IWSCC Announces Project VENT: A Landmark Research Project on, and in Collaboration with, Veteran Business Owners in Canada
The Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada (IWSCC) is thrilled to announce the début of its landmark research study: Project VENT, or Project Veteran Entrepreneur.
Soon after starting the IWSCC, our environmental scan proved that the only information on Veteran business owners was from the US or old Canadian statistics. This makes it difficult to make informed decisions about how to best work with Veteran entrepreneurs in Canadian supply chains, and it does not give us a clear picture of how Veterans contribute to Canada’s economy.
The IWSCC team believes the time for up-to-date qualitative and quantitative data is long overdue. Co-founder Deidre Guy echoes the teams’ enthusiasm: “I am so excited to be doing this work with the IWSCC in support of Veterans who own businesses in Canada! The research project has been a goal since the beginning. This information will better assist Veterans to grow and strengthen their companies as well as educate Canadian organizations on the best way to support them!”
What is Project VENT?
Project VENT is a research project containing two parts.
Part 1 involves the development of questions, collection of data, and analysis of results through an in-depth survey of Veteran business owners. The survey will collect information on military service details, business types, motivations, successes, resources, attitudes, barriers, and demographics – among other things – of Canadian Veterans that either own, have owned, or want to own a business.
Part 2 involves the creation of a suite of resources based on the survey results for Veteran entrepreneurs and those that work with them. We plan to have two tangible take-aways due by Fall 2021:
- Information for Veteran business owners that offers solutions to common barriers and best practices on how to leverage the programs and resources available to them, and,
- Actionable steps that corporations and the government of Canada can take to enhance the profile of Veterans in their supply chains and workforces.
Our Partners
The IWSCC has teamed up with research experts to get this project off the ground. Our partner and statistical services consultant Adele Furrie, has over 40 years’ experience as an employee of Statistics Canada. It is there where she developed the philosophy of delivering results based on unique techniques that are tailored to the subject matter. Using Adele’s sound methodologies, we are excited to become the go-to resource for current data on Canadian Veteran entrepreneurs.
We are also partnering with The Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. The Institute recently conducted a similar study, and their team has been generous in sharing insights and strategies with us. Both of our research teams are eager to compare the Canadian and American results to see where opportunities lie and how common barriers can be addressed. We are also considering their suggestion to complete a longitudinal study to update our findings annually.
We’re Asking for Your Input
Over the last few months, we have completed literature reviews and consultations with key stakeholders to develop meaningful survey questions. Our research team is currently finalizing the survey content and is asking for your help. In an effort to lead with inclusivity and make sure that no stone is left unturned, we are asking stakeholders – Veterans, Veteran entrepreneurs, advocacy groups for Veterans – to join us on our mission.
Here’s how you can help:
- Provide input on our proposed survey questions. (1 session in June)
- Join our Advisory Committee to assist in the development of survey content as well as deliverables (2-3 sessions in August/September)
- Participate in the survey and share it with your network
If you are able to participate in any way, please e-mail deidreg@iwscc.ca with your contact information, interest, and expertise.
Knowledge Is Power
The first step to making good decisions is having good information. We believe this much-needed study will inform key decision makers in Canada for years to come. By participating in this process with us, you can help the IWSCC create a community of belonging and dignity for Veteran entrepreneurs in Canada.
