The Idea Connector Network (ICN)
Is a civic engagement network that supports communities in transforming ideas into action by fostering partnerships, collaboration, and shared leadership. ICN connects individuals, organizations, businesses, and institutions to address community priorities, strengthen civic participation, and create meaningful, sustainable outcomes. Through relationship-building and collective thinking, ICN helps turn innovative ideas into impactful
ICN Backgroung
In 2007, ICN was founded to co-produce a series of Foresight exercises focused on human security issues. In 2010, at a time when few resources for Indigenous entrepreneurs existed, ICN launched a national program to encourage and support Indigenous entrepreneurship. In the next ten years, we created some 450 pieces of content, including videos, podcasts, newsletters, and other information sources for and by Indigenous entrepreneurs. After extensive consultation with Indigenous women, ICN co- launched the National Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Ecosystem (NIWee) in 2022. We are now in 2026, co-launching a community engagement program, ‘Shaping Canada’s Future Together.’
Why ICN?
Because lasting change is built BY people, not for them. Every community deserves a future it HAS shaped. This is why ICN projects are community-led.
Communities do not lack ideas. They often lack the shared space, structure, and confidence to turn those ideas into action. ICN helps create that space. We promote assemblies of residents, community organizations, businesses, youth, institutions, funders, and public leaders to listen together, make sense of local realities, align priorities, and suggest ways to make progress
ICN helps communities uncover hidden strengths, clarify real challenges, build collective trust, and move from ideas to action.