WhoHelpsInnovatorsandEntrepreneursinYork
Region?
YorkRegionisagreatplacetobuildandgrowabusiness!Checkoutthesefacts,courtesyoftheYorkRegion
EconomicDevelopmentteamatinvestinyork.ca:
• About10%ofthe49,000businessinYorkRegionarefocusedICT(information,communications,
telecommunications)industries
• 20ofthe90gamingcompaniesintheGTAareinYorkRegion,withacombined100+milliondownloads
• 16Fortune-100corporationsareheadquarteredinYorkRegion
• TheaveragesizeofcompaniesinYorkRegionis15employees
Notsurprisingly,YorkRegionhasmanyresourcestohelpentrepreneursstartandgrowtheirbusinesses.Some
organizationsspecificallysupportstartupsbusinesses;othersfocusonadvancedbusinesses;andsomefosterpeerto-peerconnections.Regardlessofwhichstageyourbusinessisat,YorkRegionofferssomethingtohelpyou
along.ThisdocumentsummarizessomekeyorganizationsthatsupportentrepreneursinYorkRegion,organized
byproblemstatement:
“Iwanttoplay,createandprototype.WherecanIfindsupportandlike-mindedinventorsandmakers?”.........2
“WherecanIfindhelpinYorkRegiontostartmybusiness?”...............................................................................3
“Ineedspace.”.....................................................................................................................................................6
“Ineedfunding.”..................................................................................................................................................7
“We'rejustmonthsawayfromlaunchingourproduct.”.....................................................................................10
“Ineedhelptogrowmybusiness.”....................................................................................................................11
“Iwanttoenterinternationalmarkets.”............................................................................................................18
“I’dliketogivebacktothecommunity.WherecanIgotobeamentor?”.........................................................20
“What’savailableforinnovatorswhoareinhighschooloryounger?Whataboutthechildren?”.....................21
“WhataresomeofthelargerentrepreneurialeventsintheRegion?”................................................................22
“That’stoomuchdetail.What’sthesummary?”...............................................................................................24
Afewpointstoadd:
• Thisdocumentwaswrittenbyanentrepreneur(whowasonceconfusedaboutwheretogoforsupport
whenhestartedhisbusiness)forotherentrepreneurs.Inotherwords,besteffortshavebeenmadeto
gettheinfoaccurateinordertosaveyousometime,butit’suptoyoutoresearchthedetailsand
determinewhatisrelevantforyou.
• Thisisajustalistofresources–noteveryorganizationwillbeafitforyou.Inclusiononthislistdoesnot
meanendorsement(implicitorexplicit).
• ManyoftheseorganizationsareconnectedwitheachotherintheYorkRegionecosystem–sobyworking
withoneorganization,entrepreneursareabletotapintothebroadernetwork.
• Whileafewoftheseorganizationsexplicitlytargetcertaingroups(e.g.,age,community,industry),the
majorityoftheorganizationsinthisdocumentsupportallentrepreneursandpotentialentrepreneurs.
Don’tbeshy–reachout!
LastUpdated:October17,2016
Page1of26
Obviouslytheseorganizationsdofarmorethanwhatisincludedbelow,buthopefullythissummarywillsaveyou
sometimeresearchingwhatisavailabletoyou.
BTW,someinformationabouteachorganizationisrepeatedfromsectiontosection,asmanyreaderswon’tread
sectionsthatdon’tpertaintothem(justincasetherepeatingcontentisdistracting).Goodluck!
“Iwanttoplay,createandprototype.WherecanIfindsupportandlikemindedinventorsandmakers?”
An“inventorsupportgroup,”theInnovationInitiativeCo-Operative
(inventorscircle.org)isanot-for-profitorganizationwiththegoalsofassisting
privateindividualsindevelopingtheirideas,facilitatingandadvancing
innovationingeneral,andboostingtheCanadianeconomythroughnew,
originalproducts/serviceswithoutcompetition.TheirNewmarketchapter
hostsmonthlyseminars.
NewMakeIt(newmakeit.yorkregionmakers.com)isastate-of-thearttechnology
hub,co-workingspace,andmakerspace.Featuringstate-of-the-arttoolssuch
as3Dprinters,lasercutters,andCNCtools,NewMakeItprovidesYorkRegion
residents,entrepreneurs,innovatorsandartistswithacollaborative,creativelearningspacethatfuelsinspiration,providesguidanceandenablesthesharing
ofideas.
YLab(ylab.ca)isYorkRegion’sfirstmakerspaceandoperatesinthebasement
ofRichmondHill’shistoricDavidDunlapObservatory.Ledandsupportedby
volunteers,YLabhostseventstobringtogetherpeoplewhoshareacommon
interestinrobotics,makers,technologyinnovation,Ardiunos,hamradios,
lightsabers,andotherthingsTechnology.
YorkRegion’snetworkofmunicipal-runlibrariesoffersresourcestosupport
inventorsandcreators.Forexample:
o 3DprintersareavailableforpublicuseintheNewmarket,Markham,
Aurora,GeorginaandVaughanlibraries.
o TheMarkhamPublicLibrary(thecavemarkham.blogspot.ca)operatesa
makerspacefocusedoncreativeaudio/visualarts.Patronscan
borroworlendrecordingequipmentofvarioustypestohelpthem
create.
Thelibrariesare:
• Aurora:aurorapl.ca
• EastGwillimbury:egpl.ca
• Georgina:georginalibrary.ca
• King:kinglibrary.ca
• Markham:markhampubliclibrary.ca
• Newmarket:newmarketpl.ca
• RichmondHill:rhpl.richmondhill.on.ca/RHPL/
• Vaughan:vaughanpl.info/index.php
• Whitchurch-Stouffville:wsplibrary.ca
LastUpdated:October17,2016
Page2of26
“WherecanIfindhelpinYorkRegiontostartmybusiness?”
CanadaOne(canadaone.com/index.html)isdedicatedtohelpingpeoplestart,
runandgrowsuccessfulbusinessesinCanada,fromhigh-growthstart-upsto
home-basedbusinessowners.CanadaOnehasbuiltalibraryofover900just-intimebusinessarticlessincelaunchinginMarch1998,tohelpsmallbusinesses
accesstheinformationtheyneed,justastheyneedit.Populartopicsonthesite
arethinkingoutofthebox,HR,marketing,sales,andhowsmallcompaniescan
benefitfromemergingtechnologies.
CreateITNow(southlakeregional.org/Default.aspx?cid=1425&lang=1)isa
launchpadforgreatideasandalandingsitetailormadeforhealthcare-focused
innovatorsgettingintoNorthAmericanmarkets.Inadditiontobusinessadvice,
CreateITNowofferssubsidizedworkingspaceandaccesstoin-marketclinical
expertiseandadvice.
TheEnterprisePromotionandInnovationCentre(humanendeavour.org/epic/),
aprojectofHumanEndeavour,supportsmarginalizedcommunitymembers
willingtobecomeentrepreneurs,entertheworkforce,becomeanactivepartof
societyandparticipateineconomicactivities.EPICalsosupportsanumberof
independentcommunityownedandoperatedenterprises.
TheGreenConnectionsNetwork(green-connections.com)isagroupofsmall
businessowners,socialenterprises,non-profitsandcommunitybased
organizationsthatwanttomakeadifferencebypromotingenvironmentallyand
sociallysustainablepractices.GCNoffersmonthlymeetings,educational
opportunities,andmentoring.
IdealIncubator(idealincubator.ca)providesentrepreneursandearlystage
startupswithbusinessdevelopmentresourcesandseedfundingtocreate
businesses.TheIdealIncubatorteamhelpsguideentrepreneursthroughthe
startupjourney,whileconnectingthemwithanextensivenetworkofprivate
andpublicsectorpartnersandmentors.
