Startup Incubator

Knowledge and Mentorship for Entrepreneurial Success

Accepting Applications!

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Full-Service Startup Incubator

Our Startup Incubator is fully-funded and full-service, designed to put innovative entrepreneurs on the path to success. We offer a wide range of services and programs designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from 1-on-1 mentorship to networking opportunities and workshops. We're located in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, giving you access to a wealth of resources and support right in your own backyard. So if you're ready to take your business to new heights, our Startup Incubator is here to help you make it happen.

5-Stage Program

Our five-stage startup incubation program gives you the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful and innovative founder. We'll help you develop the ability to scale your business to reach national or global markets. If you're looking to take your business to new heights, our incubation program can help you get there.

1

30-Day Bootcamp

After you're accepted into the Startup Incubator, you'll be registered for our 30-day Bootcamp. During this time, you'll learn foundational business knowledge that will help you succeed in your startup.

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3

6-Month Incubation

This is the core of our Startup Incubator program! Receive 1-on-1 mentorship, skills training, countless networking opportunities, and more to prepare you for long-term business success.

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2

Readiness Evaluation

Upon your completion of Bootcamp, we’ll assess whether you’re prepared to move to the next stage. Clients deemed ready to continue will enter our 6-month incubation.

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4

Milestone Review

After six months, we will assess whether graduation would be beneficial for your business. If you’re not ready to graduate, then we’ll develop a plan for continued incubation. The goal is always to help you succeed, no matter what the outcome of the assessment.

5

Graduate / Official Alumni Status

As a graduate, you will become a member of our Alumni circle. This is a tight-knit community that supports each other and our region's greater entrepreneurial ecosystem. If you ever need advice or assistance, you can always reach out to your fellow alumni!

1

30-Day Bootcamp

Your Roadmap to Success

Our 30-Day Bootcamp prepares you to succeed as a Startup Incubator client. Over the course of the month, you’ll receive in-depth training and instruction from our experienced team, building a foundation of knowledge and skills. Whether you’re starting from scratch or have years of experience, our Bootcamp will benefit you by providing an opportunity to network, learn new skills, and get a full assessment of where you are in your journey and how we can best support your needs and goals.

Welcoming You into a Community of Entrepreneurs

You will begin our 30-day Bootcamp by meeting other entrepreneurs and like-minded individuals who are all working towards the same goal – launching a successful business. This is a great opportunity to form strong bonds and establish a support network that will see you through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

4 Weeks, 4 Themes

Each week of Bootcamp focuses on a different theme, giving you the opportunity to dive deep into each topic, ask questions, and get personalized feedback.

Week 1

Business Fundamentals

Week 2

Business Strategy

Week 3

Financials & Cash Flow

Week 4

Market Research & Marketing

2

Readiness Evaluation

After completing the 30-Day Bootcamp, you will meet with one of our startup mentors to reflect on your progress and discuss your startup’s specific goals and needs. If it is decided that you are ready to continue your journey in the program, you will be integrated into our 6-Month Startup Incubator.

3

6-Month Incubation

Our 6-month startup incubator is the core of our program. With access to experienced mentors, ample resources, and a supportive community, our 6-month program gives everything you need to turn your vision into reality.

Through our 3 program pillars—1-on-1 Mentorship, Knowledge & Skills Training, and Networking Opportunities— we provide a supportive environment for young companies to develop and grow, offering access to our extensive network of mentors, advisors, and investors. Our program includes workshops, educational seminars, networking opportunities, and access to our state-of-the-art facilities, which include collaborative workspaces, and cutting-edge makerspaces.

You’ll benefit most if you attend in person, as it’s much easier to form meaningful human connections and leverage networking opportunities when you’re face-to-face. However, we understand that not everyone can participate in person, so we offer virtual mentorship and select services online that can accommodate your schedule and lifestyle.

3 PROGRAM PILLARS

1-ON-1 MENTORSHIP

When you become an incubation client, we’ll pair you with an Innovation Specialist who has the professional experience and expertise to best match your startup’s sector, needs, and goals.

Your Innovation Specialist is your 1-on-1 business mentor, meeting with you regularly to:

  • Coach you through different stages of growth
  • Assist you in developing business strategies and plans
  • Help you navigate through challenges
  • Provide you with advice and knowledge
  • Teach you practical skills
  • Connect you with investors and industry professionals
  • Support your overall entrepreneurial journey

Our Mentors

Our startup mentors are experts in product development, strategic planning, leadership, marketing, sales, seed investment, accounting and more. With their deep knowledge in these areas, they can help you take your startup to the next level.

meet our team

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS TRAINING

We focus on teaching clients entrepreneurial knowledge and skills that will help them achieve
business success beyond our program. Teaching and training are provided in a variety of ways
including 1-on-1 mentorship, workshops, speaking events, presentations, seminars, and more.

As a Startup Incubator client, you will learn:

  • Business Fundamentals
  • Business Strategy & Planning
  • Accounting & Finance
  • Investor & Funding Strategy
  • Leadership Skills
  • Sales & Marketing
  • Networking Techniques
  • How to Maintain Health & Wellness as an Entrepreneur
  • Recruitment Tactics
  • And more!

