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Two people are smiling and conversing at a table. The text reads, "Definity Financial Corporation champions ASI’s Climate Resilience Initiative to empower SMEs." Logos for ASI Academy for Sustainable Innovation and Definity are displayed.

Definity Financial Corporation Supports ASI’s Climate Resilience Initiative for SMEs

The program will work closely with Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Associations (BIAs), and Boards of Trade in communities across Canada to meet the unique climate resiliency needs of businesses in each region.

The Academy for Sustainable Innovation (ASI) is excited to announce funding support from Definity Financial Corporation for a new project, Climate Resilience for SMEs. This capacity-building initiative will help small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Canada prepare for the growing challenges posed by the climate crisis.
 
Climate change is already impacting SMEs nationwide. According to a 2023 KPMG report, the majority of Canadian businesses have experienced disruptions caused by extreme weather events, including supply chain interruptions, facility damage, increased costs, and revenue loss. Despite these challenges, many SMEs lack the resources or knowledge to proactively address climate risks and adapt to evolving regulations and customer expectation.
 

To bridge this gap, ASI’s project will work closely with Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Associations (BIAs), and Boards of Trade in communities across Canada. This collaborative approach ensures the program is tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses in each region. The initiative includes two interconnected capacity-building approaches:

  • Customized eLearning Tools: Accessible, on-demand content designed to provide SMEs with foundational knowledge about climate change and its business implications.
  • In-Person Workshops: Local, interactive sessions to deepen learning and help business owners create actionable plans for climate resilience.
 

This partnership-driven approach ensures that businesses not only gain practical tools and knowledge but also have the opportunity to engage directly with local organizations that understand their challenges and opportunities.

"At ASI, we believe that empowering small- and medium-sized enterprises with the skills and resources to navigate climate challenges is essential to building resilient communities. This project is an important step in ensuring Canadian businesses are increasingly prepared to navigate a changing climate, and are equipped to thrive within a net-zero economy.”
A person with short curly hair smiles warmly at the camera. They are wearing a plaid jacket and standing against a beige brick wall background.
Tamara Connell
CEO at the Academy for Sustainable Innovation
"As one of Canada’s leading property and casualty insurers, Definity understands how important small-and medium-sized enterprises are to our communities and economy. Definity is here to help our clients and communities to adapt and thrive, and we are proud to support the Climate Resilience for SMEs project to help Canadian businesses prepare for the growing challenges of climate destabilization."
Brendan Seale
AVP, Environmental, Social, and Governance at Definity

ASI is proud to partner with Definity Financial Corporation on this initiative to strengthen the resilience of Canadian businesses and the broader economy. Over the coming year, Definity’s financial support will allow ASI to undertake capacity-building efforts with three Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Areas, Boards of Trade, or other localized business network.

If you have additional questions, please email Tamara Connell, CEO of the Academy for Sustainable Innovation at tamara@sustainableinnovation.academy.

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