What started as one entrepreneur’s personal struggle has sparked a growing movement aimed at supporting mental health in the Canadian business community.
Kennedy Hardinge, founder of the Entrepreneur Mental Health Association (EMHA), is preparing to host a major fundraising event on May 1 in Portage la Prairie. The Entrepreneur Mental Health Awareness Event will bring together business owners, mental health professionals, and community supporters for an evening of networking, education, and empowerment.
"This all started back in 2021," said Hardinge. "I was struggling with my own mental health as an entrepreneur and realized there was a huge gap in support and resources. As I began talking to others, I found I wasn't alone. That's when I knew something needed to be done."
The event aims to raise funds for EMHA’s growing list of support tools and initiatives, including a groundbreaking new project: a business plan template that incorporates mental wellness strategies alongside traditional financial and operational planning.
"One of our biggest goals is to create a first-of-its-kind entrepreneur mental health business plan," Hardinge explained. "We want people to plan not just for cash flow and projections, but also for their mental health, because when you go into business, it's not a matter of if you'll face mental health challenges, it's a matter of when."
The event will feature keynote speakers from across Manitoba, including local entrepreneur Maxine Carels from Studio on Sask. In addition to motivational talks, attendees can explore mental health and business support booths, enjoy appetizers and a bar, visit therapy dogs' courtesy of St. John Ambulance, and participate in raffles.
Hardinge’s initiative is already gaining recognition beyond Manitoba.
"We've had interest from Quebec, B.C., Alberta, even Newfoundland. Organizations and entrepreneurs across Canada are reaching out, wanting to join or replicate our model. It's amazing to see."
Tickets for the Entrepreneur Mental Health Awareness Event can be purchased on EMHA’s website.
With community backing, national interest, and Hardinge leading the way for mental health in entrepreneurship it is quickly becoming a movement that could reshape how Canadian business owners care for themselves and one another.