The Project Zero econext Circular Economy Incubator is Looking for Big Ideas to Power a Circular Economy

St. John’s, NL – March 31, 2025 — If you’ve got an idea that could reduce waste, rethink resource use, or create cleaner, more sustainable ways of doing business, econext wants to hear from you.

The Project Zero econext Circular Economy Incubator is a free clean growth incubator designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs build solutions for a circular economy—where materials stay in use, waste is designed out, and environmental impact is part of the equation from day one.

You don’t need to have a full business plan or a finished product. If you’ve got a concept, a prototype, or even just the beginning of a big idea, this virtual program can help you take it to the next level.

Selected participants get:
• Access to expert mentorship
• Workshops and training
• Support with funding, pitching, and commercialization
• A network of people who care about solving real-world problems

Whether you’re working on sustainable fashion, circular design, food waste—or something completely unexpected—this incubator is a space to build, test, and grow your idea from wherever you are in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Applications are open now and close April 6, 2025.

Apply today at econext.ca/project-zero

About econext

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

About Synergy Foundation 

Synergy Foundation was created in 2013 by the Synergy Enterprises team and a group of passionate community members and leaders who recognized the need for a non-profit organization to lead the transition towards a green economy on the west coast. Since its inception, Synergy Foundation has focused on innovative projects and programs that have pushed the envelope, supported hundreds of businesses, and turned great ideas into action.

​Our core focus areas include supporting communities and businesses in adopting circular economy practices and advancing green business operations to foster a regenerative, inclusive, and equitable economy. This is represented in our core initiatives: BC Green Business, Project Zero, and the Ecostar Awards.

 

econext hosts ‘Green Horizons’ event to introduce job seekers to Newfoundland and Labrador’s emerging green economy

For Immediate Release
March 26, 2025

Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy is expanding, and with that comes new career opportunities.

Yesterday econext hosted an event called ‘Green Horizons’ designed for job-seekers looking to enter or transition into the green economy.

Over 90 attendees in person and online had the opportunity to network with employers and industry leaders, while:

  • Learning about career opportunities;
  • Gaining insights into training programs and certification pathways;
  • Hearing from industry experts; and
  • Participating in interactive and networking activities.

The event agenda was created with a specific interest in helping new Canadians in their career development and job searches, featuring ‘success stories’ and tips from those who have been able to establish their careers in NL’s green economy.

‘Green Horizons’ is part of a series of events econext has been delivering to help create greater education and awareness of job opportunities in the province’s green economy.

About econext

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities.

econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

Students Reimagine Sustainable Transportation at Fourth econext Ideathon in Corner Brook

Corner Brook, NL – March 2025 — From March 7–9, 2025, the fourth econext Clean Growth Ideathon challenged students at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University, to tackle one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most pressing sustainability issues: transportation.

With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, the event brought together students from diverse academic backgrounds. In just 48 hours, five teams worked to answer the question: How can Newfoundland and Labrador improve transportation sustainability and efficiency?

“Transportation is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in our province,” said Alex Rumbolt, Business Sustainability Lead with econext. “Through this ideathon, we gave students the platform to create real, actionable ideas—and they stepped up in a big way.”

Participants took part in workshops and received one-on-one mentorship throughout the weekend, helping turn early-stage ideas into well-rounded, innovative pitches. A panel of judges evaluated the final presentations on criteria including sustainability, impact, and feasibility.


First Place Winners
The top prize was awarded to Big Green Energy (Beth Skeard, Jocelyne Roberts, Janelle Vallis, Joni Hoffrén), whose winning idea proposed a fleet of electric hybrid bike rentals for Corner Brook’s unique geography. Their plan emphasized improving accessibility, reducing emissions, and encouraging active transportation in the city.


Second Place Winners
Team CAS (Blessing Adedokun-Awojodu, Chinwe Nzekwe) earned second place for their redesign of the Corner Brook bus system. Their concept focused on route optimization, service electrification, and data-informed scheduling to enhance efficiency and ridership.


Third Place Winners
In third place, Unstoppable (Soham Savant, Amna Chohan) pitched an initiative to introduce hydrogen fuel cell technology into the province’s transport trucking sector—an approach aimed at cutting emissions in one of the most carbon-intensive industries.

“The energy and talent these students brought to the table was incredible,” said Chelsea Linfield, Project Finance Manager with econext. “Their ideas show the kind of leadership we need for the future of greener transportation in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

econext extends sincere thanks to all its partners, mentors and judges who helped make the fourth ideathon a success. econext would also like to especially thank its sponsor, takeCHARGE NL, for supporting this event and helping students learn more about the green economy.

