VANCOUVER ISLAND SOCIAL INNOVATION ZONE
VANCOUVER ISLAND SOCIAL INNOVATION ZONE
Vancouver Island Social Innovation Zone (VISIZ) was a research, mapping, planning and innovation initiative to strengthen the local social enterprise ecosystem.
VISIZ was funded by McConnell Foundation in 2015 with a goal of integrating social innovation into the post-secondary school system. Royal Roads University, Camosun College and the University of Victoria partnered to help map the current social innovation system, identify gaps and agree upon a strategic plan to advance social innovation on Vancouver Island. Other partners included Vancity, Community Social Planning Council, seCatalyst network, Victoria Native Friendship Centre and the BC Government—Community and Social Innovation department. Kristi Fairholm Mader of Scale Institute provided project management and research coordination support.