Announcements
Check out some exciting updates from Synergy Foundation and our programs:
2024 Impact Report
The 2024 Impact Report is now live! Learn about Synergy's progress in catalyzing change and guiding our communities and local economies toward a more regenerative future.
Report highlights include:
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Introducing two new checklists to expand certification opportunities for businesses and welcoming 80 new BC Green Business members.
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Creating 50+ jobs and reaching 440+ workshop and event attendees through Project Zero.
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Identifying nearly 1,000 circular opportunities for 21 Vancouver Island businesses through the Circular Economy Accelerator Program.
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Connecting over 280 leaders in the green and circular economy through the Small Business, Big Impact event series and Ecostar Awards Gala.
Read the full report to gain further insight into what Synergy accomplished with its network in 2024 and what we are looking forward to in 2025!
"Through its innovative programs and partnerships, the Foundation is empowering and supporting local businesses, communities, and individuals to take action toward a more regenerative future. This past year’s successes are a testament to the organization’s collective effort to create meaningful, lasting impact."
- Paul Shorthouse, Board Chair,
Synergy Foundation
Project Zero Incubator's National Network
Project Zero's first national Incubator program just wrapped! The QVENT Green Summer Incubator Program was a collaboration between the Dunin-Deshpande Queen's Innovation Centre (DDQIC), the Smith School of Business Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Social Impact, and Project Zero, that guided participants’ entrepreneurial journey, turning green ideas into ventures that will thrive in Canada's net-zero economy.
This is the first Incubator by Project Zero to be offered elsewhere in Canada. Over four months, nine innovative entrepreneurs developed their business plan, built a foundation of business fundamentals and entrepreneurial skills, and received one-on-one mentorship. Recently, the ventures pitched to a panel of industry professionals for the chance to win up to $10,000 of seed funding, marking the culmination of the program.
Project Zero Incubator Program is accepting expressions of interest from partners who would like to act as host organizations for an Incubator program in their region. Learn more by reading the press release below:
2023 Impact Report
The 2023 Impact Report is now live! Learn about Synergy's progress towards cultivating a regenerative future with each core program.
Report highlights include:
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Rebranding the Vancouver Island Green Business Collective as BC Green Business and expanding provincewide, welcoming 52 new members
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Reaching 1260+ workshop and event attendees through Project Zero
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Adding 1,200 lbs of urban food growing capacity through FED
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Identifying 712 circular opportunities for 16 Vancouver Island businesses through the Circular Economy Accelerator Program
Read the full report to gain further insight into what Synergy accomplished with its network in 2023.
Synergy can be defined as the interaction and cooperation between organizations that produce a combined impact greater than their individual effects. As is evidenced in Synergy Foundation’s third annual Impact Report, the name could not be more fitting."
- Paul Shorthouse, Board Chair,
Synergy Foundation
Introducing BC Green Business
On its tenth anniversary, the Vancouver Island Green Business Collective is expanding provincewide under the new name BC Green Business to help more businesses across the province take climate action! The sustainable business certification program, an initiative of non-profit Synergy Foundation and supported by Strategic Partner Vancity Credit Union, has been helping small-to-medium sized businesses across Vancouver Island since 2013 to reduce their environmental footprint and enhance their social initiatives.
The program provides practical and affordable ways for members to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to their local communities. Businesses can be certified as Silver, Gold or Green (the highest level) and, in eligible regions, can also be certified as an Ocean Friendly Business based on ‘Surfrider Approved’ actions that focus on direct and positive impact for our oceans.
The provincewide expansion is accompanied by a new relationship with Surfrider Canada as part of the Ocean Friendly Business designation as well as a new sector-specific checklist aimed at Food & Beverage Processors. This is the seventh checklist available through the program, joining those geared toward Fleet-based businesses, Grocery Stores, Offices, Restaurants & Cafes, Retailers, and Spas & Salons.
Learn more by reading the press release below:
“When we think about the companies responsible for carbon emissions, people often focus on larger corporations, but smaller businesses have a crucial role to play, and collectively, the power of local businesses can be immense. Our hope is this program will give small business owners the opportunity to forge the path to net zero, save money, attract new clients, and overall strengthen their business in the face of climate change.”
- Andrea Harris, VP of Impact Strategy, Vancity Credit Union
2022 Impact Report
Synergy Foundation is excited to share its 2022 Impact Report! Check out what the organization has been up to in 2022 within each core program, and how it is continuing to catalyze the green economy across British Columbia.
Report highlights include:
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Oversaw the creation of 11,840 square feet of new pollinator garden space on Southern Vancouver Island, with the support of 550+ volunteer hours
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Worked with 160 businesses to enhance environmental performance through the Vancouver Island Green Business Collective
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Lead 17 ventures through the Project Zero Incubator program
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Launched the Circular Economy Accelerator Program in partnership with the Vancouver Island Coast Economic Developers Association
Read the Impact Report to gain further insight into what Synergy accomplished with its network in 2022.
"Synergy Foundation continues to demonstrate impact through its engagement with a diversity of stakeholders across British Columbia."
- Paul Shorthouse, Board Chair,
Synergy Foundation
2021 Impact Report
Synergy Foundation is pleased to present its first Impact Report! This report captures our 2021 progress on climate driven initiatives and the perseverance of businesses and communities to steer towards a more regenerative future, even during a time of great uncertainty.
Report highlights include:
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Oversaw the creation of 3,147 square feet of new garden space on Southern Vancouver Island, with the support of 650+ volunteer hours
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Supported the Ditidaht Community School to launch their own recycling depot to serve their 200-member community
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Lead 14 ventures through the Project Zero Incubator program
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Hosted workshops and events for 1,622 attendees
Read our Impact Report to gain further insight into what we accomplished with our network in 2021.