In today’s digital age, business owners know it is increasingly important to engage with their customers and prospects online. The trouble is, not all know how to do it. But thanks to Ivey students, the London Employment Help Centre (LEHC) plans to launch a new social enterprise offering social media and human resources training to small- and medium-sized enterprises.
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The students conducted an analysis of some of the employment services LEHC offers to determine which one would be most successful as a social enterprise. The students saw an opportunity to capitalize on the increasing trend of businesses that seek to use social media.
The project was developed by students participating in the Ivey Connects Community Consulting Project (CCP), a business consulting program run by students at Ivey Business School with support from management consultants from Accenture.
Each year, Ivey student teams are paired with local non-profit organizations to undertake pro-bono consulting projects over a six-week period from October to November. This year’s groups worked with 11 non-profit organizations such as Southwestern Ontario Stroke Network, The Sunshine Foundation and Boys & Girls Club of London.
The end result was a wealth of support for local non-profits. LEHC CEO Nancy McQuillan said she was thrilled with the results of their project.
“The London Employment Help Centre and its Board of Directors would like to thank our team from the Ivey Connects Community Consulting Project. They did some excellent research, provided us with a great starting point, and we are looking forward to moving ahead with this project and implementing their recommendations,” she said. “As always, it is of tremendous assistance to have brilliant young eyes look at the ideas that non-profit organizations have and they give us the confidence to move ahead.”
The students and non-profit organizations are showcasing the results of the Ivey Connects Community Consulting Project on November 22, 6-8 p.m. in the BMO Financial Group Auditorium, Richard Ivey Building. They will be outlining details of their projects and how they will make a difference in the community.
Some of the initiatives that will be outlined include:
- Helping Nokee Kwe turn an automotive training program for urban Aboriginals into a social enterprise;
- Creating a nationwide corporate volunteerism kit for the Canadian Cancer Society, which will include a method of tracking volunteer hours, volunteer appreciation initiatives, and releasing an annual volunteer report;
- Devising a growth plan for WOTCH Community Mental Health Services’ social enterprise, Impact Junk Solutions, which employs people with mental illnesses.
Interview and photo opportunities are available. To arrange an interview, contact Ivan Langrish, Senior Manager Media Strategy at ilangrish@ivey.ca, or call 416-203-0664.
About Ivey Connects
Ivey Connects is a student-led organization working to inspire students at Ivey Business School to contribute in the societies in which they operate - a vital aspect of the school's mission statement. Ivey students have a wealth of resources that, if harnessed, translate to great potential to effect positive change in the community. Ivey Connects provides opportunities for students to give their time through volunteerism and fundraising efforts, and their talent - management or otherwise - to those in need in the community.
About the Ivey Business School, Western University
The Ivey Business School at Western University is Canada’s leading provider of relevant, innovative and comprehensive business education. Drawing on extensive research and business experience, Ivey faculty provide the best classroom experience, equipping graduates with the skills and capabilities they need to tackle the leadership challenges in today’s complex business world. Ivey offers world-renowned undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as Executive Education at campuses in London (Ontario), Toronto and Hong Kong.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ivan Langrish
Senior Manager, Media Strategy
416-203-0664
ilangrish@ivey.ca
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