PartneringwiththeWelcomeCentre(welcomecentre.ca),JobSkillsoffers
programsthathelpCanadiansstartupbusinesses(jobskills.org/pathways).In
addition,WelcomeCentreoffersavarietyofsettlement,accreditationand
employmentservicesfornewCanadians.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
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OntarioCentresofExcellence(oce-ontario.org)drivesthecommercializationof
cutting-edgeresearchacrossstrategicmarketsectorstobuildtheeconomyof
tomorrowandfosteracultureofentrepreneurismthroughprogramsthathelp
youngentrepreneursdevelopbusinessskillsandlaunchnewcompanies.OCE’s
programsuite(includinggrants)coversthreekeyareas:
• Industry-AcademicR&DCollaboration
• Commercialization
• Entrepreneurship
OtherkeyOCEinitiativesaretheIBMHighPerformanceComputingInitiative
andCollegesOntarioNetworkforIndustryInnovation(CONII).
SenecaCollege(senecacollege.ca/fulltime/BAS.html)offersabreadthof
programsandcoursestohelpentrepreneurs.Seneca’son-campusincubator
HELIX(HealthEntrepreneurshipandLifestyleInnovationXchange,
senecacollege.ca/research/HELIX/)providesmentoringandworkshopstohelp
startups.HELIXisopentobothSenecastudentsandentrepreneurswhoarenot
Senecastudents.
TheSmallBusinessEnterpriseCentres(SBECs)provideawealthofbusiness
advisoryservicesandtrainingprograms,targetedathelpingsmallbusinesses
start,growandsucceed.TheSBECsofferone-on-oneappointmentsand
educationalseminarsontopicssuchas:start-upregulations,businessplanning,
marketingresearchandstrategy,understandingbusinessfinancingandtaxes
andmore.
o Markham(msbc.markham.ca)
o RichmondHill(BusinessRichmondHill.ca)
o Vaughan(vaughan.ca/VBEC)
o YorkRegion(yorksmallbusiness.ca)
TheSouthLakeCommunityFuturesDevelopmentCorporation
(southlakecfdc.org)isanot-for-profitcommunity-basedorganizationprovidinga
varietyofsmallbusinessandcommunityeconomicdevelopmentserviceswithin
EastGwillimbury,GeorginaandBrock.SouthLakeCFDCoperatesundera
contractwiththeFederalEconomicDevelopmentAgencyforSouthernOntario
toprovideCommunityFuturesprogrammingtothesecommunities.TheSLCFDC
isanational,ruralcommunity,economicdevelopmentinitiative.
CFDCsprovidebusinessloansandotherbusinessfinancingtosmallandmedium
sizedenterprises;providebusinesscounselingandeducationservicesandoffer
accesstobusinessresourcesandassistancewithstartinganewbusiness;and
workwithlocalbusinesses,non-profits,municipalitiesandfirstnationsaswell
asprovincial,regionalorcountygovernmentsonawidevarietyofcommunity
economiccapacitydevelopmentplanningandprojects.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
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StartupWeekend(startupweekend.org)isaweekend-long,hands-on
experiencewhereaspiringentrepreneursdevelopstartupideasfromconceptto
pitch.Alongtheway,conceptsarevalidatedforviability,feasibilityand
profitability.Onaverage,halfofStartupWeekend’sattendeeshavetechnicalor
designbackgrounds,theotherhalfhavebusinessbackgrounds.
BeginningwithopenmicpitchesonFriday,attendeesbringtheirbestideasand
inspireotherstojointheirteam.OverSaturdayandSunday,teamsfocuson
customerdevelopment,validatingtheirideas,practicingLEANStartup
Methodologiesandbuildingaminimalviableproduct.OnSundayafternoon,
teamspresenttheirstartuppitchtoapanelofjudges.
InYorkRegion,StartupWeekendshavebeenheldatSenecaCollege(Markham
campus)andYorkUniversity.
StartupYork(startupyork.ca)isanon-profit,volunteerandentrepreneur-led
peer-to-peernetworkofbusinessownersand"intrapreneurs".Practicinga
strictno-salesrule,StartupYorkisfocusedonbuildingandsustainingan
environmentforentrepreneurstoshareinformationandbestpracticeswithone
another.StartupYorkhosts2-3eventseachmonthtobringthecommunity
together:EIR(EntrepreneursInResidence,EIRTalks.ca)andStartupDrinks.All
eventsarefreetoattend–participantsjustcoverwhattheyconsume.
ventureLAB(venturelab.ca)isthenon-profitRegionalInnovationCentrethat
supportsYorkRegion,SimcoeCountyandMuskokaDistrict.ventureLABhelps
technology,healthandotherentrepreneursbringtheirinnovationstomarket,
byofferingauniquecombinationofmentoring,partnering,andconnecting
tailoredtotheuniqueneedsofeachbusiness.ventureLABofferstheBUILD
trainingprogram,1:1advisoryservices,clinics,conferences,investormeetings,
andotherspecialevents:
• Fornewerbusinesses,theBegincourse(partofBUILD)helps
entrepreneursdevelopbusinessplansandarticulatevalue
propositions.
• Forsocialentrepreneurs,ventureLABoffersCommunityBUILD
programstailoredtosocialenterprises.
TheWomen’sCentreofYorkRegion(wcyr.ca/get-support/)offersarangeof
supportandservicesforwomentomakepositivechangesintheirlives,
includingtheEnterprisingCareers(careerexploration)andMicrolendingfor
Women(entrepreneurship)programs.
TheYorkEntrepreneurshipDevelopmentInstitute(yedinstitute.org)workswith
venturesacrossallstagesofbusiness.Inadditiontoitsfree12-weektraining
programforstartups(for-profitandnot-for-profit),YEDIprovidesfunding
opportunities,spaceandmentorshipforgrowingcompaniesandnot-for-profit
organizations.YEDIalsohasopenedaBusinessAccelerationCampus,an80,000
square-footfacilitycompletewithcommercial,industrial,office,educational,TV
studioandtheatricalco-workingandcollaborationspaces.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
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TheYorkRegionArtsCouncilservestoadvance,promote,representand
connecttheartcommunityandtourismindustryacrosstheregionsoasto
enrichlocalqualityoflife,andtobuildawarenessof,supportfor,involvementin
andappreciationof,artsandcultureinYorkRegion.Oneprogram,the
ArtrepreneurBusinessAccelerator(yorkregionartscouncil.com/artrepreneurincubator-program),helpscreativemindsinvisualarts,dance,theatre,film,
music,jewelry,fashion,augmentedrealityandgamedesign,buildabusiness.
YorkUniversity(yorku.ca)offersabreadthofprogramsandcoursestohelp
entrepreneurs.York’son-campusincubatorLaunchYU(launchyu.ca)supports
entrepreneursacrosscampusandinthecommunity,andprovidesaccelerator
spaceattheMarkhamConvergenceCentretoearly-stageYork-related
companies.
YorkRegion’snetworkofmunicipal-runlibrariesofferstrainingandother
resourcestosupportsmallbusinessesandentrepreneurs.Forexample:
o SeverallibrarieshavepartneredupwithStartupYorktoofferthe
monthlyEIR(EntrepreneursInResidence)speakerserieswhere
entrepreneurssharetheirexperienceswithcommunitymemberswho
maybethinkingaboutstartingtheirownbusiness:eirtalks.ca
o TheNewmarketLibrary’sbusinessresourcesareat
newmarketpl.ca/research/business-resources
o TheRichmondHillLibraryoffersacomprehensivelistofresourcesto
helpentrepreneurs:rhpl.richmondhill.on.ca/SmallBusiness
Thelibraries’businessresourcescanbeaccessedfrom:
• Aurora:aurorapl.ca
• EastGwillimbury:egpl.ca
• Georgina:georginalibrary.ca
• King:kinglibrary.ca
• Markham:markhampubliclibrary.ca
• Newmarket:newmarketpl.ca
• RichmondHill:rhpl.richmondhill.on.ca/RHPL/
• Vaughan:vaughanpl.info/index.php
• Whitchurch-Stouffville:wsplibrary.ca
“Ineedspace.”
