Eco-Action Accelerator

The Eco-Action Accelerator is a 6-month part-time microgrant program that provides Canada Service Corps (CSC) alumni with the tools to scale up a service project idea and produce expansion plans that focus on the long-term sustainability of the project. The program consists of 3-interconnected components that support the development and delivery of grantee service projects: a 3-day in-person retreat, 6 entrepreneurial workshops, and regular mentorship with a program coach and network of peers.

Grantees are expected to spend approximately 5-10 hours/week working on the program to meet the deliverables, and will benefit from:

• Funding from one of three competitive streams up to $5,000.
• Guidance to develop a long-term sustainable business plan for successful delivery or scaling of their project.
• A collaborative approach to project development that taps into participants’ knowledge and experience to build a unique network of support.
• Access to professional resources and subject matter experts.

Applicants must: 

• Be 19 to 30 years old at the time of application;  
• Be an alum of a Canada Service Corps (CSC) program; 
• Have a service project idea contributing to positive environmental change by addressing climate change, plastic & pollution, or overfishing either directly (ex. reducing reliance on single-use plastics, restoring habitats, improving access to sustainable seafood, etc.) or indirectly (ex. encouraging nature connectedness, promoting accessibility & inclusivity in environmental spaces, raising awareness of environmental issues, combating climate anxiety & eco-grief, etc.); and 
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person granted refugee status in Canada. 

• Project Development & Delivery | Using design thinking principles, develop a comprehensive short and long-term sustainable business plan, including a model of change and results chain. Delivery of the project with a clear definition of success that encapsulates growth in the project’s reach, scope, or longevity.   
• Entrepreneurial & Project Management Skills | Apply new entrepreneurial skills and knowledge gained from attending 6 workshops and the 3-day retreat to both the project development and when providing feedback to peers.   
• Reconciliation, Inclusion & Accessibility | Identify and incorporate actions for reconciliation, inclusion, and accessibility within the service project. 
• Capacity for Environmental & Community Action | Expand understanding of, interest in, and capacity for environmental action and active participation in the community through scaling of the service project.