for Afro Summit, elaborated on the program’s purpose in a July 31 interview. “The Grand Innovation Lab is a culmination of Project RIDE. This initiative has been running for almost four years, focusing on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship,” he explained.

The event promises to be a comprehensive and engaging experience, with several key components tailored to the participants’ needs:

– Tailor-Made Programming: The sessions are designed to meet the specific interests and needs of the young attendees. “Our goal is to provide an engaging and relevant learning experience,” said Saint-Jean. This includes a variety of sessions on entrepreneurship, innovation, and personal development, ensuring a holistic approach to youth empowerment.

– Entrepreneurial Exploration: Participants will engage in interactive sessions that include case studies, real-world examples, and discussions on entrepreneurial thinking. “We aim to spark creativity and help young people see the potential in entrepreneurship,” Saint-Jean noted. This aspect of the program is particularly focused on helping youth understand the practical aspects of starting and running a business.

– Innovation Workshops: These hands-on workshops are designed to encourage out-of-the-box thinking and problem-solving skills. Saint-Jean highlighted that these sessions would cover a wide range of topics, from financial literacy to public speaking. “It’s not just about business; it’s about building confidence and skills that will help in all areas of life,” he added.

– Creation Hub: This component provides a space where participants can develop and refine their entrepreneurial ideas with the guidance of experienced mentors. Saint-Jean emphasized the importance of mentorship in the program, noting that participants would have access to both English and French-speaking mentors. “We have a diverse team of mentors from across Quebec,” he said.

In addition to the core programming, the Grand Innovation Lab offers free meals, accommodations, and transportation to ensure accessibility for all participants. The event also features various recreational activities, including sports and city tours, designed to provide a well-rounded experience. “The whole program is like a summer camp focused on entrepreneurship,” Saint-Jean described. “It’s a chance for these kids to connect, network, and build relationships that could benefit them in the future.”

One unique aspect of the Grand Innovation Lab is the Digital Shift initiative, which provides free website development and e-marketing services to Black businesses. “We’re helping both aspiring and existing Black entrepreneurs establish an online presence,” Saint-Jean explained. The initiative includes building free websites tailored to the needs of the businesses, whether for e-commerce, blogging, or booking appointments. “This is crucial in today’s digital age, especially for businesses that may not have had the resources to establish a strong online presence,” he noted.

Saint-Jean also discussed the program’s broader impact, highlighting its role in raising awareness and providing ongoing support to the community. “Over the years, we’ve reached nearly 5,000 community members with our initiatives,” he said. The mentorship program alone has supported over 100 individuals, offering guidance on creating business plans and other essential skills. “We’re seeing real, tangible outcomes from these programs,” Saint-Jean noted, citing examples of participants who have gone on to start their own businesses or improve existing ones.

The Grand Innovation Lab is supported by a significant grant from the federal government, which underscores the importance of this initiative in fostering economic empowerment within the Black community. “We’ve been fortunate to receive funding that allows us to provide these resources at no cost to the participants,” Saint-Jean explained. This support ensures that all interested youth can participate, regardless of their financial situation.

Looking ahead, Saint-Jean expressed optimism about the future of the Grand Innovation Lab and similar initiatives. “We hope to continue this program and expand its reach in the coming years,” he said. The team behind the event is already planning for future sessions, aiming to build on the success of this year’s program.

For those interested in attending or learning more about the Grand Innovation Lab, registration is currently open. The event is free of charge, and all necessary information, including the registration link, can be found on the official website at: sdesj.org/laboratoire-dinnovation-2024-2025

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