TheVaughanInternationalCommercializationCentre(VICC,
vaughan.ca/business/VICC)hostsaco-workingspace,theBridge@Lebovic,that
isaimedatprovidingbusinessesatthestageofcommercializinganew,
innovativeproductorservicewithaplaceto“softland.”TheBridge@Lebovic
alsoprovidesbusinesseswithanopportunitytotesttheirnewtechnologyin
real-lifesettingsandjoinanestablishedbusinessecosystem.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
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ventureLAB(venturelab.ca)isthenon-profitRegionalInnovationCentrethat
supportsYorkRegion,SimcoeCountyandMuskokaDistrict.ventureLABhelps
technology,healthandothercreativeentrepreneursbringtheirinnovationsto
market,byofferinganuniquecombinationofmentoring,partnering,and
connectingtailoredtotheuniqueneedsofeachstartupbusiness.ventureLAB
hostspulseHUB,whichisaresourcehubthatprovidesfreeofficespacetoa
cohortoftechnologystartupscreatinginnovativedevices,applications,and
servicestotransformhealthandwellness.
TheVillageHive(thevillagehive.ca),locatedinMarkhamVillage,isaco-working
spaceforentrepreneurs,freelancersandpeoplewithworkplaceflexibility.The
VillageHiveoffersabrightspacewith"hotdesks"wherememberscan:
• Setupandworkforthedaywithwifi,coffee/tea,printeranda
meetingroom
• Attendbusinessstrategyworkshops
• Holdworkshopsduringtheday,eveningsandweekends
• Attendnetworkinglunches
• Promotebusinessandwellnessevents
“Ineedfunding.”
TheBusinessDevelopmentBankofCanada(bdc.ca/)isafinancialinstitution
ownedbytheGovernmentofCanada,andoffersfundingandservicesthat
complementwhatprivate-sectorfinancialinstitutionsprovidetoentrepreneurs.
WithYorkRegionlocationsinMarkham,NewmarketandVaughan,BDCoffers:
• Venturecapitalandgrowth&transitioncapital
• Financingincludingloans
• Advisoryandconsultingservices
• Supporttoolsandarticles
TheCanadianGovernmentofferstheConciergeService(concierge.portal.gc.ca,
1-855-53-GUIDE)tohelpentrepreneursnavigatethroughthemanyprograms
andfinancingopportunitiesattheFederalandProvinciallevels.
Thegovernmentalsooffersadatabaseofgrant,loanandfinancinginformation:
canadabusiness.ca/eng/program/search/sgc-35/.MentorWorkscompileda
summaryofthesegrantsandloansatmentorworks.ca/what-weoffer/government-funding/#funding.
FuturpreneurCanada(futurpreneur.ca)offersmentoringandloanfinancingfor
entrepreneurs18-39yearsold,withloanfinancingofupto$45000.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
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IdealIncubator(idealincubator.ca)providesentrepreneursandearlystage
startupswithbusinessdevelopmentresourcesandseedfundingtocreate
businesses.TheIdealIncubatorteamhelpsguideentrepreneursthroughthe
startupjourney,whileconnectingthemwithanextensivenetworkofprivate
andpublicsectorpartnersandmentors.
KeiretsuForumCentralCanada(keiretsuforum.com/global-chapters/vaughan/)
hasforgedapartnershipwiththeCityofVaughanandwillbeworkingclosely
withtheVICC(VaughanInternationalCommercializationCenter).Companies
engagingwithKeiretsuForumCentralCanadawillhavetheuniqueopportunity
topresentinfrontofactiveangelinvestorsviaatwo-dayroadshow.Qualifying
companieshavetheabilitytosyndicategloballyforcapitalaswellasfornew
distributionpartnersandnewclients.
NationalResearchCouncil-IndustrialResearchAssistanceProgram(NRC-IRAP,
nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/irap/index.html)istheGovernmentofCanada'spremier
innovationassistanceprogramforsmallandmedium-sizedenterprises.IRAP
offersadvisoryservices,fundingopportunities,networkingconnectionsand
youthemploymentprogramstohelpitsclients.
OntarioCentresofExcellence(oce-ontario.org)drivesthecommercializationof
cutting-edgeresearchacrossstrategicmarketsectorstobuildtheeconomyof
tomorrowandfosteracultureofentrepreneurismthroughprogramsthathelp
youngentrepreneursdevelopbusinessskillsandlaunchnewcompanies.OCE’s
programsuite(includinggrants)coversthreekeyareas:
• Industry-AcademicR&DCollaboration
• Commercialization
• Entrepreneurship
OtherkeyOCEinitiativesaretheIBMHighPerformanceComputingInitiative
andCollegesOntarioNetworkforIndustryInnovation(CONII).
TheSouthLakeCommunityFuturesDevelopmentCorporation
(southlakecfdc.org)isanot-for-profitcommunity-basedorganizationprovidinga
varietyofsmallbusinessandcommunityeconomicdevelopmentserviceswithin
EastGwillimbury,GeorginaandBrock.SouthLakeCFDCoperatesundera
contractwiththeFederalEconomicDevelopmentAgencyforSouthernOntario
toprovideCommunityFuturesprogrammingtothesecommunities.TheSLCFDC
isanational,ruralcommunity,economicdevelopmentinitiative.
CFDCsprovidebusinessloansandotherbusinessfinancingtosmallandmedium
sizedenterprises;providebusinesscounselingandeducationservicesandoffer
accesstobusinessresourcesandassistancewithstartinganewbusiness;and
workwithlocalbusinesses,non-profits,municipalitiesandfirstnationsaswell
asprovincial,regionalorcountygovernmentsonawidevarietyofcommunity
economiccapacitydevelopmentplanningandprojects.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
Page8of26
StarterCompany(contactyourlocalSmallBusinessEnterpriseCentre)offers
grantfundingofupto$5000forentrepreneursbetween18-29whoareno
longerinschoolnorworkingfull-timeelsewhere.
SummerCompany(ontario.ca/summercompany)offersgrantfundingofupto
$3000forstudententrepreneurs15-29whoarecurrentlyinschooland
returningtoschoolinthefall.
ventureLAB(venturelab.ca)isthenon-profitRegionalInnovationCentrethat
supportsYorkRegion,SimcoeCountyandMuskokaDistrict.ventureLABhelps
technology,healthandothercreativeentrepreneursbringtheirinnovationsto
market,byofferinganuniquecombinationofmentoring,partnering,and
connectingtailoredtotheuniqueneedsofeachstartupbusiness.ventureLAB
offerstheBUILDtrainingprogram,1:1advisoryservices,clinics,conferences,
andotherspecialevents.Inaddition,theGenesisprogramworkswith
ventureLABadvisorsandteammemberstohelpmatchclientstoappropriate
fundingopportunities.
TheYorkAngelInvestors(yorkangels.com)providesasupportivelinkage
betweenlocalentrepreneurswhoareseekingearlyandmid-stagecapitaland
investors/mentorswithacommitmenttotheeconomicdevelopmentofthe
Regionandtotheentrepreneurialspiritofthiscommunity.
TheYorkEntrepreneurshipDevelopmentInstitute(yedinstitute.org)workswith
venturesacrossallstagesofbusiness.Inadditiontoitsfree12-weektraining
programforstartups(for-profitandnot-for-profit),YEDIprovidesfunding
opportunities,spaceandmentorshipforgrowingcompaniesandnot-for-profit
organizations.YEDIalsohasopenedaBusinessAccelerationCampus,an80,000
square-footfacilitycompletewithcommercial,industrial,office,educational,TV
studioandtheatricalco-workingandcollaborationspaces.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
Page9of26
“We'rejustmonthsawayfromlaunchingourproduct.”