This ideathon was made possible through partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER), and with support from the Government of Canada.

For information on future ideathons or partnership opportunities, please contact:
Chelsea Linfield – chelsea@econext.ca
Alex Rumbolt – alex@econext.ca

About econext
econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

About BHER
The Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that brings together Canada’s top businesses and post-secondary institutions. BHER works to strengthen partnerships, expand work-integrated learning opportunities, and drive innovation. Learn more at www.bher.ca.

econext spearheading $7 million project to transform how St. John’s residents access and implement home energy upgrades

For Immediate Release
March 21, 2025

(Via the Federation of Canadian Municipalities):

St. John’s, NL – Improving the energy efficiency of homes is a smart investment that helps homeowners lower home energy bills, reduce emissions, and create more comfortable living spaces.

Today, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O’Leary of the City of St. John’s, on behalf of Rebecca Bligh, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), announced a $7-million investment through the Green Municipal Fund’s (GMF) Community Efficiency Financing (CEF) initiative to support a new residential retrofit program in St. John’s.

Over the next four years, the program is expected to:

  • create 120 full-time jobs in energy efficiency, construction, and skilled trades
  • facilitate energy efficiency training for 300 contractors
  • reduce home energy consumption in St. John’s by 17,104 GJ per year
  • cut greenhouse gas emissions by 512 tonnes annually

In addition to helping homeowners save money and reduce emissions, the program was designed to be scalable so it can be expanded to other communities across the region that may not have the capacity to deliver their own retrofit programs.

econext will spearhead the project, providing free and personalized energy efficiency guidance services to help residents of St. John’s manage their retrofit projects. This service will help residents navigate energy audits, grants and financing options available from various programs. Econext will also facilitate industry training to support capacity building and offer targeted grants for deep retrofits. The City of St. John’s will manage the credit enhancement funding and enabling financial institutions to offer low-interest loans to residents. By helping residents navigate retrofits while reducing financial barriers, this program will help more homeowners take action to improve energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and reduce their environmental footprint

This initiative underscores a commitment to sustainable development and community support, ensuring that residents have the resources needed to improve their homes while contributing to a cleaner, greener future.

About the FCM’s Green Municipal Fund

FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF) is a globally unique organization providing funding and education to municipalities to help them both reach net-zero and build resilient communities, while also delivering economic and social benefits such as jobs, housing and infrastructure. Since inception in 2000, it has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.9 million tonnes, funded over 13,100 person-years of employment, enabled nearly 30,000 sustainable affordable housing units, and contributed $1.24 billion to the national GDP via more than 2,300 approved projects. GMF manages approximately $2.4 billion in programs funded by the Government of Canada.

About econext

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

Quotes

“Energy efficiency means lower costs for residents and a healthier environment for all. Today’s investments will help make home retrofits more affordable and accessible in St. John’s—helping homeowners cut energy bills, reduce emissions, and improve living spaces. By investing in sustainable housing, we’re creating local jobs, strengthening communities, and moving Canada closer to a net-zero future.”
—The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“Helping households make deep energy retrofits will reduce emissions across entire neighbourhoods. By working together, we can lower the cost of construction and reduce energy emissions right here in St. John’s.”
—The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“This investment will make it easier for homeowners in St. John’s to access energy-efficient upgrades that reduce costs and lower emissions. By supporting sustainable retrofits, we are not only improving home comfort but also creating jobs, strengthening our local economy, and building a more resilient community. The City is proud to be part of this initiative, which will help residents take meaningful action in the fight against climate change and drive forward our commitment to being a sustainable city.”
—Sheilagh O’Leary, Deputy Mayor and Lead for Sustainability, City of St. John’s

“Better home energy efficiency is key to reducing power consumption, energy bills and emissions to make life healthier and more affordable for homeowners. With climate change and affordability being two of Canada’s biggest challenges, GMF, supported by the Government of Canada, is proud to enable residents in St. John’s to make home energy upgrades that will lower their utility bills while also advancing toward net-zero.”
—Rebecca Bligh, FCM President

“Accelerating energy efficiency retrofits in Newfoundland and Labrador grows our green economy. It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the effectiveness of our electricity use, and allow customers to save money – all while creating business opportunities for those providing green products and services. We are looking forward to working with the City of St. John’s and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities on this initiative.”
—Kieran Hanley, CEO, econext

Green Roots – A Learning and Networking Career Series


Empowering Newcomers for Careers in the Green Economy

Are you a newcomer to Canada looking to build your career in the green economy? The Green Roots Career Series offers a unique opportunity to develop essential job-seeking skills, expand your network, and connect with potential employers. Through a series of four workshops and five company connector events, participants will gain valuable insights and even have a chance to secure an internship with a participating company.

