Evolve: The National Forum for Veteran Entrepreneurship
Event Details
Evolve is a celebration of Veteran entrepreneurship in Canada. Rather than a sidestep, a change, or a transformation, retirement from the military is an evolution, as Veterans channel their hard-earned skills, experience, and work ethic into the next stage of their careers.
Featuring speakers from across Canada, Evolve is a platform for Veteran business owners to share in their stories, their struggles, and their successes.
What is Evolve?
Evolve is Advancement. To advance is to take a step forward into uncharted territory. Using everything at our disposal, we line new paths for ourselves and light the way for others.
Evolve is Refinement. To reforge oneself means exposure to heat and pressure. By exposing our vulnerabilities, and learning from our own mistakes and others, we hammer ourselves into something stronger.
Evolve is Metamorphosis. Through transformation we blossom brighter and fly higher. We reflect on ourselves and innovate, and through focus and determination we create new identities and build communities.
When & Where?
The 2023 Evolve Forum has concluded. You can still watch the 2023 Forum below, and be sure to follow IWSCC for more updates on the 2024 Forum to be held in November. We hope to see you there!
2023 Evolve Forum Speakers
Special Remarks
Keynote Speaker
Community Speakers
Panel Discussion
Veteran Resources
As part of the 2023 Evolve Forum, the IWSCC compiled a list of resources and other organizations that provide support to Veterans in Canada, which you can explore below.
Treble Victor Group
The Treble Victor Group is a not-for-profit networking group established to enable ex-military personnel to achieve their full potential in post-service careers.
The common thread among all members is pride in past service, a recognition of the shared values and expectations that come with military service, and a desire to help others grow their post-service careers.
King’s Trust Canada
King’s Trust Canada’s Operation Entrepreneur (OE) program supports skilled transitioning members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Veterans and their families as they adapt and transition to becoming confident entrepreneurs through introductory online workshops, business boot camps, and mentoring programs.
Launched in 2012, in consultation with military and veteran-serving stakeholders including the CAF and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), Operation Entrepreneur is the only program of its kind in Canada for still-serving, transitioning and Veteran military members and their families. We are also sanctioned by the Canadian Armed Forces to provide entrepreneurial training for the 5,000 military members who transition every year. We have helped to launch over 550 businesses started by Veterans.
OE engages 450- 600 still-serving members, Veterans, Reservists, spouses and their families every year. To date, that’s over 6000 people! To connect with us, email veterans@kingstrust.ca
Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS)
The Helping Entrepreneurs Reach Complete Success (HERCS) Program
The HERCS program is a daylong workshop designed to help CAF family members start or improve their small business.
Five hours of training delivered in two sessions, HERCS covers a variety of topics including:
- small business ownership
- marketing
- social media
- financing options
- business canvas
- resources
Additionally, participants receive a detailed manual, links to resources, and ongoing support.
Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research
CIMVHR has a network of 1700 researchers whose research interests improve the health and wellbeing of military personnel, Veterans and their families. Translating the research outcomes of this network to policy-makers, practitioners, students, the global research community, and interested parties primarily happens via:
- The Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health Research (JMVFH), a peer-reviewed, online, open-access journal;
- The annual CIMVHR Forum where over 200 research presentations are delivered annually to a delegation of more than 500; and
- CIMVHR’s annual graduate webinar, Issues in the Health of Military Personnel, Veterans and their Families.
To empower the next generation of researchers and promote networking opportunities among graduate and post-doctoral students in military, Veteran and family health, CIMVHR established the Student and Postdoctoral Engagement Committee (SPEC) in 2016.
Respect Canada / The RESPECT Campaign
The Respect Campaign is a civilian project headquartered in Montreal Quebec. The campaign serves to bring awareness to the needs of our returning troops and veterans. In October 2017, the Respect Campaign unveiled a monument on highway 40 in Kirkland Quebec which is seen by more than 100,000 motorists daily. To promote awareness among business leaders, the Respect Campaign, in partnership with Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), sold “Respect Banners” for commercial buildings of which all proceeds went to CFMWS for distribution to causes supporting the fight against PTS. More than 40 banners were sold along highway 40 and can be seen every year in the fall.
The Québec Veterans Foundation
The Québec Veterans Foundation supports essential programs dedicated to veterans overcoming significant challenges in their transition to civilian life. Our primary area of focus is related to operational stress injuries – physical and mental, homelessness, challenges associated with addiction, and suicide.
Also, we fund, among others, therapeutic, social, and commemorative programs for World War II and the Korean War veterans residing in long-term care at Ste. Anne’s Hospital.
The Challenge Factory
Challenge Factory is a Future of Work research agency and consultancy. We help purpose-driven organizations and communities ignite transformative, measurable change for people and workplaces. We are policy and systems influencers, conveners, and thought leaders. As a certified B Corporation, we focus on using business as a force for good and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Canadian Military Family Magazine
Canadian Military Family Magazine is Canada’s only military lifestyle magazine. We are an independent media source, hence not affiliated with the CAF or DND. Our team is comprised of military community members dedicated to provide relevant information for our community.
Canadian Veteran Marketplace
The Canadian Veteran Marketplace (CVM) is an altruistic initiative designed by Veterans for Veterans. This Facebook forum fosters the development and growth of Canadian Veteran-owned and operated initiatives and has over 42k members. Since 2020, the CVM has United, Elevated, and Inspired thousands of Canadian Veteran-owned and operated businesses, organizations, social enterprises, and self-employed Veterans to achieve new heights, and propelled a significant, positive change to a pressing social challenge in the Veteran and Military-connected entrepreneurial ecosystem. Join Us! #ByVeteran #BuyVeteran #HireVeteran