TheActiveCareerAdvancementProject(ACAP,acapcanada.ca)isaninitiative
ofS.U.C.C.E.S.S.(successbc.ca)providesfreeHRservicestocompanieswhoare
lookingtocreateorimprovetheirHRpracticesinordertopromote
inclusivenessanddiversityintheworkplace.Theprogramisfreeforall
employersbecauseitisfundedbytheGovernmentofCanada.
Someoftheservicesavailabletoemployersinclude,butarenotlimitedto:
• DiversifyingRecruitingPractices(findingfreeoptionsforrecruiting
immigrantsandothercandidates)
• JobDescriptionBestPractices(eithercreatingorimprovingcurrentjob
descriptionstobemoreclearandinclusive)
• FundamentalsofBehaviouralBasedInterviewing
• VariousTrainingPrograms(ex:SoftSkillsTrainingforImmigrant
Employees;ConflictManagement,etc.)
• PerformanceManagementReviewGuides
• RetentionStrategies
• CrossCulturalCompetencyTraining
Allservicesaremodifiedtotheemployer’sneeds.
OntarioCentresofExcellence(oce-ontario.org)drivesthecommercializationof
cutting-edgeresearchacrossstrategicmarketsectorstobuildtheeconomyof
tomorrowandfosteracultureofentrepreneurismthroughprogramsthathelp
youngentrepreneursdevelopbusinessskillsandlaunchnewcompanies.OCE’s
programsuite(includinggrants)coversthreekeyareas:
• Industry-AcademicR&DCollaboration
• Commercialization
• Entrepreneurship
OtherkeyOCEinitiativesaretheIBMHighPerformanceComputingInitiative
andCollegesOntarioNetworkforIndustryInnovation(CONII).
SenecaCollege’son-campusincubatorHELIX(HealthEntrepreneurshipand
LifestyleInnovationXchange,senecacollege.ca/research/HELIX/)provides
mentoringandworkshopstohelphealthandtechnologystartups.HELIXisopen
tobothSenecastudentsandentrepreneurswhoarenotSenecastudents.
ventureLAB(venturelab.ca)isthenon-profitRegionalInnovationCentrethat
supportsYorkRegion,SimcoeCountyandMuskokaDistrict.ventureLABhelps
technology,healthandothercreativeentrepreneursbringtheirinnovationsto
market,byofferinganuniquecombinationofmentoring,partnering,and
connectingtailoredtotheuniqueneedsofeachstartupbusiness.ventureLAB
offerstheBUILDtrainingprogram,1:1advisoryservices,clinics,conferences,
andotherspecialevents.TheLaunchprogram(partofBUILD)helpscompanies
preparetolaunchtheirbusiness.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
Page10of26
YorkUniversity(yorku.ca)offersabreadthofprogramsandcoursestohelp
entrepreneurs.York’son-campusincubatorLaunchYU(launchyu.ca)supports
entrepreneursacrosscampusandinthecommunity,andprovidesaccelerator
spaceattheMarkhamConvergenceCentretoearly-stageYork-related
companies.
“Ineedhelptogrowmybusiness.”
TheActiveCareerAdvancementProject(ACAP,acapcanada.ca)isaninitiative
ofS.U.C.C.E.S.S.(successbc.ca)providesfreeHRservicestocompanieswhoare
lookingtocreateorimprovetheirHRpracticesinordertopromote
inclusivenessanddiversityintheworkplace.Theprogramisfreeforall
employersbecauseitisfundedbytheGovernmentofCanada.
Someoftheservicesavailabletoemployersinclude,butarenotlimitedto:
• DiversifyingRecruitingPractices(findingfreeoptionsforrecruiting
immigrantsandothercandidates)
• JobDescriptionBestPractices(eithercreatingorimprovingcurrentjob
descriptionstobemoreclearandinclusive)
• FundamentalsofBehaviouralBasedInterviewing
• VariousTrainingPrograms(ex:SoftSkillsTrainingforImmigrant
Employees;ConflictManagement,etc.)
• PerformanceManagementReviewGuides
• RetentionStrategies
• CrossCulturalCompetencyTraining
Allservicesaremodifiedtotheemployer’sneeds.
TheAssociationofChineseCanadianEntrepreneurs(ACCE,acce.ca)isanotfor-profitorganizationfocusedonhelpingChineseCanadianentrepreneursto
startandbuildtheirbusinesses.ACCEprovidesseveralservicestoitsmembers,
including:
• Networkingopportunities
• Seminars,workshops,andconferences
• Otherprogramsaboutspecificbusinesstopics
• Facilitatingcommunicationbetweengovernmentandnewbusinesses
• Assistingentrepreneurstoexploreanddeveloptradepotentialinthe
Asia-PacificRegionforCanadiangoodsandservices
LastUpdated:October17,2016
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TheBusinessDevelopmentBankofCanada(bdc.ca/)isafinancialinstitution
ownedbytheGovernmentofCanada,andoffersfundingandservicesthat
complementwhatprivate-sectorfinancialinstitutionsprovidetoentrepreneurs.
WithYorkRegionlocationsinMarkham,NewmarketandVaughan,BDCoffers:
• Venturecapitalandgrowth&transitioncapital
• Financingincludingloans
• Advisoryandconsultingservices
• Supporttoolsandarticles
TheBuildinCanadaInnovationProgram,orBCIP(buyandsell.gc.ca/initiativesand-programs/build-in-canada-innovation-program-bcip)wascreatedtohelp
companiesbridgethepre-commercializationgapbyprocuringandtestinglatestageinnovativegoodsandserviceswithinthefederalgovernmentbefore
takingthemtomarketby:
• Awardingcontractstoentrepreneurswithpre-commercialinnovations
throughanopen,transparent,competitiveandfairprocurement
process
• Testingandprovidingfeedbacktotheseentrepreneursonthe
performanceoftheirgoodsorservices
• Providinginnovatorswiththeopportunitytoenterthemarketplace
withasuccessfulapplicationoftheirnewgoodsandservices
• ProvidinginformationonhowtodobusinesswiththeGovernmentof
Canada
TheProvinceofOntario'sBusinessAdvisoryServices(onebusiness.ca)focuses
onhelpinghigh-growthfirmsfocusedonexporting,productdevelopmentand
staffing,growtheirbusinessesinCanadaandinternationally.
TheBusinessWomen’sNetworkofYorkRegion(bwnyr.com)isanorganization
forbusinesswomentoconnectthroughnetworking.Thenetworkoffersa
forumformemberstosharechallengesandsuccesses,howtohelpothers
throughmentorshipprograms,aswellasserveoneanotherinYorkRegion.The
focusisoncollaborating,connecting,exchangeideas,worktogetherformutual
successandgrowthbothprofessionallyaswellaspersonally.
TheBusinessWomen’sNetworkingAssociation(bwna.ca)ismadeupof
businesswomenandentrepreneursinYorkRegion.TheBWNAisanetworking
forumthatofferssupportandinformationonissuesuniquetowomenin
business.Membershipisopentowomenwhoareselfemployedand/orsmall
businessowners.Memberswillnotcompetedirectlywithoneanotherwithin
themembershipgroup.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
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CanadaOne(canadaone.com/index.html)isdedicatedtohelpingpeoplestart,
runandgrowsuccessfulbusinessesinCanada,fromhigh-growthstart-upsto
home-basedbusinessowners.CanadaOnehasbuiltalibraryofover900just-intimebusinessarticlessincelaunchinginMarch1998,tohelpsmallbusinesses
accesstheinformationtheyneed,justastheyneedit.Populartopicsonthe
sitearethinkingoutofthebox,HR,marketing,sales,andhowsmallcompanies
canbenefitfromemergingtechnologies.
