New micro-credentials provide entrepreneurs with personal, portable and easily verifiable accreditation
WINNIPEG, May 13, 2021 – North Forge Technology Exchange (North Forge) has developed a series of micro-credentials for entrepreneurs designed to give them the skills they need when they need them as they ramp up. These new micro-credentials are offered to entrepreneurs across Canada as a verified and validated proof of specific skills, based on the completion of a learning program.

Micro-credentials enable founders to enhance their business skills and credibility, more readily acquire funding from financial institutions and investors, as well as to attain strong brand recognition.

These micro-credentials will be provided to those who fully complete the Pathfinder and Base Camp programming stages, facilitated in part by MaRS Discovery District. This is part of the new four-stage North Forge Founders Program, rolled out in June 2020.

“When you’re building a company from the ground up, it can seem like a never-ending set of hurdles to jump, many you don’t even see coming until they are steps ahead. The educational programming from North Forge and the subsequent micro-credentials given, will give our founders that unique edge and keep them in the race to scale,” adds Chris Johnson, Board Chair of North Forge.

North Forge will be the first Canadian incubator accelerator to focus on founder skill sets and competencies through micro-credentials.

The micro-credential pilot program involved 25 startups from January to April 2021. Integrating micro-credentials into the Fabrication Lab will be next, along with creating a micro-credential for investor readiness.

Micro-credentials can be achieved in a shorter time frame than a degree, can be completed online and are offered as varied qualifications. The digital badge is a visual representation of the achievement and can be verified with the issuing organization, ensuring that you have a recognized certificate.

“We are continuing to evolve so that North Forge can offer some of the best programming in Canada,” said Joelle Foster, CEO of North Forge Technology Exchange. “Founders are already expressing interest in this unique initiative that could change the startup landscape across the country.”

North Forge will be awarding digital credentials using CanCred by Learning Agents, a Winnipeg company that works with dozens of organizations across Canada, including Manitoba’s Red River College, to issue trusted micro-credentials.

The Founders Program is designed to inspire and facilitate innovative entrepreneurs across a broad landscape to stimulate and strengthen the economy.

About North Forge Technology Exchange
North Forge Technology Exchange is a hybrid incubator/accelerator and the innovation partner for the Province of Manitoba. We fuel Manitoba’s innovation economy providing founders with award-winning mentors, rockstar subject matter experts and a new four-stage Founders Program.  We have helped over 60 companies access over 180 million dollars in financing and created hundreds of jobs. Armed with Canada’s largest non-profit fabrication lab, we operate out of 27,000 square feet across Innovation Drive and Innovation Alley in Winnipeg, Canada.

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North Forge Technology Exchange Media Contact: 

Joelle Foster
CEO, North Forge Technology Exchange
204-390-6144
jfoster@northforge.ca