Launch Week: Centre for Social Innovation, Toronto

Launch week continues on Cashewman. Yesterday it was Saving Darfur, a new book by Rob Crilly. Monday it was Ethical Ocean, a rad new ethical online store.

Today it’s the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto. Well, here’s the catch: they already exist. And it’s not that they’re launching anything yet, but that they’re trying t:

CSI is Buying a Building!

(well, we’re trying to!)

The Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) is exploring the purchase of a new building at 720 Bathurst Street, in the Bloor and Bathurst area. The existing CSI isn’t going anywhere – this new building would be in addition to our space at 215 Spadina Avenue. The (potential!) new space is made up of five floors and totals 36,000 square feet. The building is two blocks from the subway line, has plentiful light and a gorgeous brick/beam interior, and is in close proximity to an array of restaurants and services.

Our vision is a dynamic space that’s bursting at the seams with creative and entrepreneurial energy. The first floor will be a community gathering place, with event spaces and plenty of unstructured social space to hang out and connect. The second floor will be a vibrant mix of desks and hot desks, hosting an incredible diversity of members in a beautiful and open collaborative environment. Floors three through five will be a mix of offices, desks, and themed incubation spaces focused on improving our city and bringing new projects to life.

Buying a new building is a big step! And to make it happen, we need to raise $1.5 million. The good news is that we’re half-way there. For the balance, we can offer a solid financial and social return for investors capable of contributions of $100,000 or more. If you or someone you know might be keen, please email csi720@socialinnovation.ca. If this is way out of your league, stay tuned for more word on our community bond initiative.

If you’re potentially interested in becoming a tenant of the new building, let us know by signing up here. The more people who express interest, the stronger claim we can make to investors.

If you’re intrigued by what you hear, please send your thoughts and ideas to csi720@socialinnovation.ca.

Why is this great?

1) Surrounding myself with people at SBS who push me is becoming crucial to my work and output. More simply: we feed off of the people around us. If they snowboard, we may snowboard more. If they watch TV, we may watch TV more. And if they build organizations that challenge existing failed systems, well then…

2) CSI has taken a progressive approach. It’s not an ask for a handout or grant. It’s a pitch to investors and a potential bond issue. This is not the traditional charity route, and that’s powerful.

In Toronto? Know someone who would be interestted in what CSI is planning? Let them know, and help them launch a large new venture.

B

(I am still looking for a Launch subject for tomorrow. Got a suggestion? Let me know. Got a good one for Friday though.)

Check out more:  Canada - Create+Build - Design - Organization - Work

       

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