TheCanadianAssociationofMarketingProfessionals(canadianmarketer.ca),
orCAMP'sspecificfocusistoprovideopportunityandcollaborationforall
Canadianmarketers.Anot-for-profitorganization,theirfocusistokeepthe
individualmarketerrelevant,byhelpingthemstaycurrentwithaneverchangingbusinesslandscapewithinatrustedcommunity.CAMPproducesa
varietyofevents,includingworkshops,talks,networkingsessions,andawards.
TheChambersandBoardsofferavarietyofprogramsandeventstohelp
businessesnetwork,learnnewbusinessskillsandmanagetheircosts(e.g.,
specialmemberbenefits).ThechambersandboardsalsotypicallyhaveaYoung
Professionalsgroupthatfocusonofferingeventsandprogramsuniqueto
youngerprofessionalsandentrepreneurs.
o AuroraChamberofCommerce(aurorachamber.on.ca)
o MarkhamBoardofTrade(markhamboard.com)
o NewmarketChamberofCommerce(newmarketchamber.ca)
o RichmondHillChamberofCommerce(rhcoc.com)
o VaughanChamberofCommerce(vaughanchamber.ca)
TheCanadaBusinessNetwork(canadabusiness.ca/eng/)assistsbusinesses
throughaccesstoreliable,up-to-dateinformationbyreducingthecomplexityof
dealingwithmultiplelevelsofgovernmentandconsolidatingbusiness
informationthroughawiderangeofgovernmentservices,programsand
regulationsrelevanttoexistingandpotentialbusinessentrepreneurs.
ConciergeServiceisaprogramofferedbytheFederalgovernment
(concierge.innovation.gc.ca/en/home,1-855-53-GUIDE)tohelpgrowing
companiesnavigatethroughtheprogramsofferedattheFederallevel.
CreateITNow(southlakeregional.org/Default.aspx?cid=1425&lang=1)isa
launchpadforgreatideasandalandingsitetailormadeforhealthcare-focused
innovatorsgettingintoNorthAmericanmarkets.Inadditiontobusinessadvice,
CreateITNowofferssubsidizedworkingspaceandaccesstoin-marketclinical
expertiseandadvice.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
Page13of26
#FiresideConf(firesideconf.com)isabusinessconference,completewith
speakers,workshopsandnetworking-andtheirsponsorsincludetheDMZand
TechTO.Butinsteadofholdingthisinahotelorconventioncentre,this
conferenceishostedonacampground(withcabins).
FiresideConferenceprovidesstartups,entrepreneurs,teams,VCs,andAngels
withanintimateandinformalweekendgetawaytofosterteambondingand
helpdevelopnewideas.AndwhilethecampsiteisnotlocatedinYorkRegion,it
isopentoYorkRegionparticipants(andhonestly,itwastoocooltonot
include).
TheGreenConnectionsNetwork(green-connections.com)isagroupofsmall
businessowners,socialenterprises,non-profitsandcommunitybased
organizationsthatwanttomakeadifferencebypromotingenvironmentallyand
sociallysustainablepractices.GCNoffersmonthlymeetings,educational
opportunities,andmentoring.
KeiretsuForumCentralCanada(keiretsuforum.com/global-chapters/vaughan/)
hasforgedapartnershipwiththeCityofVaughanandwillbeworkingclosely
withtheVICC(VaughanInternationalCommercializationCenter).Companies
engagingwithKeiretsuForumCentralCanadawillhavetheuniqueopportunity
topresentinfrontofactiveangelinvestorsviaatwo-dayroadshow.Qualifying
companieshavetheabilitytosyndicategloballyforcapitalaswellasfornew
distributionpartnersandnewclients.
PresentedbytheTownofRichmondHill,ventureLAB,andtheRegional
MunicipalityofYork,MedEdge(businessrichmondhill.ca/mededge/)isacatalyst
foradvancinglifescienceideas,connectionsandinnovationintocommercial
successinYorkRegionandtheGTA’slifesciencessector.The2016themewas
“DisruptiveInnovationsinHealthCare”,andspeakerssharedhowtheyuse
disruptiveinnovationstoovercomechallengesandhowpartneringwithother
organizationshavehelpedthemtoachievesuccess.ThenextMedEdgeison
June14,2016.
OCEDiscovery(ocediscovery.com)isCanada'sleadinginnovation-tocommercializationconference,showcasingleading-edgetechnologies,best
practicesandresearchinOntario.Theevent,heldonMay9-10,2016,features
talks,showcases,exhibitors,andotheractivitiestoconnectinnovators.
OnRichmondHill.comhostsaweeklyConnectingtheCommunity"cross-sector
collaboration"meetingthatisopentothepublic,andthereisnochargeto
attend.Inthisforum,smallbusinessownersfromaroundRichmondHilland
therestofYorkRegionshareinformationabouteachother’sactivitiesand
businesses,includingspecialevents,seminars,workshops,fundraisers,and
specialcauses.Moreinformationcanbefoundatonrichmondhill.com.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
Page14of26
OntarioCentresofExcellence(oce-ontario.org)drivesthecommercializationof
cutting-edgeresearchacrossstrategicmarketsectorstobuildtheeconomyof
tomorrowandfosteracultureofentrepreneurismthroughprogramsthathelp
youngentrepreneursdevelopbusinessskillsandlaunchnewcompanies.OCE’s
programsuite(includinggrants)coversthreekeyareas:
• Industry-AcademicR&DCollaboration
• Commercialization
• Entrepreneurship
OtherkeyOCEinitiativesaretheIBMHighPerformanceComputingInitiative
andCollegesOntarioNetworkforIndustryInnovation(CONII).
TheRichmondHill&MarkhamChineseBusinessAssociation(rhmcba.ca)isa
non-profitorganizationservingRichmondHillandMarkham.Encouraging
communicationbetweenChinesebusinesses,industryprofessionals,and
politicalbodies,theRHMCBAoffersnetworking,leadershiptrainingand
seminarstoitsmembers.TheYouthChapteralsoarrangesvolunteerjob
placementswithlocalbusinesses.
TheSmallBusinessEnterpriseCentres(SBECs)provideawealthofbusiness
advisoryservicesandtrainingprograms,targetedathelpingsmallbusinesses
start,growandsucceed.TheSBECsofferone-on-oneappointmentsand
educationalseminarsontopicssuchas:start-upregulations,businessplanning,
marketingresearchandstrategy,understandingbusinessfinancingandtaxes
andmore.
o Markham(msbc.markham.ca)
o RichmondHill(BusinessRichmondHill.ca)
o Vaughan(vaughan.ca/VBEC)
o YorkRegion(yorksmallbusiness.ca)
TheSouthLakeCommunityFuturesDevelopmentCorporation
(southlakecfdc.org)isanot-for-profitcommunity-basedorganizationproviding
avarietyofsmallbusinessandcommunityeconomicdevelopmentservices
withinEastGwillimbury,GeorginaandBrock.SouthLakeCFDCoperatesunder
acontractwiththeFederalEconomicDevelopmentAgencyforSouthern
OntariotoprovideCommunityFuturesprogrammingtothesecommunities.
TheSLCFDCisanational,ruralcommunity,economicdevelopmentinitiative.
CFDCsprovidebusinessloansandotherbusinessfinancingtosmallandmedium
sizedenterprises;providebusinesscounselingandeducationservicesandoffer
accesstobusinessresourcesandassistancewithstartinganewbusiness;and
workwithlocalbusinesses,non-profits,municipalitiesandfirstnationsaswell
asprovincial,regionalorcountygovernmentsonawidevarietyofcommunity
economiccapacitydevelopmentplanningandprojects.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
Page15of26
StartupYork(startupyork.ca)isanon-profit,volunteerandentrepreneur-led
peer-to-peernetworkofbusinessownersand"intrapreneurs".Practicinga
strictno-salesrule,StartupYorkisfocusedonbuildingandsustainingan
environmentforentrepreneurstoshareinformationandbestpracticeswith
oneanother.StartupYorkhosts2-3eventseachmonthtobringthecommunity
together:EIR(EntrepreneursInResidence,EIRTalks.ca)andStartupDrinks.
