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Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1313659
By Andy Cribb When it comes to the many challenges of start- ing a new business, entrepreneurs know them all too well. While such challenges can be attributed to a lack of capital, other factors are usually at play. Entrepreneurs may face barriers to resources such as mentorship support or specialized skills development and training that could make launching or scaling their unique ideas a little easier. Recently, TD announced its commitment to two major initiatives that are aimed at giving entrepreneurs in Western Canada a boost. Through the TD Ready Commitment, new funding has been awarded to Capilano Univer- sity and Yukon University for innovative support programs that provide entrepreneurs with access to educational opportunities, mentorship and workspace as they work toward growth. A $450,000 TD donation will help develop and strengthen the Indigenous Digital Accel- erator program at Capilano University over the next three years. Launched in 2019, the program bridges gaps in digital skills and business train- ing to help Indigenous entrepreneurs break through barriers and succeed in the tech, digital- creative and cultural sectors. In the Yukon, a $400,000 donation over four years to IncubateNorth via Yukon University's Innovation & Entrepreneurship will offer entre- preneurs customized programming for skills and business development; coaching and mentoring; and a chance to build their network so they can grow their business within and beyond the Yukon Territory. The Indigenous Digital Accelerator program and IncubateNorth provide exciting opportu- nities for growth-stage entrepreneurs to gain expertise, confidence and momentum to grow their business. As well, participants will be better equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to mitigate risks, promote adaptability and main- tain resiliency during periods of change—much like the one we are going through now. As we look to the future, we know that part of our economic success will be predicated on the growth and sustainability of businesses and organizations in communities across the region. TD is proud to stand with entrepreneurs in this moment in our collective history to help them achieve future success and build the prosper- ity of Indigenous Peoples and communities in Western Canada for years to come. If you are an entrepreneur and believe you would be a good fit for one of these programs, be sure to connect with the facilitating university. You can find more information on their respective websites. ■ To learn more about the TD Ready Commitment, visit http://www.td.com/readycommitment. TWO UNIVERSITY INITIATIVES RECEIVE BOOST FROM TD IN SUPPORT OF ENTREPRENEURS Andy Cribb is Senior Vice-president and Pacific Region Head of branch banking at TD. C R E AT E D BY BCBusiness I N PA RT N E RS H I P W IT H TD BANK