The B.C. government is supporting social innovation by investing $181,500 for research and curriculum development to increase training and employment opportunities and supports through a labour market partnerships agreement with Enterprising Non-Profits.

During an 11-month period, Enterprising Non-Profits will partner with eight leaders in social innovation and social enterprise in at least three B.C. communities, including Prince George, Trail and Vancouver.

Social enterprises - a form of social innovation - are businesses that invest their profits in a social purpose. Some social enterprises focus on providing training and work experience for people who experience complex and multiple barriers to employment and, as a result, they have unique experiences to share.

The project will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the skills training and employment opportunities that social enterprises provide in B.C. - and make recommendations for using these best practices to deliver more effective training and employment supports throughout the province.

The B.C. government supports social innovation by working with businesses, non-profits, academic institutions, and communities to support outcomes that make a positive difference in people's lives. Government is committed to providing strong support for social innovation and entrepreneurship through its collaborative partnerships with other sectors.

Enterprising Non-Profits has been supporting the development and growth of the social enterprises for 16 years as a way to build healthy, prosperous communities. The organization supports non-profits to learn about, do business planning, launch and grow social enterprises to financial sustainability.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae -

"B.C. is a leader in social innovation, in part because of the tremendous diversity and resourcefulness of B.C.'s businesses and non-profit sector. By partnering with Enterprising Non-Profits and providing this funding, we will gain a better understanding of how to connect people to the practical training they need and, in turn, to good jobs in their communities."

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond -

"Our government is committed to building a skilled workforce across the province and ensuring that British Columbians have the skills they need to be first in line for job opportunities today and in the future. Labour market partnerships like this one help identify key areas of focus, so we can determine how best to meet the needs of our communities and British Columbians."

David LePage, Enterprising Non-Profits -

"Social enterprises are an important part of B.C.'s economy and a key contributor to the health and resilience of our communities. This project will allow us to build on the success of social enterprise and lead to the creation of even more employment opportunities, particularly for those that have disabilities and other barriers."

Quick Facts:

• Social enterprises provide valuable services, offer employment opportunities, involve volunteers, and train thousands of people each year in B.C.

• Based on a 2011 survey, B.C. social enterprises provided services to nearly 700,000 people and generated at least $60 million in revenues.

• The Labour Market Partnerships (LMP) Program is an employment program that provides financial assistance to organizations to encourage, support and facilitate labour force issues and human resource planning activities that are in the public interest.

• Through the LMP, government funds projects that encourage and support employers, employee and/or employer associations and communities in developing and implementing strategies for dealing with labour force issues and meeting human resource requirements.

• In British Columbia, funding under the Labour Market Development Agreement is used to support labour market programs and services for residents who are collecting Employment Insurance (EI) benefits or have received them in the last three years, or for parents re-entering the labour force who have collected EI parental benefits in the last five years. It is also used to support employers in addressing human resources challenges.

• In 2012-13, the $280-million Labour Market Development Agreement budget is being used to provide employment assistance services, job-creation partnerships, labour market partnerships, self-employment, skills development and targeted wage subsidies programs.

Learn More:

B.C.'s Action Plan Recommendations to Maximize Social Innovation in British Columbia: www.innovatebc.ca/documents/Social_InnovationBC_C.pdf

Enterprising Non-Profits: www.enterprisingnonprofits.ca

Labour Market Partnerships Program: www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/sector-partnerships/labour-market-partnerships-program.htm

BC Jobs Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca and the BC Skills and Training Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca/skills

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 508-5030

David LePage
Enterprising Non-Profits
778 772-2706
david@enterprisingnonprofits.ca