News

New Innovation Quarters Program Offers Support to Local Entrepreneurs

Local entrepreneurs and early-stage startups are receiving a competitive edge as Innovation Quarters/Quartiers de l’Innovation (IQ) launches its inaugural Incubation Program. Over the next 12 months, 13 local entrepreneurs are participating in the program at Greater Sudbury’s new downtown business incubator, located at 43 Elm St.

A collaboration between the City of Greater Sudbury, NORCAT and the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, under the coordination of the City’s Regional Business Centre and with support from the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation and FedNor, the Incubation Program will provide participating entrepreneurs access to collaborative office space, mentorship and training to help them start or grow their business.

“Our innovation ecosystem begins with providing support to our aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage startups in our community,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “The incubator is helping to support businesses that fuel economic growth and job creation in our city. I want to congratulate the inaugural cohort and wish them continued success.”

A key component of the Incubation Program is the one-on-one mentorship provided to participating entrepreneurs. Innovation Quarters has engaged experienced local entrepreneurs Bernie Aho, Co-founder and CEO of Time Hero, and Karen Hastie, President of Your Sales Company, as business mentors who will share their knowledge and provide guidance to participants of the first cohort.

“This program is providing the inaugural cohort of entrepreneurs with the skills, connections, mentorship and learning opportunities to help them move their business forward,” said Greater Sudbury Development Corporation Chair Jeff Portelance. “The Innovation Quarters continues to create a space that is collaborative and accessible for new and upcoming entrepreneurs in our city.”

The IQ is a new initiative developed to enhance business supports available in our community. While mentorship is provided exclusively to program participants, members of the public are invited to rent workspace and meeting rooms or participate in free weekly webinars on a variety of fundamental business topics.

For more information on the Innovation Quarters program or to submit an expression of interest to participate in the next cohort, visit www.innovationquarters.ca.

About the GSDC:

The GSDC is the economic development arm of the City of Greater Sudbury, consisting of an 18-member volunteer board of directors, including City Councillors and the Mayor, and supported by City staff. Working with the Director of Economic Development, the GSDC acts as a catalyst for economic development initiatives and supports the attraction, development and retention of business in the community. Board members represent various private and public sectors, including mining supply and services, small and medium-sized enterprises, hospitality and tourism, finance and insurance, professional services, retail trade and public administration.

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