Centre for Social Innovation

09/26/2024

Last call for impact entrepreneurs! Our no-cost Impact Entrepreneurship 101 (IE101) bootcamp is your opportunity to gain essential skills and insights for creating or growing a business that drives real change.

From critical thinking and systems analysis to storytelling and business modeling, IE101 will give you the practical tools you need to succeed. Don’t miss out on this chance to develop your idea, meet fellow changemakers, and make an impact.

Apply by Sunday, September 29, 11:59 PM ET: https://bit.ly/4eiAAIi

This project is supported by the City of Toronto.

09/25/2024

Attending our 20th Anniversary Fundraiser? We've got some exciting news for you... 👀

We're thrilled to be partnering with TO The Good Swap and Toronto Tool Library to offer some sustainable party swag with a DIY screen printing station at the event! Bring your gently used, plain clothes (ideally with no logos or patterns) to create custom CSI apparel and go home with swag that you can feel good about.

And this is just one of the many exciting activities to look forward to at The Party With Purpose! Haven't gotten your ticket yet? Don't miss out on all the fun! Get your tickets now: https://bit.ly/3XXETCP

09/19/2024

Throughout our 20-year history, thousands of CSI Members have joined us in tackling the world's most pressing challenges. From climate change to international aid and food security, they’ve led with big ideas and bold solutions.

Have you ever wondered what happened to some of those members and organizations? Now's your chance to find out! Join us on October 10 at The Party with Purpose for a full evening of networking, inspiration, engagement and more, including the “Whatever Happened To …?” stage where you can hear stories from our incredible alumni.

Tickets are limited for what's shaping up to be Toronto's biggest social impact gathering, so don't delay - get your ticket here: https://bit.ly/3XDAS6i

Are you a CSI alum with a story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4e0BsRj

09/18/2024

20 years, can you believe it? CSI is incredibly proud of our legacy so far, but as with most milestone birthdays, this one comes with significant change. We’re known for being fiercely independent, but when times get tough, CSI turns to community—and we need your help.

Like many others, we’re facing challenges with the existing market forces, inflation, and high interest rates. As we adapt and pivot to these new conditions, CSI needs your support now more than ever. If we can bridge the $500K gap we’re currently facing, we’ll be sailing smoothly and well positioned to build a solid foundation for the next 20 years.

Too many third places, arts groups, nonprofits, and support systems have been lost in our city, and we’re giving it our all to continue to be the home for social impact groups putting people and planet first. If you can’t imagine the city without a place like CSI, this is your chance to be a part of the solution.

Read our full update and learn how you can help: https://bit.ly/4d5SdJy

09/17/2024

Ready to take your entrepreneurial idea to the next level? Impact Entrepreneurship 101 will equip you with the tools and knowledge to turn your vision into an impact-driven business.

Through this free bootcamp, you’ll learn how to identify stakeholders, build business and financial models, and explore funding options. With hands-on guidance and expert support from serial entrepreneurs Maryam Mohiuddin Ahmed and Khizr Imran Tajammul, you'll leave with new connections and a clear plan to make a meaningful impact.

Apply by Sunday, September 29, 11:59 PM ET: https://bit.ly/4eiAAIi

This project is supported by the City of Toronto.

09/12/2024

You’re invited! Join us on Thursday, October 10 for The Party With Purpose: CSI’s 20th Anniversary Fundraiser, a first-of-its-kind fundraising event, bringing together Toronto’s biggest movers and shakers in the social innovation space.

But wait! What exactly are we fundraising for? Well, while we have big dreams for our future and for another 20 years together, we have to acknowledge that we are struggling in these current difficult economic conditions.

Like many others, we’re facing challenges with the existing market forces, inflation, and high interest rates. Despite these challenges, we’re in a unique position - people continue to come to CSI for workspace, event space, for community, and more.

CSI is incredibly proud of our legacy so far, and we know that we have so much more to do. So, spread the word and get ready to party with purpose at Toronto’s biggest social impact event of the season!

Get your ticket: https://bit.ly/3XDAS6i

09/11/2024

Are you passionate about making a difference, and are you ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? Join us for Impact Entrepreneurship 101 (IE101) at the Centre for Social Innovation! This no-cost bootcamp will guide you through the process of developing your idea into an impactful business venture.

Whether you want to clarify your approach to solving big issues, turn your idea into action, or scale your existing social enterprise, IE101 is for you!

