Sage Announces Serving Heroes Program to Support Canadian Military Veterans' Entrepreneurial Ambitions

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - Jun 28, 2017) - Sage, a market leader in cloud accounting software and proud supporter of entrepreneurs and business leaders, today announced the Sage Serving Heroes Program. The new initiative will turbo-charge the start-up business journey for a cohort of the Team Canada heroes competing at the Invictus Games Toronto 2017, presented by Jaguar Land Rover. 

Addressing attendees at this year's Sage Summit Toronto, Sage CEO Stephen Kelly proudly revealed that the program will honour the service and sacrifice Invictus competitors have made, by supporting their burgeoning business ambitions and unlocking a brighter future for veterans after service.

Sage will empower the first cohort of the Invictus Games Team Canada competitors to become entrepreneurs through a holistic package of guidance, mentoring and support aimed at developing their new business, as well as access to Sage's suite of cloud solutions to power their vision.

"This exciting new program combines two of our big passions -- the entrepreneurialism that powers all economies and supporting military veterans in recognition of their service to us. It's special for us to launch it here in Canada as we get ready to support the next Invictus Games here in Toronto," said Kelly. "As a champion of business builders, we see it as both an honour and duty to draw on our expertise in helping business builders, to support the business journey of our military heroes."

Stephen Kelly announced the program as part of Sage's global commitment to support the transition into civilian life for veterans with business ambitions. He was joined on stage by 2017 Team Canada Captain, Natacha Dupuis, 2016 Team Canada Captain, Bruno Guevremont, 2017 Team Canada competitor, Joel Guindon and Sage Foundation Military Director, Vicky Gosling OBE.

"We believe the Invictus Games should have a lasting impact for its unconquerable heroes, and for us at Sage this means removing the barriers that prevent tens of thousands of military veterans from living their fullest lives after service," said Stephen Kelly, CEO of Sage.

"The heroes share many of the same values of small and medium business owners -- perseverance, commitment and dedication. We know our business builder community thrives on the valuable skills of service people and veterans, and we think even more veterans could become successful business leaders."

The Sage Serving Heroes Program will be led by Sage Canada with support from Sage Foundation. Key components of the program include:

• Business advice - aligned to the individual's own business model and aspirations, Sage will deliver the right guidance and provide connections to help in the set-up or growth of the business.
• Mentor support - Sage will introduce a mentor, or series of mentors, to support the entrepreneurial journey.
• Financial guidance - Sage Accountants Network members will provide pro bono services.
• Sage One or Sage Live Implementation Support - Sage will offer cloud accounting control and business visibility to enable insight and decisions.
• Business support - throughout, Sage and key business partners, will provide ongoing business support, to help start or grow the business.

While onstage, entrepreneur and Ambassador for the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, Bruno Guevremont shared his experience of starting a business.

"15 years of service and two tours in Afghanistan took its toll on me. But thanks to the life-changing experience of the Invictus Games, I am an entrepreneur with a brilliant new path in front of me.

"I learnt so much from my role as Team Captain in 2016: managing time, taking on responsibility, being a leader of 30 soldiers and veterans. I knew the buck stopped with my leadership.

"I have taken this experience into my new life. I opened my own fitness facility in Victoria BC, CrossFit Stasis. My passion is for helping my students -- whoever they are -- find that spark inside them that gets them fired up to improve their personal health.

"Business and sport taught me that for me to be well, I need to set a goal that motivates me on a daily basis. I look forward to working with the Sage Serving Heroes Program to ensure more fellow Canadian Veterans find their own goal and motivation after service."

Today's announcement was supported by the Invictus Games Toronto 2017.

"Having Sage come to the table once again as a partner of the Invictus Games not only underscores their commitment to our soldiers, veterans and their families, but the Sage Serving Heroes Program also demonstrates their willingness to create a lasting legacy for Team Canada members long after the Games are over," said Michael Burns, CEO, Invictus Games Toronto 2017. "The journey to recovery is one of empowerment and this is mirrored by Sage's creation of a platform that encourages the entrepreneurial spirit of Team Canada's competitors, for which we are very grateful."

Sage Summit took place this week from June 26-28 in Toronto, during which time the event hosted thousands of visitors, celebrity speakers and businesspeople from around the world. You can find out all about the world's largest gathering for entrepreneurs and business builders at here.

Sage's support for military veterans will continue through its multiyear partnership with the Invictus Games. In its first year in Orlando, Sage colleagues from as far away as Australia and Brazil gave their time to volunteer and help deliver the games. In 2017, colleagues, customers and partners will once again be giving their time to celebrate the unconquerable spirit of competitors and the heroic friends and family who stand with them. 

For more information, visit: http://www.invictusgames2017.com/.

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About Sage

Sage is the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world's entrepreneurs. Sage began as a small business in the UK 30 years ago and over 13000 colleagues now support millions of entrepreneurs across 23 countries as they power the global economy. We reinvent and simplify business accounting through brilliant technology, working�with a thriving community of entrepreneurs, business owners, tradespeople, accountants, partners and developers.�And as a FTSE 100 business, we�are active in supporting our local communities and invest in making a real difference through the philanthropy of the Sage Foundation.

Sage -- the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world's entrepreneurs.

www.sage.com