TheTAVESConsumerElectronicsShow(taveshow.com)isCanada’sultimate
technologyshowcase,connectingtradeprofessionals,consumersandmedia.
Thisworld-classexpositionattractscompaniesfromaroundtheglobeand
showcasescuttingedgetechnologyandinnovationspanningabroadrangeof
categories,includingrobotics,wearables,smartdevices,videogaminghardware
&software,home&personalHiFi,hometheatre,3Dprinting,digitalimaging
products,aswellaselectronicgadgets.Theshowpresentsanunrivalled
opportunityforallcompanies–frommajorbrandstocrowd-fundedstartups–
tolaunchnewproducts,prototypesandbetasoftwaretoawiderangeof
mainstreamandspecialistmediaoutlets.In2015,morethan6500peopleand
100exhibitorsattendedTAVES.Sameasthe2015show,the2016showwill
takeplaceattheSheratonParkwayinRichmondHill.
TechConnex(techconnex.ca)istheonlymember-directedindustryassociation
intheGTAentirelyfocusedonthegrowthofsmallandmid-sizetechbusinesses
andtheirpeoplethroughthesharingofbestpractices,businessinsightsand
brightideas.Foritsmembers,TechConnexoffers:
• Networking
• PeerGroups
• LearningLabs
• Speakerevents
FundedbyEmploymentOntario,theThornhillEmploymentHub
(thornhillhub.com)providesseveralservicestobusinesseslookingtohire:
• Adedicatedteamofjobdevelopersandemploymentadvisorsto
recruitcandidates
• Apoolofqualifiedandmotivatedjobreadycandidatesinonelocation
• Jobfairshostedonsite
• Advertisingofjobpostingstoanaudienceofdiverseclientsand
employmentserviceproviderswithinYorkRegion
• Informationonandaccesstoavarietyofemploymentandtraining
programsavailabletoemployersthroughEmploymentOntario
LastUpdated:October17,2016
Page16of26
TheCityofVaughanispilotingasuiteofprogramsandseminarsaspartofthe
VaughanInternationalCommercializationCentre(vaughan.ca/business/VICC).
ThroughtheVICC,companieslookingtoexpandcanaccesscommercialization
supportforneworexistingtechnologythroughprogrammingthatincludes:
• In-markettemporaryworkingspaceandrepresentation
• Testingsitesinreal-lifesettings
• Connectiontoanetworkofserviceproviderswhocanfacilitateentry
intonewmarketsinternationallyandlocally
MembershipintheVICCisfree,andmembershipgivesbusinessesaccessto
these3programs:
• SoftLanding:assistedmarketentryforgrowingbusinesses.
• TestCity:opportunitiestotest,demonstrate,andprovetechnologies.
• Matchmaking:value-drivenbusinessconnections.
TheVICC’sco-workingspace,theBridge@Lebovic,isaimedatproviding
businessesatthestageofcommercializinganew,innovativeproductorservice
withaplaceto“softland.”TheBridge@Lebovicalsoprovidesbusinesseswith
anopportunitytotesttheirnewtechnologyinreal-lifesettingsandjoinan
establishedbusinessecosystem.
ventureLAB(venturelab.ca)isthenon-profitRegionalInnovationCentrethat
supportsYorkRegion,SimcoeCountyandMuskokaDistrict.ventureLABhelps
technology,healthandothercreativeentrepreneursbringtheirinnovationsto
market,byofferinganuniquecombinationofmentoring,partnering,and
connectingtailoredtotheuniqueneedsofeachstartupbusiness.ventureLAB
offerstheBUILDtrainingprogram,1:1advisoryservices,clinics,conferences,
andotherspecialevents.
TheWomenInBusinessInVaughan(womeninbusinessinvaughan.com)offers
trainingandnetworkingopportunitiesforwomenentrepreneursand
professionals.Servicesinclude:
• Onlinecommunityforadviceandsupport
• Accesstoonecentral,onlinelocationtolearnaboutsupport,resource,
andnetworkingopportunitiesinVaughan
• Eventscalendar
• Postandfindlocalemploymentopportunities
TheYMCA(ymcagta.org/employment-and-immigrant-services/career-planningand-development-services/services-for-organizations)offersseveralservicesfor
businesseswhoarerecruiting:
• Workshopsforprofessionaldevelopmentandteambuilding
• Pre-EmploymentSelectionTestingtoevaluatecandidatesuitabilityfor
aposition
• Careerdevelopmentforemployeesandsuccessionplanningservices
LastUpdated:October17,2016
Page17of26
TheYorkRegionMompreneurs(themompreneur.com/regional-chapters/yorkregion-mompreneurs)isthelocalchapteroftheMompreneurShowcaseGroup,
whichsupports,educates,andempowersmomsinbusiness.Acrosstheir
network,Mompreneurfacilitates:
• ConnectingmemberstootherwomenandbusinessesacrossCanada
• Providingaffordablewaysforfemaleentrepreneurstopromotetheir
businesses
• Advocatingforfemaleentrepreneursandwomeninbusinessboth
locallyandnationally
• Creatinganonlinepresenceforfemaleentrepreneursinone
centralizedlocation
YorkUniversity(yorku.ca)offersabreadthofprogramsandcoursestohelp
entrepreneurs.InnovationYorkisYorkUniversity'swingthathelpsbusinesses
withexpansion.
Forcompanieswhowanttosolvetechnicalorbusinessproblems,explore
researchquestions,findnewintellectualassets,ordevelopproductsand
services,collaboratingwithYorkUniversityoffersaccesstosuperbresearchers
andresearchfacilities,aswellasaccesstogovernmentmatchinggrant
programstoassistwithfundingtheseresearchprojects.
Thesecollaborationsenableanindustrypartnerto:
• Accessworld-classresearch
• Addressunsolvedresearch/developmentproblems
• Advancetheirresearchagendaandenhanceproductroadmap
developmentactivitiesandschedules
• Accessworld-classlaboratoriesfilledwithleadingedgeequipment
• Accessgovernmentmatchinggrantstoreducecostsofresearch
projects
• Assesspotentialtraineesastheyprovideresearchassistanceandwork
oncorporatechallenges.Thiscanbehighlybeneficialinmoving
researchprojectsforwardandinassessingnewtalentforyour
company
TheYoungCanadianChineseProfessionalsandEntrepreneursAssociation
(YCCPEA,yccpea.org)isanot-for-profitorganizationthathelpsyoungChineseCanadianentrepreneursandprofessionals.YCCPEAhostsvariouseventsfor
networkingandeducation.
“Iwanttoenterinternationalmarkets.”
TheProvinceofOntario'sBusinessAdvisoryServices(onebusiness.ca)focuses
onhelpinghigh-growthfirmsfocusedonexporting,productdevelopmentand
staffing,growtheirbusinessesinCanadaandinternationally.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
Page18of26
ThemissionoftheCentreforGlobalEnterprise(CGE)attheSchulichSchoolof
Business(schulich.yorku.ca/centre-for-global-enterprise/)istohelpCanadian
businessesreachtheirfullpotentialthroughengagementwithinternational
markets.AparticularfocusissupportingCanadiansmallandmedium-scale
enterprises(SMEs)withglobalpotential.
TheToolbox,availableontheCGEwebsite,isanetworkofcontacts,resources
andinformationdesignedtoencourageandsupportbusinessesinsuccessfully
engagingwithmarketsandopportunitiesoutsideofCanada.
