The recently launched Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation Centre (ESIC) was celebrated January 16, 2019 at an open house event put on by Trent and the Innovation Cluster. The ESIC is a meeting hub within Trent’s newly transformed Bata Library and will foster entrepreneurship culture at Trent University.

The open house event featured speakers representing those that have assisted in the development of ESIC, including John Knight, manager, corporate research partnerships, Trent University; Michael Skinner, president & CEO at the Innovation Cluster; and Scott Mancini, vice-president commercial at RBC.

“Entrepreneurial skills can be implemented in any career,” said Mr. Knight, noting the importance of having a centre where students can improve their “soft skills”, a trait that multiple studies over the past year have shown is what graduates lack most in the workforce.

“The Centre is a great opportunity to encourage entrepreneurship and help transition students from the classroom to the real world. We are eager to learn and this centre is the perfect place to help build our skill sets and prepare us for our future careers,” says Hazel Walker, fourth-year School of Business student who is specializing in Entrepreneurship.

At the event, the ESIC launched a schedule of upcoming public events which can be found on their website.

“I am looking forward to the upcoming events to help understand more about entrepreneurship as a mature student,” says Adam Mclaughlain, a candidate in the Sustainability Studies M.A. program.

A special announcement was made by Mr. Knight that ESIC has officially launched the event Drew Dudley Live at Market Hall. Mr. Dudley, originally from Peterborough, is the Canadian founder & chief catalyst of Day One Leadership, as well as a Ted Talk speaker will be attending Market Hall on February 28 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.