Expand design and manufacturing capabilities and develop a business strategy

Skilled Accents is a social enterprise that is providing employment to refugee women in London, Ontario to create unique and decorative pillows and other decor products from upcycled fabric, sourced from local drapery and furniture stores.

Their vision is to reduce unemployment in the visible minority communities, while saving the environment from fabric waste. Skilled Accents believes in having a triple bottom line for their business: People, Planet and Purpose. By repurposing materials they save the environment, and create a revenue stream to employ refugees, immigrants and other marginalized community members.

Due to the pandemic in 2020/2021 their revenues decreased significantly. The goal for the next three years is to create a consistent and sustainable revenue stream allowing sustainable growth and creating opportunities for marginalized groups.

The focus in this project are the following key deliverables. They would hire more staff for management, marketing and communication, and business development by growing their revenues. The new product line and programs should be integrated into the business plan and be part of the strategy for the next three years (2022-2024). Prepare this business model to be attractive to investors and organizations interested in funding this social enterprise.

Faculty Supervisor:

Nicole Haggerty

Student:

Partner:

Skilled Accents

Discipline:

Business

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: