PLATO offers a comprehensive range of software testing services and is dedicated to creating technology careers for Indigenous communities. The company’s remarkable growth and success are attributed to its commitment to exceptional service in software testing, leading to strong client attraction and retention.
Their unique organizational model fosters diversity. PLATO’s workforce is made up of more than 30% Indigenous employees and 58% Indigenous representation on the board of directors, making a significant contribution to societal change and fostering a more inclusive technology workforce.
What’s more, McIntosh's dedication to meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities led to the launch of PLATO’s train-and-employ model, offering compensation to Indigenous students during a five-month technical training period. Since its launch in 2015, the initiative has successfully trained over 300 Indigenous students across Canada and operates in 12 offices stretching from Victoria to Halifax, with a vision for even greater impact globally.
“Keith is redefining the foundation of what it means to be a socially responsible entrepreneur,” says Mike Lutes, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Atlantic Program Co-Director. “We couldn’t be prouder to have him join our global entrepreneurship network alongside the other exceptional winners — all of whom share the collective vision of propelling Canada’s economy forward while championing social activism.”
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 Atlantic Award Winners:
John Flewelling | CBCL Limited
Jon King and Rob Forsythe | Milk Moovement
Rob Lane | MOBIA
Sheena Young | Young's Lobster Company Ltd.
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 Atlantic Special Citation Recipients:
Wally Haas | Avalon Holographics
Hilda Broomfield Letemplier | Pressure Pipe Procurement & Management Services
What’s next?
As the Atlantic region’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023, McIntosh will compete with winners from the Pacific, Prairies, Ontario and Québec regions for the national honour of Canada’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023, which will be presented at a celebration on November 30, 2023 in Toronto. In June 2024, Canada’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 will then move to the world stage to compete with more than 50 other country recipients for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The YearTM hosted in Monaco.
More information
Follow @EYCanada and #EOYAtlantic on X for the latest event updates. Visit ey.com/ca/EOY for more program details and a complete list of finalists and celebration dates in other regions.