Apply by Sunday, September 29, 11:59 PM ET: https://bit.ly/4eiAAIi

09/05/2024

It's that time of year again! The back-to-school, back-to-office rush is officially upon us, and that includes making some time for event planning.

Whether you're hosting a summit, conference, hybrid workshop, board meeting, dance party, or anything in between, we'd love to host you! Our Events team will work with you to ensure you have everything you need, from decor and furnishings, to food and drinks, to audio and visual, and of course, music and dancing.

Questions? Want a tour? Ready to book? Fill out our info form to get started: https://bit.ly/4g6jI8u

09/03/2024

Good news—we’ve extended the deadline for our Community Animator Program (CAP)! This is your chance to join over 1,000 artists, activists, students, retirees, and other changemakers who have used the Community Animator Program as a launchpad for friendships, careers, projects, and businesses. Whether you’re looking for skills development, networking opportunities, a supportive community, or unlimited coworking space, we’ve got something for everyone.

Learn more and apply by Sunday, September 8: https://bit.ly/4dOOq48

08/30/2024

Our Community Animators really went above and beyond this summer! From themed Salad Clubs (afternoon high tea, Italian, girl dinner, and more), to Get the Scoop (introducing Camp Wannascoop), Coffee Chats, and Bagel Bonding, there were dozens of connections made over the last two months of rituals. Plus, we can't forget an awesome Innovator Drinks with CSI Member FLARE.

Welcome to the latest Connections at CSI, highlighting a few of the innovative events we've hosted this summer. ✨ Get your visual recap: https://bit.ly/3WZmfsg

08/28/2024

Looking for a workspace to tackle your projects? Need a community that prioritizes people and the planet? Want professional growth opportunities, social events, and networking?

Our Community Animator Program is for you! By exchanging 7 hours a week, you'll get unlimited access to our coworking spaces and skill-building opportunities within Canada’s largest social innovation network here at CSI.

Apply by Wednesday, September 4: https://bit.ly/4dOOq48

08/21/2024

It’s baaack! Our Community Animator Program (CAP) is now open for fall/winter 2024-2025.

This program has been a cornerstone of the CSI community for over a decade. As a Community Animator, you'll contribute one 7-hour shift per week at either CSI Spadina or CSI Annex, and in return, you'll enjoy unlimited access to our coworking space, plus all the fantastic benefits of CSI membership: professional growth, skill building, and a vibrant community committed to people and planet.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, newcomer, freelancer, introvert, extrovert, student, retiree, or any type of changemaker, the Community Animator Program offers something valuable for everyone.

Apply by Wednesday, September 4: https://bit.ly/4dOOq48

08/09/2024

Change up your routine and discover a new workspace with a CSI Lounge Pass!

A Lounge Pass at CSI gets you access to our lounge workspaces for the day, complete with all the essentials - wifi, coffee, tea, and a vibrant community. Whether you're looking for a cozy nook or a chance to network, our Lounge Pass has you covered. And don't forget, CSI Members get 50% off ✨

Learn more and book your lounge pass here: https://bit.ly/3Qm9cy4

08/02/2024

Another successful Innovator Drinks event is in the books! A big thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for an evening filled with great connections (and delicious Aperol Spritzes!). Special thanks to our sponsor, FLARE, for making it all possible.

If you missed it, don’t worry—stay tuned for more exciting monthly events at CSI!

07/26/2024

What a month! This June, we hosted the Social Finance Forum Toronto Soiree, held our annual Spadina Laneway BBQ, and continued engaging our community through weekly rituals and gatherings. We also celebrated Pride with some fun themed treats and opened our new garden patio at CSI Annex.

Welcome to the latest Connections at CSI, highlighting a few of the innovative events from last month. ✨ Get your visual recap: https://bit.ly/4bZSY6q

07/18/2024

Summer sun, refreshing drinks, and a network of friendly entrepreneurs? Yes please! Come on out this Thursday, August 1 for a summer networking celebration!

In addition to our usual snacks, drinks, and excellent company at every Innovator Drinks event, we’ll also hear from our sponsor, FLARE. More than just a financial consultancy, FLARE offers startups and entrepreneurs a personalized approach to strategic financial insights and operational expertise. With the launch of their brand new website and services offering, we’ll have lots to learn about together.

Get all the event details here: https://bit.ly/3y1vakK

07/17/2024

Rising from our Roots is a volunteer-run organization that supports marginalized youth, particularly those who are BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+, or disabled.

