Annual Report 2024-2025

Message from the Chair 

As we reflect on 2024 – 2025 and look ahead to our 30th anniversary, I am struck by the strength of our organization — not only in the programs we deliver, but in the vision, collaboration, and governance that underpin our success.

This year has been one of strategic progress. From re-establishing our presence in international development with a $4.1 million project, to launching a forward-thinking tourism initiative with Tourism Atlantic, to expanding the reach of our flagship SME programs, we have taken important steps that will position us strongly for the years ahead. These accomplishments are the result of a clear strategy, strong partnerships, and the dedication of a remarkable team.

The Board has been proud to stand alongside our team, providing guidance, strategic oversight, and encouragement. We know that our collective business model works because everyone contributes to the whole — staff, Associates, partners, funders, and the communities we serve. It is the sum of these parts that makes our impact possible, each playing a vital role in creating and sustaining our impact.

Like all non-profits, we face a challenging environment, with rising demands, shifting funding landscapes, and increased complexity in the communities we serve have required resilience, innovation, and careful stewardship. I am proud of the way our organization has navigated these challenges — staying true to our mission while adapting and growing in meaningful ways.

As we prepare to celebrate our 30th anniversary, we do so with gratitude for all who have been part of our journey so far; and with confidence in our ability to continue to adapt, innovate, and lead. The foundation we have built together is strong — and so too is our resolve to shape the next chapter with the same passion and purpose that have defined our history.

My deepest thanks go to everyone who has been part of our journey. Thirty years is an achievement worth celebrating, as well as an opportunity to look forward — with optimism, determination, and a renewed commitment to shaping the future together.

Rachelle Gagnon
Chair of the Board

Message from the CEO

This past year has been a period of renewed momentum and impactful growth for LearnSphere. Our mission — to help organizations prosper through innovative learning and development solutions — remains as relevant as ever, and 2024 – 2025 has shown us just how far we can go when we combine vision, expertise, and collaboration.

One of the year’s most significant milestones was our return to international development. In partnership with the McKenna Institute at UNB, we are proud to have secured a $4.1 million project funded by Global Affairs Canada that will bring our expertise to the global stage once again, working with partners abroad to help bridge the digital gender gap and create lasting economic impact for women entrepreneurs in Cameroon and Senegal. This achievement marks not just a comeback on the global stage, but a powerful statement about the value and relevance of our expertise worldwide.

Closer to home, we launched an exciting new tourism initiative to help the Atlantic region boost yield. By giving tourism operators the tools to attract more visitors, extend stays, and enhance experiences, we’re helping to unlock new levels of economic potential for our communities.

We are acutely aware of the increasingly complex environment our clients navigate. From ongoing tariff disputes to shifting trade regulations and supply chain disruptions, businesses face unprecedented pressures that require agility, strategic foresight, and resilient planning. Our role in supporting organizations has never been more critical, as we provide the tools, guidance, and expertise they need to not only adapt but thrive in this volatile global landscape.

We also stayed true to one of our core commitments: supporting Canadian SMEs. In today’s complex supply chains, the right skills can mean the difference between growth and stagnation. Our programs have helped businesses sharpen their competitive edge, adapt to changing demands, and thrive in a challenging market. Our flagship programs remain central to this work — helping SMEs strengthen their business management skills, diversify into new export markets, and commercialize their products and services.

Our collective business model means we are only as strong as the sum of our parts. It takes the dedication of our staff, the strategic vision of our board, the trust of our clients, the expertise of our Associates and the commitment of our funding partners to make this work. Each stakeholder plays a vital role in turning our shared vision into measurable impact.

As we prepare to celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2025, we take pride in our history and are energized by the road ahead.

With fresh ideas, renewed momentum, and strong partnerships, we’re not just building programs – we’re shaping futures.

Annette M. Comeau
CEO
 

Our Impact

2024-2025

1
+
Organizations
1
Provinces
1
%
Client satisfaction rating

Since inception (1996)

1
+
Organizations
1
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People
1
Countries

Projects & Programs 2024 - 2025

LearnSphere Cares

Organizations around the world are becoming increasingly aware of the need for, and benefits of, socially responsible behaviour. At LearnSphere, we believe it’s critical that we incorporate social responsibility and contributions to sustainable development in all aspects of our work. 

We are therefore following the best practice recommendations provided by the International Organization for Standardization’s standard: ISO 26000.

ISO 26000 outlines seven key areas of ESG for organizations to pay attention to in order to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). LearnSphere has grouped the seven ISO categories into three priorities: People, Prosperity and Footprint.

By tracking our progress and implementing new goals over time, we aim to hold LearnSphere responsible for continuous improvement around our impacts on society and the environment. 

Our accomplishments to date and new initiatives planned for 2024 – 2025 are outlined below.

People

  • Organizational governance
  • Human rights
  • Labour practices
  • Fair operating practices
Learn more

Prosperity

  • Consumer issues
  • Community involvement
  • Community development
Learn more

Footprint

  • Environment
Learn more

Our Funding Partners

Our funding partners play a vital role in enabling our work. Their support has not only made our initiatives possible but has also allowed us to amplify our impact year after year, reaching more people and driving deeper, lasting change.

We would like to thank the many funders and partners we have worked with this year:

Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fisheries▪️Post-secondary Education Training & Labour
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency ▪️Employment & Social Development▪️Fisheries and Oceans▪️National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program

Our Board

Meet the Board

Our Associates

Meet the Associates

About LearnSphere

Learn More

The accompanying draft summarized financial statements of LearnSphere Canada Inc./SavoirSphère Canada Inc are the responsibility of management. They have been derived from the organization’s complete financial statements which have been audited and prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for non-profit organizations.

The Board of Directors discharges its duties relating to the financial statements primarily through the activities of its Audit and Risk Management Committee. The Committee meets at least annually with management and the external auditors to review both the financial statements and the results of the audit examination with respect to the adequacy of internal accounting controls. The external auditors have unrestricted access to the Audit and Risk Management Committee.

The draft summarized financial statements are based on the audited statements prepared by Curry & Betts on behalf of the membership. The Board of Directors will meet September 9 – 10, 2025 to approve the financial statements. 

Read the Report