In Learning Lab 7, Change Makers continued to add valuable leadership development resources to our toolbox. In Part One of the lab, we focused on the key principles of Community Economic Development (CED) and explored how to implement these practices in our own communities. We were joined by Cyndy Phillips, Executive Director of Renfrew County Community Futures and Michele Gagon, Community Development Officer who both shared their expertise on how to identify community needs, build relationships, plan projects and ensure there is accountability and transparency in each our efforts.

The Five Principles of Community Economic Development 

• Livelihood
• Diverse and Inclusive
• Sustainable
• Place-Based 
• Community Controlled

What Community Economic Development Challenges do you see in your community?

After learning about the five principles, Change Makers worked together to identify current CED challenges that we are experiencing in our communities. Among some of the barriers we identified were financing, communication, transportation, skill-related workshops, opportunities for domestic and international students, sustainability, and youth retention. 

Together, we worked through an Impact Gap Analysis Activity, an activity that can be used to understand an issue and identify the gaps with what is working and what is not.

We recognized the importance of putting effort into keeping the lines of communications open when challenges arise, as it creates awareness of what is important to us. 

In Part Two of the Learning Lab, we welcomed Ellen Sinclair, Executive Director of the Rural Ontario Institute, to learn about entrepreneurship, business and social enterprise. Ellen shared her knowledge of the opportunities of becoming an entrepreneur and the value Entrepreneurs add to the overall economic well-being of communities. 

“The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.”

– Vince Lombardi

What is an entrepreneur? 

The capacity and willingness to develop, organize and manage a business venture along with any of its risks to make a profit.

What is a Social Enterprise?

A business that uses commercial strategies to improve social, environmental, and financial well-being.

Characteristics of Entrepreneurs

Change makers identified that entrepreneurs demonstrate confidence, decisiveness, organization, discipline, hard work, independence, honesty, good health, persistence, sociability, optimism, and a willingness to take risks…recognizing we all have what it takes to make our future goals reality!

We look forward to our final Learning Lab together – Civic Engagement, followed by gathering together in-person for an Ignite Action Lab, to develop individual Community Development Pathways by practicing and applying the knowledge we have gained during the first half of our leadership journey.