Innovation Cluster and Futurpreneur Announce Groundbreaking Partnership to Propel Entrepreneurship
October 3, 2023 – PETERBOROUGH, ON – The Innovation Cluster is delighted to announce a partnership with Futurpreneur, a renowned entrepreneurship support organization in Canada. This strategic alliance solidifies a long-standing relationship already marked by fruitful collaboration.
A highlight of this partnership is a referral collaboration centered on Futurpreneur’s “Rock My Business” series of workshops. The Innovation Cluster will refer clients to the program, presented by Futurpreneur and RBC Future Launch, which includes workshops ranging from idea development and business plan creation to cash flow projection and more. This series equips participants with the tools to transform ideas into thriving businesses, formalize business plans, and establish viable cash flow.
Futurpreneur also plans to provide office hours once a month at the Innovation Cluster during Regional Cube lunches. These exclusive gatherings represent a remarkable opportunity for clients to exchange ideas, share expertise, and motivate one another.
Andrew Ko, Business Development Manager, Ontario, at Futurpreneur, is optimistic about the partnership with the Innovation Cluster. He says, “We chose to partner with the Innovation Cluster due to their competitive, transparent application process and dedication to supporting startups through scheduled events and intensive mentoring. Their method struck us as particularly beneficial for fostering entrepreneurship. As we solidify our partnership, we are thrilled by our shared mission to nurture entrepreneurial talent and encourage innovation. This formal alliance will empower us to engage more entrepreneurs and equip them with the requisite support to accelerate their success.”
Camila Duarte, Executive Director of the Innovation Cluster, added, “Our alliance with Futurpreneur furthers our mission to support clients through unparalleled access to industry partners and funding sources. This new partnership, including specific opportunity for Cube Program clients, underscores our mutual commitment to fostering innovation-focused economic growth.”
Clients of the Innovation Cluster’s Regional Cube Program undergo rigorous vetting and receive intensive mentorship with clearly defined milestones. Because of this, a fast-track stream has also been developed and will enable existing and eligible clients of the Cluster’s Regional Cube Program to accelerate through Futurpreneur’s traditional loan review process for access to a $20k loan.
This alliance emphasizes the essential role of collaboration for both organizations, leading to a more robust support ecosystem for young entrepreneurs in the region. It will enable them to transform their innovative business concepts into reality much faster and with a broader impact.
Andrew Ko adds, “We anticipate this referral partnership, coupled with office hours and the ‘Fast Track’ initiative, will construct an essential platform for entrepreneurs. By eliminating obstacles and accelerating access to vital funding, we are confident we’ll witness a notable rise in entrepreneurial activity and success in the region.
The Innovation Cluster and Futurpreneur are optimistic about this promising alliance and anticipate nurturing a new wave of innovative, resilient, and successful entrepreneurs.
About the Innovation Cluster
Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK) is a non-profit organization that supports entrepreneurs to launch, grow and scale their businesses. They help entrepreneurs reach their business goals so that our local community, job market, and economy continue to grow.
The ICPK supports startup businesses by providing dynamic programming, mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities to entrepreneurs through three core programs.
STARTUP INCUBATOR – a full-service Startup Incubator Program
STARTup Visa Program Canada – an Immigrant Entrepreneurship Program
Student Entrepreneurship Program
The Innovation Cluster operates across multiple locations, one of which includes LAUNCH Kawartha, a dedicated space for incubation programming situated in Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes. For additional information, please visit www.innovationcluster.ca.
Core Funding is provided by The City of Peterborough, Trent University, Fleming College, The City of Kawartha Lakes, OMAFRA, Feddev Ontario, and Franklin Empire.
About Futurpreneur
Futurpreneur has been fostering the entrepreneurial passions of enterprising diverse young entrepreneurs across Canada since 1996.
We are the only national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentorship and resources to aspiring business owners aged 18-39.
More than 17,700 young entrepreneurs, spanning every province and territory, have successfully launched their business with Futurpreneur’s support. Their main street businesses help drive Canada’s inclusive economic prosperity in communities from coast to coast to coast.
Futurpreneur is a founding member of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance, the Canadian member of Youth Business International, and the Canadian host of Global Entrepreneurship Week.
For more information, please visit futurpreneur.ca or follow us across social media @futurpreneur.
Media Contact
Camila Duarte
Executive Director