The Winter 2023 Paid to Innovate Recap

In January 2023, the Social Ventures Zone began its second cohort of the Paid to Innovate program. Students were paid to develop their passion and interest in social issues into social startups. In addition to ideation programming, students were given the opportunity to attend networking mentorship nights, fireside chats with experienced entrepreneurs, and one-on-one sessions.

The mentorship nights gave students the opportunity to discuss their business ideas with entrepreneurs from the SVZ and form valuable connections. Many students feel ill-prepared to enter the world of entrepreneurship and business when they graduate from university, not because they do not have the skill sets necessary, but because they do not have the experience. The networking sessions are meant to give students the chance to practice their networking skills while gaining valuable insight from seasoned professionals. 

The SVZ hosted two fireside chats during the Paid to Innovate program. The first chat featured Alia Khan, a TRSM student in her final year who works at the office of Zone Learning, acts as the president of Enactus TMU, and runs her own art business. Alia spoke to the students about her experience entering entrepreneurship and what inspires her to continue. 

The second fireside featured Nadine Woods, founder of Mayana Geneviere, and Faduma Ahmed, the company’s marketing coordinator. Nadine joined the SVZ in 2018 and has been a founder for over 15 years. She spoke about her experiences as a woman BIPOC entrepreneur and how she creates a work culture that matches her values.

After the completion of the ideation program, students were encouraged to apply for the incubation program to develop their social startups even further. 

The students that completed this program came from a wide range of backgrounds and areas of study. The SVZ is excited to see where this generation of social entrepreneurs goes and the changes they will make in the world.