Black Founders in Clean Technology
The First Canadian Cleantech Certificate
Credibility & Trust
Build your future in confidence with Sheridan College.
High-quality Education
Created by Black entrepreneurs for Black entrepreneurs to succeed.
One-Of-A-Kind
No other academic institution is offering such a course.
Support & Resources
Network with industry experts, established Black entrepreneurs.
Who is this Course For?
1.
Black entrepreneurs in the cleantech sector.
2.
Aspiring Black entrepreneurs looking for business success.
3.
Black intrapreneurs in the cleantech sector.
4.
Black professionals looking to grow their networks within cleantech, connect with industry experts, and become part of an entrepreneurial community.
Why is this Course For you?
Benefit 1
Benefit 2
Benefit 3
Explore Cleantech Innovation Info Sessions
During this informative session, you’ll gain valuable insights into the cleantech industry and learn how to harness its potential for innovation and entrepreneurship. Our expert panelists will share their experiences, guiding you through the key elements of the program and showcasing the advantages of being part of the cleantech revolution.
Topics Covered:
- Market potential of cleantech
- Type of businesses in the cleantech sector
- How you can develop the business acumen needed to identify environmental challenges
- Innovations waiting to happen in the future of cleantech
- How to be future -ready to leverage the power of a cleantech venture?
- The success that is possible for you as a Black entrepreneur
- Industry news, videos and case studies
Meet The Team
SHEREEN ASHMAN: COURSE DEVELOPER LEAD
After surviving gun violence, Shereen honed her talents in social innovation. For over 15 years, she’s created workforce, business, cultural and educational programs to advance the socio-economic standing of Black youth/community in Toronto and the Caribbean.
Called on for her expertise in ideation, strategy & project management, Shereen has served in various roles in the non-profit and education space: Director of Operations, Program Manager, College Professor, Curriculum Developer, Trainer and Consultant. She’s the co-founder of: (1) The CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals, a Black-led/serving/ focused (B3) charity; (2) the All Out Campaign; and (3) Sistertalk Toronto. Her newest invention is SACCAE Studio, focused on Social Innovation.
As an Educator, Shereen is practiced in experiential and transformative learning pedagogy. She creates/ delivers immersive training related to: trauma-informed care, experiential healing, community-based education and business and non-profit development. Shereen has presented at conferences, educational institutions and community organizations addressing frontline, management and public officials.
Today, Shereen is completing a Masters in Education with a minor in educational policy at OISE, University of Toronto, to complement a Honors Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and a Social Service Worker Diploma.
Hands On Learning From Industry Experts
Chris-Beth Cowie is a dynamic and energetic visionary that inspires business owners to view entrepreneurship through the lens of culture, spirituality and wellness. She has held Business Mentor roles at Sheridan college and the City of Mississauga.
As an engaging professional speaker and trainer, Chris-Beth specializes in Leadership & Entrepreneurship, and stands at the forefront of the social enterprise industry as the CEO of Empowered 4x, a business training and consulting firm in Canada.
Ryan is a serial social entrepreneur currently helping businesses to increase their capacity and create assets to grow generational wealth.
Ryan is on a mission to increase the amount of successful social enterprises in the community while helping to amplify their impact with access to funding. He is also involved in empowering youth to create their own opportunities and become leaders in the community.
COURSE
DESCRIPTION
Centering and supporting Black Founders to develop new ventures in the cleantech sector, this 10 week certificate course aims to build the entrepreneurial endurance and business acumen to identify environmental challenges, innovate solutions with market potential and locate resources and relationships to startup/sustain a business.
Founders will engage in hands-on learning circles led by Black innovators to acquire practical skills and strategies, actioning them through accountability challenges, group coaching, self reflection and networking. In this way, sessions are experiential and holistic in design to support personal and professional growth alongside venture development.
How Will You Learn
10 sessions facilitated on Wednesdays (6-9 pm) coming in Spring 2024, consisting of:
- Eight (8) skill and community-building sessions, each facilitated in 3-hour sessions divided into two 90 mins components. The first 90 mins will explore topics through community learning. The following 90 mins will offer practical, hands-on activities that build demonstrable skills related to the week’s topic.
- Two (2) self-directed activation sessions for founders to action materials with or without collaborative peer support
The first and last sessions are in person and hosted at the EDGE, Sheridan’s launchpad for impact ventures.
Stay In The Loop
Learning Outcomes
Assess the entrepreneurialism and cleantech innovation of Black founders
Explore environmental challenges that present entrepreneurial opportunities in cleantech
Assess the market potential and feasibility of new cleantech innovations
Craft a compelling value proposition
Identify sources of start up funding and understand how to position a venture for success
Build networks of support for continued personal, professional and venture development
Develop group coaching techniques to give, receive, assess and activate constructive feedback to aid personal, professional and venture development