NEXT Canada F21 Annual Report - Report - Page 4
A LETTER FROM THE CEO
If 2020 was the year of change, then 2021 was the year of resilience
and perseverance - two qualities that great entrepreneurs should
possess in equal measure.
A
s I reflect on this past year, I
am immensely proud of our
organization’s achievements, and I
am in awe of the accomplishments of our
alumni. I am thankful for our supporters and
their generous contributions, which allow
NEXT to pursue its mission of building a
more prosperous and competitive Canada
through the power of entrepreneurship. I’m
also thankful to Joe Canavan, who served
as our CEO since 2019 and continues to
support me in my new capacity.
Our F21 (September 1, 2020– August 31,
2021) annual report highlights our key
program accomplishments and showcases
the impact our alumni are having on the
Canadian economy.
Our alumni have achieved many significant
milestones this year, including more than 10
financial rounds, recognition in EY’s national
award program and 4 new additions to the
NEXT Alumni who have been recognized
in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Over the
months and years ahead, we look forward to
hearing more about the accomplishments
of our growing alumni community and
sharing this good news with you.
Like many charities in Canada navigating
the challenges of the pandemic, our yearend financial position is a result of complex
externalities. Government rent and staffing
subsidies, supported us at a time when new
fundraising was near impossible. In addition
to funding from our corporate partners
and pledged donors, we received an
unscheduled contribution associated with
our share of a cohort venture, and finally
we significantly reduced our operating
expenses as a result of moving to an online
format.
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While this year included several celebratory
moments, I also want to acknowledge the
passing of W. Galen Weston, one of NEXT
Canada’s Founding Patrons and one of the
country’s most dignified business leaders.
Mr. Weston was a catalyst for where we are
today, and without him and the continued
support of the Weston Family Foundation,
we would not have been able to achieve
the success we’ve experienced to date. This
year’s W. Galen Weston Top Entrepreneur
Award was presented as a tribute to Mr.
Weston’s remarkable legacy at NEXT.
As we look ahead to F22, we will deliver an
exceptional hybrid program of virtual and,
where possible in-person events. As has
been the case for the past two years, the
safety of our program participants and our
team are my highest priorities.
I look forward to working closely with our
Board of Directors and our Co-chairs, Reza
Satchu and John Kelleher, to expand the
NEXT Canada community. As part of that
community, your feedback and input are
profoundly important. I would be happy to
meet with you to discuss our mission and
how we can advance it together.
KYLE J WINTERS
Chief Executive Officer
NEXT Canada
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