Written by Lisa Knechtle-Jerkiewicz, CPA, CGA, MBA, Program Coordinator & Professor, Accounting Programs
The graduating class of the Business Administration – Accounting program in Kingston recently held the sixth annual Accounting Hackathon in collaboration with SLC’s A. Britton Smith Centre for Behavioural Studies (CBS) and national charity, Rise. In this action learning event, student teams work with an entrepreneur to resolve a financial issue in their business. In preparation for the hackathon, CBS ran a workshop on rapport and relationship building which empowered the students to enter these client meetings with extra confidence.
Entrepreneurs participating in the event are working with Rise, the only national charity dedicated to helping people with mental health conditions or addiction achieve financial independence through self-employment or small business ownership. Rise provides resources, mentorship, and micro-financing to eliminate barriers, improve life outcomes, and strengthen communities.
KEYS Job Centre partners with Rise locally to offer the program in the Kingston area. The entrepreneurs participating in the hackathon are either starting or growing their small businesses. Entrepreneurship can be a solution to barriers to employment faced by Canadians with mental health or addiction challenges, as it offers individuals the opportunity to re-enter the workplace on their own terms. Through Rise, local entrepreneurs can access resources and support to help them succeed. The SLC Accounting Hackathon offers students a unique opportunity to bring their learning to life while helping contribute to these successes.
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