Kitchener Opens SDG Idea Factory
Kitchener opens first-of-its-kind social entrepreneurship hub in Downtown Kitchener: the SDG Idea Factory
Just ahead of Earth Day, the City of Kitchener has opened a first-of-its-kind entrepreneurship hub to support businesses that are impacting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in meaningful ways to improve the communities and the world we live in.
The new SDG Idea Factory is located at 2 King St. W., in Downtown Kitchener. The space will allow entrepreneurs, community leaders and like-minded individuals to innovate, collaborate and activate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in ways that help build a stronger Kitchener.
“The SDG Idea Factory is a first-of-its-kind in Canada, social, environmental and equity-focused incubator that will help social entrepreneurs tackle some of the biggest challenges faced by our community and our planet,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, who also serves as Co-President of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). “The SDG Idea Factory is a great space in the heart of Downtown Kitchener that’s ready to host the social and environmental trailblazers ready to ideate, innovate and apply the UN’s Global Goals.”
The SDG Idea Factory is already home to LiftOff by CCAWR, Waterloo Region Community Foundation, For Us Girls Foundation, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest and the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre. It includes 20,000 square feet of space, with five bookable meeting rooms, 24 hot desks, a training/boardroom, 17 co-working offices, a large event space and common area meeting space. The space was renovated with sustainable materials including recycled carpet and repurposed or upcycled furniture. The main space of the idea factory was brought to life with an edgy and innovative mural by well-known local mural artist, Stephanie Boutari.
“The SDG Idea Factory will build on the City’s previous investments in our downtown and the innovation economy, supporting the development of new start-ups focused on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and pay dividends for our broader community and our planet,” said Scott Davey, Ward 1 Councillor and member of the Climate Change and Environment Committee. “It will allow members of the community to bring their ideas to life and help us become a leading City known for using innovation to do good for our planet.”
As committed to in the city’s strategic plan, building a vibrant economy continues to be a strategic priority. Through the vision of the strategic plan, and the guidance of the Make It Kitchener 2.0 strategy, this bold new social entrepreneurship hub is yet another strategic investment to support economic prosperity.
Tonight, the Idea Factory will host a free SDG Talks speak series event focused on climate action, featuring a diverse group of panelists who will offer inspiring insights on how we as individuals can make a positive impact on our planet by limiting the effects of climate change.
The grand opening of the SDG Idea Factory, including special guests and facility tours, will happen in late May. To learn more about the Idea Factory, visit www.SDGIdeaFactory.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Shawn Falcao
Manager, Corporate Communications
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca
Make it Kitchener 2.0
Make it Kitchener 2.0 is an ambitious plan to support economic recovery and to propel the community and economy forward by investing in catalytic growth opportunities and creating a resilient future where everyone can make a difference. To learn more visit www.makeitkitchener.ca.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
The Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by the 193 member states of the United Nations in 2015 and are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. The City of Kitchener has incorporated the SDGs in our current 2019 – 2022 strategic plan update, and they will serve as the foundation of our new 20-year strategic plan, which will be considered by Council in 2023.