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Abstract: 

The Women of Ontario Social Enterprise Network (WOSEN) is a province-wide collaborative composed of five social innovation and system change organizations. It is led by Pillar Nonprofit Network in partnership with Social Innovation Canada1 (SI Canada), Social Venture Connexion (SVX),
and NORDIK Institute (NORDIK) with support from Lean4Flourishing(L4F). WOSEN acknowledges the debilitating consequences of structural
racism, and most recently, the disparate impact COVID-19 is having on marginalized women in particular. In response, the collaborative aims tocatalyze social innovation by redesigning the entrepreneurial ecosystem to meet the needs of women2 founders from diverse equity-seeking groups. WOSEN’s focus is women who have business solutions that put people and the planet first (i.e., social enterprises). Their approach shifts the focus from current entrepreneurial supports and financing structures that are readily available and easy to deliver to models that holistically support the entrepreneur’s learning journey and aspirations. This approach has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs across Ontario to start and grow their businesses and has unlocked millions of dollars in capital for these initiatives.

WOSEN’s targeted goals collectively aim to:

i. reveal the mental models, power dynamics, relationships and connections, resource flows, practices and policies that keep thesesocial problems in place, hindering founders in achieving theirentrepreneurial aspirations (Kania, Kramer & Senge, 2018, p.4); and,

ii. redesign the entrepreneurial ecosystem by intentionally engaging founders and ecosystem supporters in emergent collaborativeand co-creative practices to understand women’s contexts, and align actions to create the critical infrastructure (i.e., knowledge,attitudes, behaviours, relational networks and resource flows) that supportthe development of women-owned and women-led ventures.

Researchers:

Dr. Jude Ortiz

Dates:

 November 23, 2022

Publication: 

Centring Equity: Catalyzing system change through a collaborative, cogenerating knowledge network The Story of the Women of Onatrio Social Enterprise Network (WOSEN) Part 2 

Abstract: 

This thesis investigates the contribution of the arts to resilience within the context of Northern Ontario, a vast, sparsely populated geographical region dotted with isolated, rural, and smaller urban communities whose economies are based primarily on resource extraction. Industry restructuring and other pressing issues related to globalization are forcing communities to rapidly adapt to survive.

While the arts have been hailed as economic drivers in the creative economy and many, primarily urban centres, are attempting to harness the arts in this regard, less is understood about how engaging in the arts strengthens community identity and fosters the emergence of local culture-based economies, generally, and the critical role artists in rural communities play in achieving such.

The study utilizes action research to reveal ways individual creative practice and art sector collaboration develop creative skills and provide the social and commercial infrastructure necessary for successful transitioning and continual adaptation at the individual, organizational and community level.

Furthermore, the research highlights similarities between artistic and community development practices suggesting that capacities gained through engaging in the arts parallel those necessary for developers to work effectively within emergent, inclusive, and holistic approaches that underpin continual adaptation in addressing change.

Researchers: 

Dr. Jude Ortiz

Dates:

May 17, 2021

Publication: 

Abstract: 

The research investigated emergent trends in rural/agricultural real estate and migration within the Algoma region since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to determine what types of impacts these will have on different facets of the local agri-food sector. It was hypothesized that a combination of factors such as labour shortages, heightened real estate prices, and a sudden increase in demand for local food has been putting unforeseen pressures on the agri-food sector which could create conditions less conducive to capital investment and business expansion.

Perspectives from a variety of stakeholders, including those from the Anabaptist farming community, commodity growers (e.g. cash crops, cattle), food processors, planners from local municipalities and townships, as well as small farms that provide for specialty/niche markets were taken into consideration.

This research shows multiple areas that can be attended to in order to increase the localization of profits, to increase efficiencies in the local agri-food sector, and to thus increase the development and building of a stronger local economy that will also then be more sustainable.

Researchers: 

Lauren Moran, David Thompson, and Dr. Laura Wyper

Dates: 

May 2022

Publications: 

Abstract: 

Through partnership with Edith Orr, manager of the Johnson Township Farmers’ Market, and the Algoma Food Network, NORDIK examined the flow of local food into the Sault Ste. Marie marketplace.  A directory and map of businesses that report sourcing local (to the Algoma District) food (local food meaning any product harvested or raised in the Algoma District) was developed.

Researchers: 

David Thompson and Nairne Cameron

Dates: 

2012

Links: 

Local Food Retail MapDownload

Abstract: 

In 2011, the Algoma Sheep and Lamb Association approached NORDIK to explore marketing opportunities for local lamb and chevon (meat goat) products.  Market analysis for lamb and goat products in the Algoma District was desired by the Algoma Sheep and Lamb Producers Association, in order to determine the feasibility of a market-based co-operative for lamb and goat producers in the Algoma District.  Recommendations outlined how the group can realize opportunities and mitigate threats as producers continued to serve this market

Researchers:

Broderick Causley, David Thompson 

Dates: 

2011-2012

Publication: 

Buy Local Lamb and Chevon Market Research ReportDownload

Links:

Exploring Market Opportunities for Lamb and Chevron in AlgomaDownload

Locally Grown Food for the Northern Urban Marketplace (2012)

Local Food Retail MapDownload

Abstract:

Community Supported Agriculture is an alternative,  and locally-rooted model of agriculture and food distribution that develops a network of individuals who have pledged to support one or more farms, with growers and consumers sharing the risks and benefits of farming good food.

Researchers:

Cecelia Fernandez

Dates:

2006

Publications:

TBD

Abstract: 

This research demonstrated the benefits of the cooperative model for expanding locally sourced beef markets in Northern Ontario and support regional agricultural economies experiencing crises sparked by globalization through strengthening stakeholders. By examining existing Northern Ontario cooperatives and place-based businesses that support a value chain for local beef, researchers explored the impacts of scale, regulations, markets and infrastructure to the successes of these operations. 

Researcher: 

David Thompson

Dates: 

2012

Publication: 

Expanding Locally Sourced Beef in Northern Ontario through the Co-operative ModelDownload