August 27, 2021
New entrepreneurial leadership program launching in NWT to prepare young people for the future of work.
Youth across the NWT are being recruited for a new and innovative entrepreneurial leadership training experience being offered in September. Inspire NWT participants will improve their professional skills, discover how to launch their own enterprise or community project, learn from experienced instructors and business experts from across the territory, and connect with a community of young leaders and entrepreneurs. The program combines principles of social entrepreneurship and leadership with Northern culture and values, to provide an experience unique to the Northwest Territories.
“After 20 years working in education, I am refreshed to see Inspire NWT approaching community development in a way that hasn't been done in the territories before. The organization operates from a positive viewpoint to foster the good in community, ” says Managing Director Lois Philipp. “What makes this program unique is its focus on integrating northern values and culture, into some of the ways social entrepreneurship has been applied across other parts of Canada.”
Over 12-weeks starting on September 27, participants will be guided through the program both virtually and in person. NWT Instructors will focus on developing both conceptual knowledge and practical skills such as digital literacy, communication and system-thinking. Participants will be challenged to think deeply about the needs and opportunities in their communities, in order to develop solutions that are meaningful and impactful for other Northerners.
The Inspire NWT pilot program is launching with two cohorts on September 27th, 2021. The first cohort will be hosted in person in Fort Providence, and the second cohort will be hosted online across the four Tłı̨chǫ communities. The organization has plans to increase the breadth of the program offering for the winter cohort. Currently the program is available to Northwest Territories residents aged 18-30.
Inspire NWT is a project supported by Small Economy Works, a national organization that specializes in developing entrepreneurial leadership training delivered both virtually and in person. “The ultimate goal is for participants of the program to become more creative, adaptable, resourceful and self-driven. It’s these entrepreneurial skills that will ultimately prepare young people for the future of work,” says Small Economy Works CEO and social entrepreneur Ajmal Sataar who founded his company in 2015. “Our mission is to foster stronger communities in the North; we believe this begins with inspiring and empowering the youth.” Small Economy Works has executed a similar program called Inspire Nunavut which has been delivered in over 20 local communities to nearly 250 students over the past six years.
Inspire NWT program enrollment is now open. Visit www.inspirenwt.com to learn more.
Application: Inspire NWT Application Form .pdf
