Community Collaboration

SDG Idea Factory, City of Kitchener and Waterloo Region Small Business Centre Partnership


Submitted ByCity of Kitchener

Purpose
The SDG Idea Factory is an innovative incubator dedicated to advancing community collaboration and fostering solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our mission is to support entrepreneurs in addressing global challenges by providing a central hub where local leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders can collaborate and innovate. We create a culture of cooperation, offering essential resources to nurture start-ups and small businesses focused on social and environmental innovation that foster breakthrough ideas.

Community Collaboration
Our approach drives sustainable development by integrating diverse groups, including businesses, non-profits, and local governments. We offer a collaborative environment where these entities can work together on shared sustainability goals. Participants benefit from mentorship, networking opportunities, and advanced tools to develop and scale impactful projects. This synergy accelerates innovation and strengthens community connections through strategic partnerships and collective action.

Benefits

  • Unprecedented Entrepreneurship Hub: First-of-its-kind facility supporting start-ups and small businesses focused on social and environmental innovation, emphasizing equity and the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Comprehensive SDG Programs: Eight SDG-focused programs delivered in collaboration with local not-for-profit organizations such as LiftOff by CCAWR, Waterloo Region Community Foundation, For Us Girls Foundation, Bring On The Sunshine, and the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre.
  • Collaborative Environment: 20,000 square feet featuring five bookable meeting rooms, 24 hot desks, a training/boardroom, 17 co-working offices, a large event space, and communal meeting areas.
  • Local4ActionHub: North America’s first Local4ActionHub by United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), enabling local and regional governments to share pioneering projects that influence global policies.

Effectiveness at Meeting Objectives/Results

Our collaborative approach has yielded exceptional results, addressing key SDGs such as climate action, clean water, and reduced inequalities. Notable achievements include:

  • Engaged Participants: Over 1,200 attendees at fifteen Idea Factory events covering all 17 SDGs.
  • Entrepreneur Support: 63 aspiring entrepreneurs benefited from the Early Sparks program, receiving business planning seminars, hot desk workspace, personal guidance from advisors, and networking opportunities.
  • Business Showcases: More than 90 local small businesses aligned with SDGs were featured in two responsible consumption market events featuring eco-friendly products.
  • Increased Support for Equity-Deserving Entrepreneurs: 40% increase in equity-deserving entrepreneurs supported in incubating and scaling their business while integrating the SDGs.

Challenges
Our ongoing efforts to enhance the SDG Idea Factory face the following challenges:

  • Funding: With growing competition and limited funding for diverse projects, our ability to sustain and expand initiatives is being impacted. We have applied for funding from Employment and Social Development Canada (SDG Funding Program) to build, launch, and implement an SDG-focused business incubation program.
  • Opportunity Alignment: Balancing the interests and priorities of various stakeholders is complex. Effective coordination is essential to ensure alignment with the SDGs. We are expanding our network of collaboration partners and pursuing new opportunities to address this challenge.

The SDG Idea Factory illustrates how community collaboration can drive the localization of the UN SDGs. By providing a collaborative space, comprehensive programs, and mentorship, we enable the development of impactful projects, start-ups, and partnerships. Our efforts enhance Kitchener’s capacity for positive change and contribute to the global vision of sustainable development.

SDG Video: SDG Promo Video on Vimeo

Sponsors