On August 14th, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister, Chris Alexander was in Kitchener-Waterloo where he met with Communitech and other business leaders to discuss the Start-up Visa Program. The program, which boasted of its first two successful applicants in July 2014, was designed to help make Canada the destination of choice for the world’s brightest…
Small business incubators aim to provide a sophisticated mix of business support services, office space, and access to funding in order to help improve success rates of small businesses. In fact, the Canadian Association of Business Incubators (CABI) cites a report claiming: “The average survival rate of companies in Canada that go through business incubation has been…
The Ontario government is now offering young adults up to $5,000 in Ontario small business grants to start and or expand a business in Ontario. Who is Eligible for Ontario Business Grants for Start-ups? In order to qualify for start-up funding through this program you must be between 18-29 years old and a resident of…
Last year, Mentor Works informed its audience of an excellent opportunity for start-ups that takes place in Cobourg, Ontario called “N100.” The competition is run by Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) and offers early-stage start-ups the opportunity to take home $100,000 in funding in return for setting up part of their business in the…
Starting a small business is Northern Ontario is a great idea as there is no shortage of funding programs available to small business operating in the region –in addition to what is available to other Ontario businesses. Recently, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) has announced several new government funding programs, including the NOHFC…
Small businesses are a critical element of Canada’s economy, to say otherwise would be a gross understatement. Small businesses in Canada account for nearly a third of the nation’s GDP, employ nearly half of the labour force, and are responsible for over 3 quarters of the country’s exports. Unfortunately, Statistics Canada (StatsCan) will also have…
The Record reports that 2 well-known players in the technology sector will soon unveil a $200 million venture capital fund that will focus on Waterloo Region Startups. Outgoing Accelerator Centre CEO & Bay Street Financier Responsible for Startup Funding Tim Ellis, the former Chief Executive Officer of Waterloo’s Accelerator Centre has been brought on Michael…
Managed by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, the Canadian Technology Accelerators (CTA) provide Canadian startups access to unique resources and contacts to spur international growth. CTAs help participant firms refine their business model, perform competitive research, access financing and develop important relationships. More Information on the Canadian Technology Accelerator for Health IT CTA for Health…
The Waterloo Region Small Business Centre assists local entrepreneurs develop new or existing businesses by offering a number of services including: Business registration assistance One-on-One business consultation and advice Market research assistance Seminars, events and networking opportunities, and more. Free & Inexpensive Small Business Workshops on Business Plan Writing & Startup Financing Spring represents a…
In support of young entrepreneurs across Ontario the province has launched a program to help encourage young people facing barriers to become job creators. On April 7, 2014, the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment announced the Strategic Community Entrepreneurship Projects Program (SCEP). SCEP will offer grants to not-for-profit organizations to help 15-29 year…