Sheridan EDGE welcomes its largest cohort of youth entrepreneurs with the return of Social Impact Catalyst powered by RBC Future Launch

Sheridan EDGE, a launchpad for social ventures, has welcomed its latest, and largest-ever, cohort of youth entrepreneurs for the Social Impact Catalyst powered by RBC Future Launch. The program, which takes place over 15 weeks from January to April, includes 32 new social purpose ventures led by 43 young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 29. 

From building new communities and driving positive social change to creating disruptive technologies and transforming consumer journeys, the creativity of the young changemakers participating in Social Impact Catalyst powered by RBC Future Launch will be honed and developed. Through the program, Sheridan EDGE will host 12 virtual learning sessions that focus on topics fundamental to supporting early-stage impact entrepreneurs. These events are also open to the public.

“Our goal is to amplify impact by connecting youth changemakers with a rich network of mentors and champions” said Renee Devereaux, Director of Sheridan EDGE. “Over the past three years, and with RBC’s support, we’ve seen this program grow and have an increasing impact on our local communities. We’re excited to include the first participants from other provinces in this cohort as well. This new cohort of youth entrepreneurs will receive mentorship, learning sessions, and practical resources to turn their ideas into impactful ventures. The program will also provide opportunities for networking, collaboration and knowledge sharing.

"I'm most excited to connect with new people, get involved in the Sheridan community, and make a greater impact on the Peel region, which I call my home," said Aman Sohota, founder of Ei Amplified and new program participant.

Past participants in the Social Impact Catalyst powered by RBC Future Launch program include the founders of Blk Owned, Brown Citizens Circle,  Business Click, Save the Planet – Open Doors, iPOTS and The Black Elder. Some of the entrepreneurs behind these ventures participated in a panel discussion at an EDGE-hosted Youth Changemaker Summit in the fall 2022 where they shared insights on their founder journeys with nearly 100 youth from the Peel and Halton Region. 

"RBC is proud to support the next generation of social impact leaders through our partnership with Sheridan EDGE and the Social Impact Catalyst powered by RBC Future Launch," said Tom Parisi, Regional Vice President Mississauga Market, RBC. "We believe that by investing in young entrepreneurs, we are investing in a brighter future for all."

Sheridan EDGE is committed to growing social impact ventures in the Peel and Halton regions and beyond. We're excited to see the impact these young entrepreneurs will have on their communities and the world.

Learn more about Social Impact Catalyst powered by RBC Future Launch and meet 2023's participating founders and ventures.

Watch more Instagram videos featuring entrepreneurs participating in the 2023 cohort of the Social Impact Catalyst powered by RBC Future Launch.(https://www.instagram.com/p/CniNLOvqqW6/, https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn14GrTjMI-/, https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnw5ujiIhQ8/)

About Sheridan EDGE
One of Sheridan’s five renowned Centres of research and innovation, EDGE supports changemakers as they explore entrepreneurial approaches to creating a more equitable and sustainable world. In collaboration with partners, EDGE provides new and growing ventures with mentorship, learning programs, co-working space and support to access funding. Visit edge.sheridancollege.ca.  

About RBC Future Launch
RBC Future Launch is a 10-year, $500 million commitment to empower Canadian youth for the jobs of tomorrow. With a focus on networking, skills development, practical work experience and mental wellbeing supports and services, the initiative aims to help break down the barriers facing young people. In 2020, RBC committed to providing $50 million in focused funding through RBC Future Launch to create meaningful and transformative pathways to prosperity for up to 25,000 BIPOC youth by 2025, with investments in areas such as skills development and mentoring.

Pictured above right: 2023 Social Impact Catalyst powered by RBC Future Launch cohort at EDGE Sheridan in Mississauga, Ontario. 
Above on Instagram video: Aman Sohota, founder of Ei Amplified and new Social Impact Catalyst powered by RBC Future Launch participant.