Blog  February 14, 2012

Design for your business

Engaging in smart design early on in the innovation proces is key to a successful business.

Many people don’t recognize the role design plays in improving our lives or increasing prosperity––especially for the small entrepreneur. But design can tell the story of a product or brand, help businesses reach new markets, customize solutions for their customers, create productive workspaces, and minimize environmental impacts from manufacturing, buildings or waste.

With the third highest concentration of designers in North America, the GTA is a hub for design talent as well as small business entrepreneurship. The problem is that the two groups don’t often meet early enough in the process.

“We often don’t see the economic impact designers bring,” explains Arlene Gould of the Design Industry Advisory Committee. “But it is a secret weapon for competiveness. It is a tool that can easily be deployed for improvements to business results, and we want to engage entrepreneurs with designers early on in the innovation process.”

To this effect, the Design Industry Advisory Committee and the Centre for Green Cities are convening senior design experts with small business entrepreneurs for an upcoming interactive workshop. “Design for Your Business: Workshop for Small Business Entrepreneurs” will be held at Evergreen Brick Works on February 22, from 8:30am to noon.

The morning features a panel of experts in various design disciplines as well as networking opportunities and round-table discussions tackling real-world issues. We are especially excited to have Paul Rowan, co-founder of Umbra, who will be on hand to share his insights into the role of design in developing a successful business.

Participants will come away with an understanding of the various design tools and, importantly, how to work with designers in order to build strong brands, reach new customers or markets, increase sales and ensure sustainability.

For more information and to register for “Design for Your Business,” visit our website.