Social Innovation
Applied Research in Social Innovation at Bow Valley College is all about finding creative solutions to strengthen our society and address the changes we face. We work closely with community partners to develop policies and practices that enhance social wellbeing.
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Through our School of Global Access, we focus on projects that intersect social innovation and newcomer support. By leveraging novel approaches, we aim to break down language barriers and promote inclusion, ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Our Projects
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The Barriers Experienced by Alberta’s English-Speaking Immigrant Black Canadian Entrepreneurs
Timeframe:
May 2023
to
December 2023
The Black Business Ventures Association (BBVA) and Startup Court are two non-profit programs that provide entrepreneur training and development programming to the unique market of: English-speaking Black immigrant entrepreneurs in Alberta.
To enhance programming, both partners have identified an information gap about the barriers which prevent this demographic from beginning a new business, or scaling an existing business. Psychographic information about this market segment will provide important insights and direction for the marketing and strategic planning of both organizations.
How does this project help?
Filling this information gap was a student intern from Bow Valley College, who was supervised by faculty into conducting an ethically reviewed research project, thus fulfilling BBVA and Startup Court’s psychographic market information needs. The research recruited 50 English-speaking immigrant Black entrepreneurs from the two largest Alberta cities of Calgary and Edmonton.
The participants completed short surveys about specific issues related to their perceptions and attitudes towards barriers to entrepreneurship. The study compared how Alberta’s immigrant Black entrepreneurs shared similarities and differences with Canadian entrepreneurs (in general), Canadian Black entrepreneurs, and Canadian immigrant entrepreneurs. Beginning with Alberta, this research investigated how each provincial innovation ecosystem had barriers as well as opportunities for English-speaking immigrant Black entrepreneurs.
Mitacs Projects
One of our valued partners is Mitacs, a nonprofit national research organization. In collaboration with Canadian academia, private industry, and government, Mitacs runs research and training programs. They support internships by matching 50% of the amount interns are paid by industry partners.
This partnership not only enhances student learning but also fosters meaningful connections and practical skills that are essential for career success.
Examples of companies where our students have completed internships in collaboration with Mitacs include:
- Olab Inc.
- Swift Root Inc.
- Fitzba Technologies Inc.
- NBNB Consulting Inc.
- FluidPlanet.org
- Prompty Inc.
- Startup Court
- Black Business Ventures Association
Funders:
Government of Alberta
Fostering Community and Developing Networks: Intercultural Service Learning
Timeframe:
April 2022
to
March 2024
Using participatory action research and developmental evaluation, this project responded to a gap in service learning opportunities for newcomers to Alberta. This project helped newcomer language learners connect with community organizations and use their skills in Canadian workplaces in service learning placements.
How does this project help?
This applied research project used a co-design approach that engaged newcomer language learners and community organization participants. A course, Intercultural Service Learning, was designed and piloted with two cohorts of learners and a framework was developed.
Partners:
Where I Belong: Public Spaces and Everyday Acts of Inclusion
Timeframe:
April 2021
to
June 2024
This applied research project increased understanding of practices in public spaces to promote belonging among racialized, newcomer youth. This project explores, pilots, and evaluates how public spaces can foster inclusion and belonging, particularly through practices that fall outside the boundaries of standard approaches to inclusion and integration.
How does this project help?
A co-creation team of youth worked together to develop an art installation for the teen section of the Calgary Public Library. Another project output is a research-based toolkit.
Partners:
Vicarious Trauma in the Classroom
Timeframe:
June 2020
to
May 2023
The School of Global Access at Bow Valley College led this three-year project funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. It engaged language instructors and newcomers in a co-creation process to develop, pilot, and evaluate evidence-based strategies to support English language instructors in preventing and coping with vicarious trauma.
How does this project help?
The project increased service providers' capacity to deliver responsive and coordinated settlement and community services. We achieved this through a co-created Instructor Toolkit. The Toolkit led to improved language learning outcomes and integration for newcomers and better well-being for instructors.
The project was featured by Pathways to Prosperity as a Promising Practice.