​Catholic school board expands innovative entrepreneur, E-commerce education model

The Bruce Grey District Catholic School Board has announced the expansion of its ground-breaking project, Limitless Ventures, into the 2024-25 school year.

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Removing Barriers grant, this initiative aims to dismantle accessibility obstacles and enhance educational outcomes for students with special education needs and disabilities.

In its inaugural year, Limitless Ventures launched the ei2 store (Employing Individuals through Equity and Inclusion) on the school board platform, working with local businesses. Students developed a variety of products, including bath soaks, spice blends, seed papers, planter boxes, and fire starters.

The program emphasized skill development, increased independence, certification acquisition, and customer service navigation, allowing students from Sacred Heart High School in Walkerton and St. Mary’s High School in Owen Sound to engage in hands-on entrepreneurial learning experiences.

Through fluid skills assessments, students identified their strengths and areas for growth, showcasing their successes at local student-run pop-up markets. The program also supported local employers with the inclusion of people with disabilities in their workforce.



Student creations

As initial funding concluded in August, 2024, the school board has secured additional support to broaden the reach and impact of Limitless Ventures. This year, the board has included schools from across the province and has transitioned to the Shopify platform. This change will enhance the students’ experience with inventory management, E-commerce, POS systems, and other crucial workplace skills.

The board will continue participating in local markets and diversifying its product offerings. It has also initiated a working group with local business representatives and community support and employment agencies to collaborate, streamlining access to employment for the students.

Students who express interest and skill in particular products are supported to continue as entrepreneurs when they leave the school building, supplementing their incomes into adulthood.

Looking ahead, the board invites members of the broader community to contribute their products and talents as this program expands. Limitless Ventures is committed to fostering a collaborative environment where all students can thrive as capable workers.

For more information on the goals, student experiences, and testimonials, visit the How Do We Do
What We Do, and Our Team tabs on the website, at 4aebed-de.myshopify.com or use the QR code (right) to access.