YSpace, York University’s entrepreneurship and innovation hub, is recognized alongside community partners for leadership in delivering inclusive economic programming.
The Founders Fundamental Certificate Program, delivered in partnership with the City of Markham’s Small Business Centre and the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA), won the Inclusive Community Based Initiative & Programming Award at the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Awards of Excellence.
The award highlights initiatives that show measurable community impact through equitable economic development, demonstrating the University’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
“The success of Founder Fundamentals shows how accessible, community‑driven partnerships can shape economic development across the province,” says David Kwok, director of entrepreneurship and innovation at YSpace.
Founder Fundamentals is a 12-week entrepreneurial education workshop series, honoured by EDCO for its approach to removing barriers for underrepresented entrepreneurs and expanding access to early-stage business education.
Developed with a clear focus on inclusive design, the program is sponsored by the City of Markham and delivered through a collaborative model that brings together municipal leadership, community expertise and academic support from YSpace.
Workshops, mentorship and resources are developed in consultation with Black entrepreneurs and other equity-deserving groups to ensure representation and long-term economic resilience for participants.
“Through YSpace, we leverage the University’s strengths in research, innovation and community engagement to support this program,” says Kwok, noting YSpace connects founders with sector expertise, provides guidance grounded in evidence‑based best practices and creates a supportive environment where early‑stage entrepreneurs can build essential skills. “This approach reflects York’s broader mandate to advance economic and social well‑being across the Greater Toronto Area.”
The program’s collaborative structure and ability to translate equity principles into tangible outcomes for emerging business owners and innovators.
The recognition follows last year’s surprise announcement by EDCO that a new award was created to celebrate the impact of ELLA and the BEA, two YSpace programs. The hub was awarded the inaugural Judge’s Changemaker Award and earned an honourable mention in the Business Attraction and Retention category.
“Being recognized by EDCO for a second year in a row is a meaningful validation of the work happening at York University and YSpace to creating accessible and inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation,” says Kwok.
The EDCO Awards of Excellence are among Ontario’s most respected awards in the economic development profession. Submissions are evaluated by a panel of professionals and category winners are eligible for the prestigious Lieutenant Governor’s Best of Show Award.