Start-Ups for School is a volunteer outreach initiative founded by Waterloo Region StartUps. The collective is an opportunity for small start-ups to give back to their community through outreach projects designed to help children access enriching educational experiences. “Many tech communities in the U.S. are facing backlash from their local communities. We want to make sure that the Waterloo Region tech community builds a reputation of giving back to the local community. We may be small but we can still support the community that has helped us grow.” says Tomas van Stee, founder of participating start-up, EnPowered.

Any start-up, or someone employed by a start-up, can join. The group will develop projects that will benefit the region’s children, schools, or other community organizations. Current participating start-ups include EnPowered and Kiiah. Projects could include: fundraising, mentorships, educational workshops, tutoring, and more. Executed projects will be ones that the collective organization plans and selects.

The organization is gearing up for its first fundraiser with the The Family and Children’s Services Foundation. Its goal is to raise $5000 CAD for the Resilience Project, which endeavors to help children build confidence, self-esteem, and self-efficacy, factors which instill resilience. Children who develop resilience resist the effects of hardships and are able to bounce back, leading to better outcomes for them and their own children.

Hayden Dent, founder of partnering start-up Kiiah, says “Some are fortunate to receive doses of adversity spread over time. For some youth and families’ adversity comes all at once. Our capacity to be resilient and bear these dark periods can make a difference between break-through or break-down. Resilience is a life skill worth of social cultivation, especially in our youth.” This is something the local start-up community is well versed in – it embodies resilience. Many founders deal with barriers and adversities daily. Without their commitment, adaptability, and perseverance, the region would look vastly different than the tech hub it now known for.

The organization hopes to grow in size, both in terms of participating companies and impact upon the local community. They encourage others to join them!

Ways to join or help:

Register your company!Become a participating start-up and support this initiative. • Volunteer yourself! Join as an individual: contribute your time, expertise, and participate in programs. • Cheer along! Show your support, follow #StartUpsforSchool

About Start-Ups for School

Start-Ups for School is a volunteer outreach initiative founded by Waterloo Region Start-Ups. The collective is an opportunity for small start-ups to give back to their community through outreach projects designed to help children. Any start-up, or someone employed by a start-up, can join. The group will develop projects that will benefit the region’s children, schools, or other community organizations. Projects could include: fundraising, mentorships, educational workshops, tutoring, and more. Executed projects will be ones that the collective organization plans and selects. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/StartUpsforSchool