How Desjardins and DMZ work together to build Canada's entrepreneurial future

Canadian entrepreneurs face major barriers when it comes to accessing the knowledge and networks they need to build successful businesses. Desjardins and DMZ knew that fixing this required more than small tweaks – it needed a fresh approach that actually works for today's entrepreneurs.

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The traditional model asks a lot: be in the right place, have the right schedule, often pay significant fees. But what if it could work differently? What if support could reach founders wherever they are, whenever they're ready to learn, and remove the usual gatekeepers? That's exactly what this partnership set out to prove.

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Our first solution: Desjardins Launchpad for Entrepreneurs‍

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Launched in 2022, Desjardins Launchpad for Entrepreneurs provides early-stage founders with the skills and knowledge to navigate their business growth journey. This free, self-paced online learning platform offers expert-curated content in both English and French, making it more accessible to Canadians across provinces.

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The training modules focus on key lessons for startups: idea formation, leadership development, market research, goal setting and investor pitching. By removing geographic and financial barriers, Launchpad has already supported more than 2,000 entrepreneurs across Canada – giving ambitious founders the practical skills they need to turn ideas into thriving businesses.

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Our second solution: Cooperathon, powered by Desjardins 

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Cooperathon, powered by Desjardins, is Canada's largest open innovation competition – bringing together youth, entrepreneurs, local communities and institutions to develop socially responsible solutions. Since its debut in 2015, Cooperathon has helped launch hundreds of social impact projects built by over 6,500 participants.

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In 2025, DMZ joined as an implementing partner, bringing our world-class entrepreneurial development expertise to this powerful platform. Cooperathon’s 6-8 week training program features workshops led by renowned experts, coaching from exceptional mentors and preparation for a final pitch competition.

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The success of these programs demonstrates how strategic partnerships can create ripple effects throughout Canada's innovation ecosystem. By making entrepreneurial education freely accessible and creating opportunities for impactful innovation, Desjardins and DMZ are building the foundation for Canada's next generation of business leaders and changemakers.

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Desjardins and DMZ will continue working together to ensure that emerging ventures are equipped with cutting-edge strategies and strong professional networks – enabling Canadian entrepreneurs to compete globally, while addressing pressing societal challenges at home.

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