Wisedocs has started the year off with a bang, from a successful team kickoff to being selected as semifinalists for ABA Techshow’s Startup Alley pitch competition, our team has hit the ground running. Adding to this momentum, in the first month of 2023 we have been recognized as a diverse supplier by the Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada (IWSCC). The IWSCC is a Canadian non-profit that was created to support disabled and Veteran owned businesses to provide certification and recognize these businesses as Diverse Suppliers. Working with IWSCC, Diverse Suppliers are able to increase the inclusivity of the workplace and procurement process by shining a light on the value of veterans and/or disabled employees.  

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Being from a military background myself and a Veteran with 12 years of military service with the Canadian Armed Forces, I believe in the same values as IWSCC that every Canadian has a right to meaningful work and to support themselves and their loved ones. This right has unfortunately become more of a privilege than a right for Veterans and those with disabilities across Canada. In the United States alone, entrepreneurship for veterans is not an easy feat, with the number of veteran owned companies dwindling from almost 50% after WWII to only less than 5% today. Coupled with fewer resources and financing options for business loans in recent years, this decline in veteran owned businesses is all too common.

 Veterans account for 1.6% of emergency shelter users in 2019, with 15.6% citing a medical condition or illness as their reason for homelessness. Moreso, it’s been shown that organizations will bypass employing veteran candidates due to a false perception of their abilities, emotional intelligence and creativity.

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In light of these statistics, I take inclusion very seriously at Wisedocs. I fundamentally believe that hiring employees who offer different perspectives will lead to higher levels of creativity and drive innovation, which I’ve seen firsthand at Wisedocs. The majority of job seekers and employees have reported that a diverse workplace is an important factor when evaluating a new workplace and almost half of job seekers indicate they are looking for an organization that is diverse and inclusive. Here at Wisedocs we value all of our employee’s unique take on life and in the workplace, whether that be through employing people of different genders, ethnicity, ages and cultural backgrounds. We see the value everyone brings and recognize that this diversity is crucial for augmenting creativity and out-of-the-box thinking from all our team members. It’s been shown that companies with a diverse workforce have a 35% greater financial return and are 70% more likely to tap into larger markets, compared to their non-diverse competitors. 

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​​Diversity is important to us, as it should be to all companies. Being a Veteran-founded company, we are always striving to put diversity first in the hiring process. Having a diverse team from top down has allowed us to contribute various ideas that come from our unique experiences, and many of us have had experience in the claims and/or legal space through work or personal experiences. It's important that our product is a reflection of the inclusion and diversity we have on the Wisedocs team. We are also extremely proud to have a diverse team of employees. 

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Our stats include:

- 55% Female workforce

- 75% Employees from a Diverse Background

- 40% of Leadership from a Diverse Background

- 40% of Senior Leadership team are Female

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“My time in the military is what brought me into the technology sector as a veteran founder”

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Veterans are a valuable asset to startups. Whether it’s tenacity, attention to detail, or the ability to take orders and follow through, military experience equips you with the skills needed to succeed in the tech space. US Veterans are 41% more likely to own a business, compared to non-veteran counterparts, with large companies such as Walmart, FedEx and RE/MAX as some examples of corporations run by former vets. 

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My time in the military is what brought me into the technology sector as a Veteran founder. Seeing how inefficient the healthcare claims administration process was and how challenging it could be for veterans was what kept me determined to build a better way. I experienced firsthand how inefficient the healthcare claims administration process was and how challenging it could be for veterans, and I was determined to build a better way. My experience working with other service members and seeing the healthcare side of work-related claims wasn’t the only thing I brought with me when I made the switch to tech. I also picked up other skills along the way that led me to be a veteran founder.

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According to Fast Company magazine, veterans are resilient, agile, and forward thinking — qualities that make them a great addition to any team. Whether it’s being familiar with cutting-edge equipment or knowing how to work towards an organizational goal, skills learned from the military are a fantastic asset for someone leading a technology startup.

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With the support and recognition of IWSCC, Wisedocs is dedicated to opening doors and providing opportunities to Veterans and disabled persons. I believe all Canadians should be afforded the opportunity to build their skills and a career, regardless of barriers in their way, and I am excited to work in partnership with IWSCC to end discrimination and stigmas in the workplace. By broadening our diverse team, I hope to give a voice and platform to Canadian veterans and disabled persons to ensure the same opportunities for all in the procurement and employment process. 

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If you are interested in getting involved with IWSCC you can learn more about Project VENT and  their efforts to support Veteran entrepreneurs.

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