Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Reconciliation

LearnSphere exists to help organizations prosper, building their capacity with relevant skills, knowledge and tools.

We recognize that businesses and non-profits flourish when they embrace varying perspectives and experiences. We also recognize that economies and communities are strengthened when all people are enabled and empowered to start and run successful organizations.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility

We are proud to offer programming designed to support businesses led by women, LGBTQ2S+, newcomers to Canada and members of official language minority communities, among other under-represented groups. 

Our Actions

  • Building leadership skills among women in male-dominated sectors: Under our Supply Chain 1-2-3 program, we deliver peer-to-peer leadership retreats for women in the defence sector supply chain, providing leadership coaching, immersive learning experiences, and strategic networking opportunities.
  • Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Through ProfitLearn, our capacity development program for business management, we provide essential support to women entrepreneurs, helping them build and grow their businesses.
  • Supporting SMEs in Equity-Deserving Groups: Our Supply Chain 1-2-3 program assists Small to Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) from equity-deserving groups to navigate and sell into complex supply chains.
  • Collaborating with Women in Business: We partner with Women in Business NB to offer empowering workshops designed for entrepreneurs from equity-deserving groups.
  • Enhancing Resources for Newcomers: We collaborate closely with the New Brunswick Multicultural Council through our Training for the Non-Profit Sector program, to provide capacity-building opportunities for newcomers.

LearnSphere was honoured to have received an Employers of Diversity award from Atlantic Business Magazine. Their inaugural award winners were announced in July 2022.

LearnSphere’s staff is 100% female with a gender diverse board. They offer programming designed to support businesses led by Indigenous people, women, LGBTQ2S+, newcomers to Canada, and members of official language minority communities, among other under-represented groups. ~ Atlantic Business Magazine

Our Commitment to Reconciliation

LearnSphere is committed to upholding the principles of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Call to Action #92. This call urges businesses to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation. 

We are dedicated to embedding these principles, norms and standards into our policies and operational activities that involve Indigenous peoples, their lands and resources.

Corporate Strategy: 

In 2024-2025 we introduced a Key Performance Indicator for LearnSphere, committing us to take positive actions towards addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92 (b): ensure that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities in the corporate sector, and that Aboriginal communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects. In 2024-2025 we have committed to eliminating barriers and proactively creating opportunities for indigenous businesses to access all of our programming. 

Staff Education and Awareness: 

We continuously support professional development opportunities to help staff deepen their understanding of Indigenous culture, history, and the process of reconciliation. Some examples of recent training taken by staff include the Indigenous Reconciliation Awareness Module, by Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI), and the Decolonization Learning Journey, by Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia (IONS) 

Engagement and Partnerships: 

LearnSphere is proud to be a member of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business. We also maintain strong working relationships with the following organizations supporting development of indigenous businesses: 

Support for Indigenous Businesses: 

We contribute to the economic growth and support of Indigenous businesses through our Supply Chain 1-2-3 program. Through learning sessions as well as customized coaching / consulting, our Indigenous Associates work directly with Indigenous businesses to help them sell into supply chains within governments and the energy sector.