*While attendance at each workshop and connector event is not mandatory for program participation, it is highly encouraged to give applicants the best chance at securing an internship.

* Participants can continue to sign up to attend future events, even if the program is underway. 

Register Now

Upon registration, applicants will be emailed upcoming events details.

Upcoming Workshops

Power Up Your Personal Brand

📅 April 1, 2025 – 10 AM (COMPLETE)
📍 Online
Learn how to build a compelling personal brand that stands out in today’s job market.

Grow Your Network

📅 April 8, 2025 – 10 AM 
📍 In-person,  Sheraton Hotel: 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s, NL
Master networking skills and learn how to create meaningful professional connections.

Combined Workshop: Power Up Your Personal Brand + Grow Your Network

📅 April 29, 2025
📍 In-person, Corner Brook
A two-day immersive workshop to strengthen both your personal brand and networking strategies.

Accelerate Your Interview Skills

📅 April 23, 2025 – 10 AM
📍 Online
Gain confidence and learn key techniques to excel in job interviews.

*Additional times to be shared with program participants’ email.

Company Connector Events

Throughout April, we’re hosting five networking events where program participants can meet and engage with potential employers in the green economy sector by visiting their office spaces. These events will give you direct access to industry professionals, and valuable career opportunities.

Participants who register for this program will be emailed the dates and times of these events, along with the RSVP form.

Participants can continue to sign up to attend future events. Registration for this program does not guarantee attendance at company connector events, as RSVP forms will be sent out on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Internship Selection

At the conclusion of the Company Connector Events, five participants will be selected for internships with companies they connected with during the events.
Internship Duration: May – July
Eligibility: Newcomer to Canada

This is your chance to kickstart your career in a growing industry!

📢 Don’t Miss Out! Register now to secure your spot in this exciting career series program.

🔗 Click Here to Register

For more information, stay connected and check back for updates on event details!

econext Hosts Successful Greening Business Workshop in Corner Brook, Expanding to More Communities Across the Province

For Immediate Release

March 14, 2025

Corner Brook, NL  – econext is pleased to announce the success of its first Greening Business Workshop, held in Corner Brook on March 7, 2025. The event provided local businesses with valuable insights on reducing their environmental impact and how improving efficiency and sustainability can result in direct benefits.

With the support of our event partners – the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade – as well as our program partners, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, the workshop equipped attendees with practical insights for integrating sustainable practices into their operations.

Business Sustainability Lead Alex Rumbolt presents to workshop attendees.

“This workshop showcased the growing commitment among Newfoundland and Labrador businesses to sustainability,” said Alex Rumbolt, Business Sustainability Lead at econext. “By providing practical solutions and connecting businesses with key resources, we’re helping to drive real change in the province’s green economy.”

Matthew Hatcher of takeCHARGE presents on energy efficiency to workshop attendees.

Following this successful event, econext is excited to bring the Greening Business Workshop series to more communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. These future workshops will continue to support businesses in adopting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the bottom line.

For more information on upcoming workshops and sustainability initiatives, visit econext.ca.

About econext

econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities.

econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

Specialist, OT Cyber Security Infrastructure

Manager Construction Planning, Major Projects

Quality Manager, Major Projects

Call for Interest in econext’s Board of Directors

In April econext will elect its Board of Directors for 2025/26.

econext‘s Board of Directors provide direction and support to the organization’s staff in their work to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. There are a total of five (5) positions to be filled.

Interested individuals can contact econext’s CEO, Kieran Hanley, at kieran@econext.ca for more information about the nomination process. Nominees will be asked to provide (1) a photo, (2) a biography – 500 words or less, and (3) a statement as to their objectives for serving as a member of econext‘s Board of Directors – 250 words of less.

econext Directors must represent a voting member of the organization’s membership in good standing.

The deadline for nominations is April 11, 2025. Voting for director positions shall take place online April 21 – 25, 2025. Nominees will have an opportunity to speak directly to members at econext‘s 2025 Annual General Meeting and Industry Awards Reception taking place on April 16. Click here for more information on this event.