Ten Calgary social enterprises vie for four $25,000 prizes at What’s Next YYC

Social entrepreneurs have a mission to make things better in addition to making a profit. What’s Next YYC is a new initiative to recognize some of the many social entrepreneurs in the city.

In its inaugural year, the awards had more than 30 applications from local social enterprises that have already won awards or successfully completed a social enterprise support program. The 10 finalists have been selected and they will be vying for one of four $25,000 prizes, with the audience a part of the selection process.

Finalists for What’s Next YYC:

• aGRO Systems Inc. The firm captures what is unwanted and discarded and transforms it into something unique and valuable. Supporting sustainable local farmers
• Beaverlodge: An app that turns energy efficiency for your home into an easy game that saves you real money
• CareFind Centralized and interactive platform connecting parents to real-time openings of accredited/licensed daycares, preschools, out-of-school-care and approved day homes
• CMNGD: Employing people facing poverty through a sustainable commercial laundry service
• Colouring It Forward: Colouring books using art by Indigenous artists
• Deepwater Farms: Calgary’s first aquaponics farm
• Fresh Routes: Mobile grocery store bringing affordable food to neighbourhoods with barriers
• PwrSwitch: Platform supporting victims of cyberstalking, cyber-harassment and high-conflict divorce through the collection of electronic communications
• Tsuut’ina Apiaries: Provides culturally fulfilling employment to low-income Indigenous Peoples while combatting the declining bee and native plant populations
• Universal Access: Accessibility consultants providing certified barrier-free environments

Read more about the What’s Next YYC award here!