NETWORKING
OPPORTUNITIES

Networking is an important part of being an entrepreneur. It’s a way to connect with other business owners, industry professionals, suppliers, and potential investors. You never know when you’ll meet someone who can help you take your business to the next level.

As a client, you are given many networking opportunities including:

  • An inspiring workspace to collaborate and network with other startups
  • First access to free monthly workshops and seminars
  • Monthly social events exclusive to clients, staff, mentors, and partners
  • Attending a variety of functions from keynote speakers, tradeshows, forums, and social events
  • Frequent interaction with business professionals, partners, mentors, and investors that make up Peterborough and the Kawarthas’ entrepreneurial ecosystem

2 Collaborative Workspaces

Environments that inspire, motivate, and connect entrepreneurs.

Peterborough

Peterborough, ON

Located in downtown Peterborough, we are surrounded by local businesses, shops, restaurants, and performance venues that are the heart of this vibrant city.

Our Peterborough location is on the third floor of the Venture North Building, a modern office space lined with huge windows that fill the room with natural light. The stunning views of the Otonabee River will get your creative juices flowing!

 

 

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Launch Kawartha

Lindsay, ON

Located in the heart of Lindsay, the region’s largest town, our Kawartha Lakes location is the ideal place for entrepreneurs living across this beautiful, rural region.

Kawartha Lakes is made up of several small towns and communities spread out across a vast geographical area, separated by acres of rolling hills, farmland, and over 250 lakes and rivers.

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Amenities

Whether you choose to work from our Peterborough or Kawartha Lakes location, all startup incubation clients have access to state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.

  • 24-hour client access
  • Open-concept workspace inviting collaboration and networking between clients
  • Designated desks, electrical hookups, and office chairs
  • High-speed WiFi
  • Access to private conference rooms to host staff and customer meetings
  • Comfortable seating areas for informal discussions, reading, or a relaxed space to catch up on work
  • Shared client kitchen equipped with a fridge and microwave to pack meals and snacks as desired
  • Special discounts to Amazon AWS, HubSpot, and more
  • 2 cutting-edge Makerspaces*: Virtual and Augmented Reality Makerspace & H2O Makerspace
*Makerspaces are located in Peterborough but Kawartha Lakes clients have full access.

MAKERSPACES

The Innovation Cluster is proud to operate 2 makerspaces: Virtual and Augmented Reality Makerspace and H2O Makerspace. As a Startup Incubator client, you have free access to sophisticated technology and equipment that can be used for product research, testing, and gaining knowledge that will benefit your business.

Virtual and Augmented Reality Makerspace

Our VR/AR Makerspace is the only makerspace of its kind in the region. With access to a variety of AR/VR equipment to help develop and test products, Startup Incubator clients have a space to thrive from virtual and augmented reality to video game and mobile app development.

Equipment Includes:
• Oculus Rift
• Playstation VR
• HTC Vive
• Google Daydream
• MSI Gaming laptop that is VR-compatible

H2O Makerspace

Our H2O Makerspace is powered by Franklin Empire Inc. in support of cleantech research. Startup Incubator clients operating within the cleantech sector have free access to over 30 pieces of sophisticated water testing equipment.

Equipment Includes:
• Hach Pocket Colorimeter for Chlorine
• Hach HQ 11D Portable pH Meter
• Hach DR 1900 Portable Spectrometer
• Hach Portable Incubator for Bacteria Samples
• LEICA DM500 Microscope
• 3M ATP Portable Meter

An Ecosystem
of Support

As a client, you receive much more than the services of a startup incubator, you receive an entire entrepreneurial ecosystem of support.

Startup Mentors

Our Innovation Cluster team mentors, teaches, and guides you on your entrepreneurial journey.

Partners

Our partners provide support to our clients through funding, programs, and knowledge sharing.

Fellow Entrepreneurs

The bond our clients share with one another is strong and truly is its own network of support.

Board of Directors

Brings professional expertise to support the growth and success of entrepreneurs in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

Experts in Residence

All Startup Incubator clients can book 1-on-1 meetings with our Experts in Residence for a largely discounted rate over the general public. Our EXiR offer a wide range of expertise including business strategy/planning, marketing, legal, HR, financial services, taxes, and more.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Have an innovation or technology-driven startup in one of 5 sectors*:
• Agriculture Technology
• Clean Technology
• Digital Technology
• Healthcare Technology
• Social Innovation

OR your product has Intellectual Property

*You are considered technology-driven if your primary business objective is to develop and distribute custom-built technology (excluding re-distribution/consultancy).

2. Have a Minimum Viable Product.
Your product has enough features to attract and be used by early customers who can provide feedback for future product development.

3. Your business is currently operating or will operate in Peterborough and the
Kawarthas.

4. Must have a minimum of one full-time person dedicated to sales and revenue development.

5. You and any team members are driven, coachable, and collaborative.

6. Able to work directly with the Innovation Cluster for the duration of the program.

CONTACT

CAMILA DUARTE

CAMILA DUARTE

Executive Director

Camila is an experienced entrepreneur and career coach. She uses her wealth of knowledge and expertise to help entrepreneurs prepare for business success.

Have a question?

Tel: (705) 536-1101

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