LONDON, ON, May 13, 2011 – It takes more than passion for entrepreneurs to succeed— it takes good ideas and business know-how. KPMG Enterprise has sustained its support of the Richard Ivey School of Business by contributing more than $1 million to foster the shoots of Canadian entrepreneurship through education and by sharing insights and talent.
Every year, hundreds of private companies benefit from Ivey programs co-founded with KPMG Enterprise, such as QuantumShift™ and QuantumShift Fellows, Women’s Entrepreneurship evenings as well as leadership courses for entrepreneurs and members of the Young Presidents’ Organization.
Participants call QuantumShift a life-altering experience; a program that gives them the skills to improve all aspects of their business. “The week forced me to re-evaluate and deconstruct myself as a leader. I am now a stronger, smarter and more compassionate leader,” said Mark Cho, PT Healthcare Solutions Group.
KPMG Enterprise co-founded with Ivey the QuantumShift program for entrepreneurs in 2004. More than 300 of Canada’s best and brightest entrepreneurs are using what they’ve learned to take them to a whole new level of success.
“It’s a challenging time to be in business, especially to be running your own business, yet entrepreneurial talent is critical for Canada’s future success,” said Carol Stephenson, Dean, Richard Ivey School of Business. “We applaud the commitment of KPMG Enterprise to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit in this country and helping private businesses move to the next level.”
“Entrepreneurs are invaluable and critical to driving our economy as they build value in their businesses,” said Dennis Fortnum, National Leader, KPMG Enterprise. “We recognize the support that Canadian private company owners and entrepreneurs need to continue growing and we are honoured to work alongside Ivey on providing that support.”
As well as providing important support to Ivey’s Executive Education, KPMG Enterprise is also a crucial supporter of the Ivey Entrepreneurs Index. Released twice a year, the Index reflects the economic outlook of Canada’s entrepreneurs. The Ivey Entrepreneurs Index indicates that entrepreneurs continue to be upbeat about the future with 92 per cent expecting their revenues to increase in the next year, up from 87 per cent who had a similar outlook in fall 2010.
About the Richard Ivey School of Business, The University of Western Ontario
The Richard Ivey School of Business at The University of Western Ontario is Canada’s leading provider of relevant, innovative and comprehensive business education. Drawing on extensive research and business experience, Ivey faculty provide the best classroom experience, equipping graduates with the skills and capabilities they need to tackle the leadership challenges in today’s complex business world. Ivey offers world-renowned undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as Executive Development at campuses in London (Ontario), Toronto and Hong Kong. Visit www.ivey.ca.
About KPMG Enterprise
KPMG Enterprise™ is a network of professionals devoted exclusively to helping private companies in Canada. Why is that important for owners and entrepreneurs? Based on their understanding and experience of what private companies face every day, KPMG Enterprise business advisers can provide proactive and effective advice about financial, business, and operational challenges, ultimately helping owners and entrepreneurs build and grow successful enterprises. Visit kpmg.ca/enterprise.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Mitchell, Richard Ivey School of Business, 519-850-2536, pmitchell@ivey.ca
Tracy A. Holotuk, National Director, KPMG Enterprise, 416-777-8460, tholotuk@kpmg.ca