On March 30, several GreenHouse innovation teams came together to pitch their latest ventures to a panel of judges from across the St.Paul’s community during its latest Social Impact Showcase.
This now virtual event occurs every term, celebrating the amazing work GreenHouse students have accomplished through their journeys of social innovation and entrepreneurship. Six out of the seven student teams were awarded funding to support their ventures from the Social Impact Fund, established by St. Paul’s to support students in advancing their ideas into action. Funding ranges from the $2,500 top prize to $500 microgrants to support students in gaining the resources they need to engage with stakeholders, and build, test and expand their prototypes.
This term’s students focused their ventures on some of the most relevant and pressing social issues impacting our daily lives.
Two top ventures, ChangeRoom, awarded $2,500 and Oddity Co., awarded $1,500, focus their ventures on sustainable apparel. ChangeRoom is the world's first sustainable apparel application, connecting sustainable clothing brands with a growing number of eco-conscious customers. Oddity Co. sells limited-edition up-cycled clothing online and helps other businesses do the same through its unique system.
Another top venture, Rent to Own was awarded $1,500 and focuses on building an accessible rent-to-own housing model for low-income communities to break systemic barriers surrounding homeownership using Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) as a pilot project.
Other winning ventures, include Sup Zero, awarded $1,000, Youth Belonging and SIMPLE, both awarded $500 microgrants.
Sup Zero focuses its venture on sustainable package consultancy to help support supplement companies create more responsible and sustainable packing solutions. Youth Belonging seeks to provide students at the Peel District School Board with an opportunity to engage in and lead anti-racist rhetoric. SIMPLE helps early-stage social entrepreneurs articulate their vision and strategize their business using a social impact measurement canvas tool.
Lastly, Sup Zero has also won the People’s Choice Award, earning an additional $1,000 for its venture.
Congratulations to all the students who participated in this term’s Social Impact Showcase and thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for their favourite venture. Wishing our students continued success working on their ventures.