OntarioCentresofExcellence(oce-ontario.org)drivesthecommercializationof
cutting-edgeresearchacrossstrategicmarketsectorstobuildtheeconomyof
tomorrowandfosteracultureofentrepreneurismthroughprogramsthathelp
youngentrepreneursdevelopbusinessskillsandlaunchnewcompanies.OCE’s
programsuite(includinggrants)coversthreekeyareas:
• Industry-AcademicR&DCollaboration
• Commercialization
• Entrepreneurship
TheOCE'sGlobalStartVoucherProgramisanomination-basedvoucherprogram
thatsupportsyouth-ledstart-upsengagedwithcampusaccelerators(e.g.,
SenecaCollegeHELIX,YorkUniversityLaunchYU)andRegionalInnovation
Centres(e.g.,ventureLAB)acrossOntariothataretargetingemergingmarkets
outsideofNorthAmerica.Findoutmoreathttp://www.oceontario.org/programs/entrepreneurship-programs/globalstart-voucherprogram.
TheCityofVaughanispilotingasuiteofprogramsandseminarsaspartofthe
VaughanInternationalCommercializationCentre(vaughan.ca/business/VICC).
ThroughtheVICC,companieslookingtoexpandcanaccesscommercialization
supportforneworexistingtechnologythroughprogrammingthatincludes:
• In-markettemporaryworkingspaceandrepresentation
• Testingsitesinreal-lifesettings
• Connectiontoanetworkofserviceproviderswhocanfacilitateentry
intonewmarketsinternationallyandlocally
MembershipintheVICCisfree,andmembershipgivesbusinessesaccessto
these3programs:
• SoftLanding:assistedmarketentryforgrowingbusinesses.
• TestCity:opportunitiestotest,demonstrate,andprovetechnologies.
• Matchmaking:value-drivenbusinessconnections.
TheVICC’sco-workingspace,theBridge@Lebovic,isaimedatproviding
businessesatthestageofcommercializinganew,innovativeproductorservice
withaplaceto“softland.”TheBridge@Lebovicalsoprovidesbusinesseswith
anopportunitytotesttheirnewtechnologyinreal-lifesettingsandjoinan
establishedbusinessecosystem.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
Page19of26
“I’dliketogivebacktothecommunity.WherecanIgotobeamentor?”
FuturpreneurCanada(futurpreneur.ca)offersmentoringandloanfinancingfor
entrepreneurs18-39yearsold,withloanfinancingofupto$45000.Inquireif
therearevolunteermentoringopportunities.
NewMakeIt(newmakeit.yorkregionmakers.com)isastate-of-thearttechnology
hub,co-workingspace,andmakerspace.Featuringstate-of-the-arttoolssuch
as3Dprinters,lasercutters,andCNCtools,NewMakeItprovidesYorkRegion
residents,entrepreneurs,innovatorsandartistswithacollaborative,creativelearningspacethatfuelsinspiration,providesguidanceandenablesthesharing
ofideas.Inquireiftherearevolunteermentoringopportunities.
SenecaCollege’son-campusincubatorHELIX(HealthEntrepreneurshipand
LifestyleInnovationXchange,senecacollege.ca/research/HELIX/)provides
mentoringandworkshopstohelphealthandtechnologystartups.HELIXisopen
tobothSenecastudentsandentrepreneurswhoarenotSenecastudents.
InquireiftherearevolunteermentoringopportunitiesatHELIX.
TheSmallBusinessEnterpriseCentres(SBECs)provideawealthofbusiness
advisoryservicesandtrainingprograms,targetedathelpingsmallbusinesses
start,growandsucceed.Inquireiftherearevolunteermentoringopportunities:
o Markham(msbc.markham.ca)
o RichmondHill(BusinessRichmondHill.ca)
o Vaughan(vaughan.ca/VBEC)
o YorkRegion(yorksmallbusiness.ca)
StartupYork(startupyork.ca)isanon-profit,volunteerandentrepreneur-led
peer-to-peernetworkofbusinessownersand"intrapreneurs".Practicinga
strictno-salesrule,StartupYorkisfocusedonbuildingandsustainingan
environmentforentrepreneurstoshareinformationandbestpracticeswithone
another.StartupYorkhosts2-3eventseachmonthtobringthecommunity
together,EIR(EntrepreneursInResidence,EIRTalks.ca)andStartupDrinks,
whichcanbeopportunitiestomeetpeopleseekinganinformalmentor.
ventureLAB(venturelab.ca)isthenon-profitRegionalInnovationCentrethat
supportsYorkRegion,SimcoeCountyandMuskokaDistrict.ventureLABhelps
technology,healthandothercreativeentrepreneursbringtheirinnovationsto
market,byofferinganuniquecombinationofmentoring,partnering,and
connectingtailoredtotheuniqueneedsofeachstartupbusiness.ventureLAB
offerstheBUILDtrainingprogram,1:1advisoryservices,clinics,conferences,
andotherspecialevents.Inquireiftherearevolunteermentoring
opportunities.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
Page20of26
YLab(ylab.ca)isYorkRegion’sfirstmakerspaceandoperatesinthebasement
ofRichmondHill’shistoricDavidDunlapObservatory.Ledandsupportedby
volunteers,YLabhostseventstobringtogetherpeoplewhoshareacommon
interestinrobotics,makers,technologyinnovation,Ardiunos,hamradios,
lightsabers,andotherthingsTechnology.Inquireiftherearevolunteer
mentoringopportunities.
TheYorkEntrepreneurshipDevelopmentInstitute(yedinstitute.org)workswith
venturesacrossallstagesofbusiness.Inadditiontoitsfree12-weektraining
programforstartups(for-profitandnot-for-profit),YEDIprovidesfunding
opportunities,spaceandmentorshipforgrowingcompaniesandnot-for-profit
organizations.YEDIalsohasopenedaBusinessAccelerationCampus,whichis
an80,000square-footfacilitycompletewithcommercial,industrial,office,
educational,TVstudioandtheatricalco-workingandcollaborationspaces.
Inquireiftherearevolunteermentoringopportunities.
YorkUniversity(yorku.ca)offersabreadthofprogramsandcoursestohelp
entrepreneurs.York’son-campusincubatorLaunchYU(launchyu.ca)supports
entrepreneursacrosscampusandinthecommunity,andprovidesaccelerator
spaceattheMarkhamConvergenceCentretoearly-stageYork-related
companies.Inquireiftherearevolunteermentoringopportunities.
“What’savailableforinnovatorswhoareinhighschooloryounger?What
aboutthechildren?”
HeadquarteredinMarkham,AcrossU-hub(acrossuhub.com)isacharitable
communityorganizationservingtheGreaterTorontoArea.AcrossU-huboffers
programs,eventsandspacetohelpyouthaged16andabove.Theirworking
space,AcrossCornerofEntrepreneurs(ACE),offersanopenco-workingspace,
mentoring,andseminarsforitsmembers.
Registeredasnon-for-profitinCanada,DECAOntario(2016.deca.ca)isoneof60
internationaldelegationsofDECAInc.Theparentorganizationisregisteredasa
not-for-profitstudentorganizationwithmorethan215,000membersinthe
USA,Canada,China,Germany,Guam,Mexico,PuertoRico,andSpain.Through
conferencesandcompetitions,DECAinstillsprofessionalismandpreparesyouth
torespondtoauthenticbusinesscasesandmarketdemands.DECAOntario
offersworkshops,competitionsandtrainingtohelpitshigh-schoolmembers
developcriticalbusinessskills.
