🐖 From piggy banks to portfolios

🔔 Your campaign updates feed

• The Fort Distillery officially launched in Michigan in April 2024 through a partnership with Benchmark Beverages.

• Expansion, product development, events, and more! The Better Butchers just pushed an update filled with exciting stuff.

• Mode Mobile is leveraging the proven business model that made Roku a game-changer in the television industry - here’s how.

• Prairie Clean Energy President and CEO, Mark Cooper, was just interviewed on our podcast. Listen in on all the exciting things they’ve done and are planning for the future.

🔔 Alumni Updates

• Care2Talk is partnering with Tuktu to deliver seamless care for everyone. This means even more people will have access to their innovative virtual care platform. We’re excited to see what comes next from these two companies!

✍ What’s on our mind?

Imagine a classroom where kids are not only learning about stocks and bonds but actually managing real investments. Sounds futuristic? It's happening in some innovative programs, and it's raising an intriguing question: should schools provide students with money to teach them about investment?

Look at programs like the Harlem Children’s Zone's Wealth Builds program in New York City. They offer $10,000 investment grants to students in Harlem charter schools, managed by professional money managers. These funds accrue interest and become accessible to students at 25, provided they meet certain milestones like graduating high school and college and completing financial literacy courses. This way, students not only get financial support but also learn essential money management skills.

As we move further into 2024, integrating real-world investment experience in education is set to grow. More educators and policymakers are getting on board with this model, which bodes well for the future. Regulation and oversight will be crucial for maintaining trust, and advancements in technology like blockchain could streamline the investment process, offering greater security and transparency.

Want to continue reading? Click here.

✍ Industry spotlight

Canada’s economic landscape is showing resilience as the country’s GDP likely grew by 2.2% in the second quarter, surpassing the Bank of Canada’s initial forecast. This growth comes despite high interest rates and subdued retail and wholesale sales.

The latest data reveals a 0.2% growth in May and an estimated 0.1% in June, indicating a steady, albeit cautious, upward trend. The broader context reveals that Canada’s goods-producing sector, which makes up a quarter of total GDP, saw a 0.4% gain, while the services sector posted a 0.1% increase. The economy’s mixed signals suggest that while growth is present, it is precarious and highly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations and sectoral performance.

For investors, these dynamics present both challenges and opportunities. The manufacturing sector’s growth and the positive impact of infrastructure projects like the Trans Mountain pipeline highlight areas of potential investment. Conversely, the retail sector’s struggles underscore the importance of cautious, diversified investment strategies.

As we look ahead, the Bank of Canada’s focus on boosting the economy through measured interest rate cuts will be crucial. The central bank anticipates stronger exports and a recovery in household spending in the latter half of 2024, which could further bolster economic growth. By staying informed and adaptable, investors can make the most of Canada’s shifting economic landscape, contributing to and reaping the benefits of our nation’s economic progress.

Made an investment on FrontFundr recently? Consider sharing your experience on Trustpilot.