The Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network
The Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network
Skills Bridge Summit discussions signal urgency for Canada to speed up innovation adoption. In today’s rapidly evolving economy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for the majority of private sector employment in Canada, are faced with responding to global trade wars and rising costs, as well as digital transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is creating disruption on a scale perhaps never seen before. To compete, they need the right skills to adapt, grow and lead.
The Diversity Institute has developed a suite of training programs that effectively bridge skills gaps, expand opportunities and strengthen pathways into the workforce. Learn about programs like the Newcomer Employment and Entrepreneurship Skills Hub program and the Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WE-Hub). The programs are contributing to building a strong and inclusive economy. They upskill equity-deserving groups, such as Black youth and newcomers, while also supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, which employ nearly 8 million Canadians.
At the Artificial Intelligence, Remote Work & Productivity conference, experts examined how emerging technologies can accelerate climate action and support Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Research has shown that women entrepreneurs play an important role in the push toward net zero because they are more likely to prioritize sustainability goals, and are leading innovations across sectors and the value chain.
At a May 2025 conference on AI and productivity, Dr. Wendy Cukier made the case for urgent action to ensure Canada’s small- and medium-sized enterprises can unlock the business benefits of artificial intelligence. She emphasized that an inclusive workforce drives innovation, and programs that support equity and work-integrated learning are key to creating environments where diverse talent can thrive.
On Oct. 31, 2024, Dr. Wendy Cukier, founder and academic director of the Diversity Institute and academic research director of the Future Skills Centre, hosted a session titled “Culture Insights: Evaluating and Enhancing Your Company’s Inclusivity.” She opened by outlining research that shows the changing environment of work. Equity-deserving groups are underemployed and there is an underuse of skills, she said, adding that, meanwhile, there are record retirements expected in the coming years.
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) hosted the 2024 AWE Summit on Sept. 27, 2024, a premier event for women business leaders and service providers to entrepreneurs, centered around the theme “Unlocking Capital for Business Growth.” The summit was full of panel discussions, exciting learning opportunities and engaging networking for participants from across the province. Participants had direct access to sources of capital and funders; gained actionable strategies to secure, manage and maximize capital; and connected with potential clients and key partners.