TheentrepreneurialstreamofDECA,GRIT(whichstandsforGumptionRisk
IntuitionTenacity),helpsyoungentrepreneurslearnfromconnectingwithlocal
startupandestablishedentrepreneurs.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
Page21of26
FIRSTCanada(firstroboticscanada.org/main/)isaregisteredandvolunteer-run
charity.“Thevarsitysportforthemind,”FIRSToffers3programstoprovide
hands-onopportunitiesforstudentsinprimaryandsecondaryschoolstolearn
aboutSTEMconcepts:
• FIRSTRobotics(FRC):highschool
• FIRSTLegoLeague(FLL):ages9to14
• JuniorFIRSTLegoLeague:ages6to9
TheFRCandFLLcompetitionsareintense,butvalueteamworkand
collaborationasmuchasrobotdesignandprojectinnovation.Understrict
rules,limitedresources,andtimelimits,teamsofstudentsarechallengedto
raisefunds,designateambrand,honeteamworkskills,andbuildandprogram
robotstoperformprescribedtasksagainstafieldofcompetitors.
QualifyingtournamentsaretypicallyheldinQ4ofeachyear.
SummerCompany(ontario.ca/summercompany)offersgrantfundingofupto
$3000forstudententrepreneurs15-29whoarecurrentlyinschooland
returningtoschoolinthefall.
TheY2StartupBootcampforHigh-SchoolStudents(y2youth.org)isatwo-part
eventwhereteensbetween12and18yearsoldlearnhowtobringabusiness
ideafromconcepttocustomervalidationtopitchpresentation.Supported
throughoutthebootcampbyadedicatedcoachand3workshops,teams
articulatetheirvalueproposition,validatetheirproductorservicewithpotential
customers,estimatefinancialperformance,andpresenttoapanelofjudges.
Participantscancometopitchanidea,orworkwithateamonsomeoneelse's
idea.
“WhataresomeofthelargerentrepreneurialeventsintheRegion?”
#FiresideConf(firesideconf.com)isabusinessconference,completewith
speakers,workshopsandnetworking-andtheirsponsorsincludetheDMZand
TechTO.Butinsteadofholdingthisinahotelorconventioncentre,this
conferenceishostedonacampground(withcabins).
FiresideConferenceprovidesstartups,entrepreneurs,teams,VCs,andAngels
withanintimateandinformalweekendgetawaytofosterteambondingand
helpdevelopnewideas.AndwhilethecampsiteisnotlocatedinYorkRegion,it
isopentoYorkRegionparticipants(andhonestly,itwastoocooltonotinclude).
LastUpdated:October17,2016
Page22of26
PresentedbytheTownofRichmondHill,ventureLAB,andtheRegional
MunicipalityofYork,MedEdge(businessrichmondhill.ca/mededge/)isacatalyst
foradvancinglifescienceideas,connectionsandinnovationintocommercial
successinYorkRegionandtheGTA’slifesciencessector.The2016themewas
“DisruptiveInnovationsinHealthCare”,andspeakerssharedhowtheyuse
disruptiveinnovationstoovercomechallengesandhowpartneringwithother
organizationshavehelpedthemtoachievesuccess.ThenextMedEdgeison
June14,2016.
OCEDiscovery(ocediscovery.com)isCanada'sleadinginnovation-tocommercializationconference,showcasingleading-edgetechnologies,best
practicesandresearchinOntario.Theevent,heldonMay9-10,2016,features
talks,showcases,exhibitors,andotheractivitiestoconnectinnovators.
StartupWeekend(startupweekend.org)isaweekend-long,hands-on
experiencewhereaspiringentrepreneursdevelopstartupideasfromconceptto
pitch.Alongtheway,conceptsarevalidatedforviability,feasibilityand
profitability.Onaverage,halfofStartupWeekend’sattendeeshavetechnicalor
designbackgrounds,theotherhalfhavebusinessbackgrounds.
BeginningwithopenmicpitchesonFriday,attendeesbringtheirbestideasand
inspireotherstojointheirteam.OverSaturdayandSunday,teamsfocuson
customerdevelopment,validatingtheirideas,practicingLEANStartup
Methodologiesandbuildingaminimalviableproduct.OnSundayafternoon,
teamspresenttheirstartuppitchtoapanelofjudges.
InYorkRegion,StartupWeekendshavebeenheldatSenecaCollege(Markham
campus)andYorkUniversity.
TheTAVESConsumerElectronicsShow(taveshow.com)isCanada’sultimate
technologyshowcase,connectingtradeprofessionals,consumersandmedia.
Thisworld-classexpositionattractscompaniesfromaroundtheglobeand
showcasescuttingedgetechnologyandinnovationspanningabroadrangeof
categories,includingrobotics,wearables,smartdevices,videogaminghardware
&software,home&personalHiFi,hometheatre,3Dprinting,digitalimaging
products,aswellaselectronicgadgets.Theshowpresentsanunrivalled
opportunityforallcompanies–frommajorbrandstocrowd-fundedstartups–
tolaunchnewproducts,prototypesandbetasoftwaretoawiderangeof
mainstreamandspecialistmediaoutlets.In2015,morethan6500peopleand
100exhibitorsattendedTAVES.Sameasthe2015show,the2016showwill
takeplaceattheSheratonParkwayinRichmondHill.
TheY2StartupBootcampforHigh-SchoolStudents(y2youth.org)isatwo-part
eventwhereteensbetween12and18yearsoldlearnhowtobringabusiness
ideafromconcepttocustomervalidationtopitchpresentation.Supported
throughoutthebootcampbyadedicatedcoachand3workshops,teams
articulatetheirvalueproposition,validatetheirproductorservicewithpotential
customers,estimatefinancialperformance,andpresenttoapanelofjudges.
Participantscancometopitchanidea,orworkwithateamonsomeoneelse's
idea.
LastUpdated:October17,2016
Page23of26
“That’stoomuchdetail.What’sthesummary?”
ActiveCareer
Advancement
Project
Associationof
ChineseCanadian
Entrepreneurs
BusinessDevelopment
BankofCanada
BusinessAdvisory
Services(Ontario)
BusinessWomen’s
NetworkofYork
Region
CanadaOne
CanadianAssociation
ofMarketing
Professionals
CentreforGlobal
Enterpriseatthe
SchulichSchoolof
Business
ChambersandBoards
Makers
Startup
Space
Funding
Launch
Grow
Bea
Mentor
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
CreateITNow
EnterprisePromotion
andInnovationCentre
#FiresideConf
FuturpreneurCanada
GreenConnections
Network
GovernmentofCanada
IdealIncubator
InnovationInitiative
(InventorsCircle)
JobSkills
KeiretsuForumCentral
Canada
MedEdge
NationalResearch
Council-Industrial
ResearchAssistance
Program
NewMakeIt
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
OnRichmondHill.com
LastUpdated:October17,2016
X
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OntarioCentresof
Excellence(OCE)
OntarioCentresof
Excellence(OCE)
Discovery
RichmondHill&
MarkhamChinese
BusinessAssociation
SenecaCollegeand
SenecaHELIX
SmallBusiness
EnterpriseCentres
(SBEC)
SouthLakeCommunity
FuturesDevelopment
Corporation
StarterCompany
Makers
StartupYork
Grow
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bea
Mentor
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
YLab
X
YMCA
YorkAngelInvestors
YorkEntrepreneurship
DevelopmentInstitute
YorkRegionArts
Council
YorkRegion
Mompreneurs
Launch
VillageHive
WomenInBusinessIn
Vaughan
Women’sCentreof
YorkRegion
Y2
Funding
SummerCompany
TAVESConsumer
ElectronicsShow
TechConnex
ThornhillEmployment
Hub
VaughanInternational
Commercialization
Centre
ventureLAB
Space
StartupWeekend
Startup
X
X
LastUpdated:October17,2016
X
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YorkRegion’s
municipallibraries
YorkUniversity
includingLaunchYU
YoungCanadian
ChineseProfessionals
andEntrepreneurs
Association
Makers
Startup
Space
X
X
X
Funding
Launch
Grow
Bea
Mentor
X
X
X
X
LastUpdated:October17,2016
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