VFC Announces the 2021 Cohort Recipients of the TD Clean Prosperity Awards
Venture for Canada (VFC) is thrilled to announce the 2021 recipients of the TD Clean Prosperity Awards.
VFC’s Fellowship Program is a 15-month-long intensive program that supports young Canadians to develop entrepreneurial skills and accelerate their careers. Venture for Canada Fellows receive access to a three-week in-person training camp, connections to startup employers, and ongoing coaching and mentorship opportunities. This past year, VFC received over 500 applications for the 2022 cohort, and accepted 47 Fellows into the program.
“The 2021 recipients of the TD Clean Prosperity Honorary Awards demonstrate how entrepreneurial skills can be leveraged to build a better world. These Venture for Canada Fellows tackle diverse challenges, including how to better manage wastewater, how to replace glow stick technology, and how to create sustainable food solutions.” said Scott Stirrett, Founder and CEO of Venture for Canada.”
TD supports this initiative through a $100,000 contribution over two years. Through this collaboration, Venture for Canada also provides equity, diversity, and inclusion training to cleantech startups across the country.
“Cleantech solutions present an innovative way forward as Canada works towards transitioning to a low-carbon economy,” said Carolyn Scotchmer, Executive Director, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, TD Bank Group. “Through the TD Ready Commitment, we are proud to support Venture for Canada and the TD Clean Prosperity Awards recipients. Working together with Venture for Canada and these future generations of cleantech leaders aligns with our vision of helping to create a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow and our ESG ambitions.
About Venture for Canada
Venture for Canada is a national charity that fosters entrepreneurial skills and mindset in young Canadians. To be entrepreneurial is to act upon opportunities for others. We recruit, train, and support young people to work for innovative Canadian small businesses and start-ups. Through our programs, participants develop the network, knowledge, and entrepreneurial skills to have more impactful careers.
About the TD Ready Commitment
TD has a long-standing commitment to enriching the lives of its customers, colleagues, and communities. In order to help create the conditions so everyone has the chance to succeed in a changing world, TD is targeting CDN $1 billion (U.S. $775 million) in total by 2030 towards community giving in four areas that support change, nurture progress and contribute to making the world a better, more inclusive place. Through the TD Ready Commitment, TD aspires to link its business, philanthropy, and human capital to help people feel more confident – not just about their finances but also in their ability to achieve their personal goals in a changing world. For further information, visit td.com/tdreadycommitment.
“I’m a creative problem solver with over 3 years of experience working in a number of job functions ranging from data analytics to operations within the tech sector. I thrive in ambiguity by removing ego and using data to find truth while building bridges between technical teams and stakeholders.”
Gabriella Teixeira is a civic technologist at heart; interested in the relationship between people and tech. As a Brand Partnerships team member at #paid, DTC Growth Podcast co-host and digital storyteller, her goal is to build resilient communities and businesses through innovative projects.
AJ, a cleantech and BD enthusiast, pursued the VFC fellowship program to gain entrepreneurial skills geared toward helping companies build along the lines of eco-consciousness. As a recognition of his demeanour – he was awarded the “TD Fellowship Award” for his passion for sustainability.
“The word “Change” sums up my life pretty well. I haven’t lived in the same city for more than three years since I was nine, I play five instruments, played nine sports, travelled to 50+ countries, got a degree in mech eng before VFC, and started as a BDR at Goodkind. I live for new experiences.”
“Growing up I’d always had a traditional career path in mind. Instead, key experiences re-shaped my focus and drew me to the tech start-up space. From working with incredibly talented, resilient and creative individuals, I’m inspired to leverage a powerful industry to make a meaningful impact.”
Ren An Lim is a marketing professional based out of Edmonton, Alberta. Ren graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce, helped take his previous startup to become part of the 2021 Y Combinator cohort and is now working with a cybersecurity startup based out of Halifax.
“Hi, I’m Emily, a Product Specialist working in cleantech. I’m currently at Swyched, where I get to combine my background in electrical engineering and my passion for UI/UX design. Through thoughtful user experiences, I’m striving to make electric mobility more accessible and ready to scale.”
Passionate about being at the forefront of science and supporting solutions to build a better future. Interested in the intersection of science and society. She is currently working as a Scientific Business Analyst at MotionHall, a tech start up focused on deal enablement in the Biotech sector.
Want to be recognized as a TD Clean Prosperity Award Winner? Apply for the 2023 Fellowship cohort today.