They're also a member of the Climate ShareSpace, a partnership offering from CSI, FES, and The Youth Harbour that supports young climate and social justice activists by fostering collaboration, gatherings, and resource sharing.

Learn how Rising from our Roots is creating inclusive spaces for marginalized communities and how CSI provides an accessible environment for their grassroots work in a new blog post from The Youth Harbour team: https://bit.ly/3zME5He

07/10/2024

The Green Career Centre is a youth-led non-profit that empowers underrepresented youth to pursue careers in the sustainability sector.

They're also a member of the Climate ShareSpace, a partnership offering from CSI, FES, and The Youth Harbour that supports young climate and social justice activists by fostering collaboration, gatherings, and resource sharing.

Learn about how the Green Career Centre is advancing inclusivity and equity in the green economy, and how joining the CSI community helped to accelerate their work, in this blog post from The Youth Harbour team: https://bit.ly/4eOZD5Y

07/04/2024

Last call for impact entrepreneurs!

Our first session of Impact Entrepreneurship 101 (IE101) runs July 20-21, and the deadline to apply is this Sunday, July 7, 11:59 PM ET. Designed for all social impact and systems change entrepreneurs, this no-cost bootcamp offers the opportunity to connect with other passionate professionals, access tools and templates to develop solutions and business models, and receive mentoring and coaching.

The world needs your innovations! Turn your idea into an impactful business venture through IE101: https://bit.ly/4eiAAIi

This project is supported by the City of Toronto.

06/27/2024

With a music and arts fundraiser to support youth climate action, an Innovator Drinks networking event to facilitate community skill-sharing, and some fun themed rituals, this May was a busy one! ✨ Welcome to the latest in our Connections at CSI series highlighting a few of the innovative events from last month.

Get your visual recap in our latest blog post: https://bit.ly/4eJSp36

06/26/2024

Happy Pride from CSI! 🌈 To celebrate this year, we asked our community to share with us their favourite books, movies, TV shows, and podcasts that help to celebrate, uplift, teach, and honour 2SLGBTQIA+ stories.

As we near the end of June, we invite you to join us in reading, watching, and listening to stories from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and to explore what Pride means to you, and to carry that work forward throughout the year.

Find the full list of community picks in our latest blog post: https://bit.ly/45NTYcs

06/19/2024

“How can I drive meaningful change?”

Many entrepreneurs already have the experiences, curiosity, and drive to create the world they want, but they may need a little help to get started. If you have an idea, or even a social enterprise, and you want to turn your ideas into action, Impact Entrepreneurship 101 (IE101) can help you find clarity and focus!

This weekend-long, no-cost bootcamp runs from July 20-21 and is designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to drive social and environmental change. Apply by Sunday, July 7, 11:59 PM EST: https://bit.ly/4eiAAIi

This project is supported by the City of Toronto.

06/19/2024

Check out this report from Alliance for a Liveable Ontario on five actionable steps that governments can implement today to ensure affordable housing. Learn more at www.fivewayshome.ca and join the movement!

Wondering what you can do to make governments make homes affordable? This new report has 5 simple actions governments can take. Plus actions you can take, now. It’s endorsed by farmers, developers, housing providers, experts, people from different political parties and many more. Learn more at www.fivewayshome.ca

06/13/2024

Friendly reminder to all CSI Members: you're invited to our upcoming Summer Laneway BBQ! ☀️

Where: CSI Spadina Laneway
When: Thursday, June 20, 4:00 PM ET
What: We'll bring the drinks and food (including meat, vegan, and halal options), and you bring a dessert or side!
Who: This event is open to CSI Members only.

Let us know what you're bringing and save your spot: bit.ly/3XewCKQ

Thank you to our sponsors, Inbox Booths and Grüvi.

06/12/2024

We’re excited to announce the return of Impact Entrepreneurship 101 (IE101), a no-cost weekend intensive where participants learn how to use entrepreneurship to generate meaningful impact and access tools and templates to develop solutions and business models!

Designed for all social impact and systems change entrepreneurs, this cohort will have the opportunity to connect with other passionate professionals, access tools and templates to develop solutions and business models, and receive mentoring and coaching.

This cohort will take place July 20-21, with another session later this year in October. Both sessions will be held in-person at a CSI location in downtown Toronto. Apply by Sunday, July 7, 11:59 PM EST: bit.ly/4eiAAIi

This project is supported by the City of Toronto.