Purpose & Profit is a series of online learning opportunities for the local food and farm sector. Get inspired, learn new skills and be empowered by a community with common goals, values, and interests to make a difference.

In this year's series, learn how to manage your finances, align your money with your values, connect with your best customers, understand the importance of tracking your impact, and how to create a valued workplace. Each session, you'll find yourself:

• Inspired by social entrepreneurs’ successes and learn from their experiences
• With new skills, tools, and resources that can be applied to your business model from social educators
• Empowered to move your business forward to make a meaningful difference

Session Schedule

Wednesday, January 12 | 12pm - 1:30pm: Getting Control of Your Numbers

Take some time to plan, budget, and forecast your finances with us. We will take you step by step through these processes on topics such as cash flows, debt management, and accounting basics.

• Social Educator: Madelaine Clerk , Market Gardener, Chartered Accountant and Finance Manager
• Social Entrepreneurs: Simone Weinstein, Conscious Kitchen

Wednesday, January 19 | 12pm - 1:30pm: Aligning Your Money with Your Values

What is the impact of the choices you make with your money? Where does it come from and where does it flow to? Explore the different ways you can align your finances with your values, from banking to raising capital and day-to-day financial decisions.

• Social Educator: Linda Best, Farmworks
• Social Entrepreneur: Rav Singh, Shade of Miti

Wednesday, January 26 | 12pm - 1:30pm: Gathering the Right Information to Reach Your Best Customers

Market research can seem daunting, but it can be quite simple. Learn how to gather the right information about your target audience, markets and products to reach customers who fit your business.

• Social Educator: Gigi Hoang, Brand & Marketing Coach
• Social Entrepreneur: Justin Abbiss, Dundurn Market, Ottawa Market and Strathcona Market

Wednesday, February 2 | 12pm - 1:30pm: Making Metrics Work for You

If you are making a meaningful difference with your business, you can track your metrics to help show and promote your work to funders, community members, workers and investors. They will be impressed to see the change you are making every day. Understand how to track your social, environmental and economic impact and build a foundation for business decisions that improve your business and help both the planet and people.

• Social Educator: Deirdre Fehr, Fair Finance Fund
• Social Entrepreneur: Mike Degagne, Black River Co-operative

Wednesday, February 9 | 12pm - 1:30pm: Creating a Valued Workplace

Join us to learn how living wages, financial value and job security create a decent workplace and bring value to your business.

• Social Educator: Anne Coleman, Ontario Living Wage Network
• Social Entrepreneur: Aleksandra Szaflarska, TWB Co-operative Brewing