Launch Kawartha opens its doors to the new Innovators and Entrepreneurs in Kawartha Lakes and partners with the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas to provide multiple streams of innovation and incubation programming for the region.
(Vince Killen, KLCFDC and Launch Kawartha Executive Director, provides opening remarks on Friday)
February 14, 2023 – LINDSAY, ON – The Launch Kawartha Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, a hub of creativity and inspiration, was officially opened to the public on February 10th during a grand opening ceremony attended by many. The centre is designed and anchored by the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corp. (“KLCFDC”) and funded internally by the Kawartha Lakes Business Community Development Corp. (“KLBCDC”). It will provide a space for up to 20 entrepreneurs each year to incubate their businesses alongside the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (“ICPK”). The City of Kawartha Lakes is also proud to support these organizations by providing funding to the ICPK. This will aid in delivering programs and services at Launch Kawartha and fostering the development of new, innovative technologies, products, services, and job opportunities in the region.
(Pictured above from left to right: Mayor Doug Elmslie, City of Kawartha Lakes; MP Jamie Schmale; Executive Director Vince Killen, KLCFDC and Launch Kawartha; Mark Torrey, KLCFDC Board Chair: Nicole Stephenson, Interim CEO Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas)
In his opening remarks, Vince Killen, Executive Director of KLCFDC and Launch Kawartha, announced that the new facility is set to host approximately 40 events over the coming year. Recent events hosted at the centre include the induction announcements for the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame and Ministerial roundtables aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs.
Nicole Stephenson, the interim CEO of the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas, stated, “we are deeply committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for entrepreneurs in the City of Kawartha Lakes. That’s why we are thrilled to sponsor Launch Kawartha and relentlessly work towards our mission of empowering the next generation of business leaders in our community.”
Exciting upcoming events were also announced, including the Intellectual Property “Pizza’s and Patents,” a fun and interactive workshop, and innovation leadership training programs. Additionally, multiple “Fireside Chats” with industry experts are planned, and virtual viewing webinars and events are being developed for the public.
For aspiring entrepreneurs or those in the early stages of developing their business model, the Launch Kawartha Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre offers a FREE collaborative workspace to help grow your business and connect with in-house experts in various business sectors. To learn more, visit: www.launchkawartha.ca.
About KLCFDC
The KLCFDC is an innovation focused, entrepreneurial and economic development ecosystem organization that provides funding, business advisory, and support, incubation, and acceleration services to entrepreneurs. We are a key economic development and strategic partner to multiple NFP and NGO’s in the City of Kawartha Lakes and beyond. The KLCFDC and KLBCDC, along with multiple strategic partners, including the Innovation Cluster (Kawartha Lakes Cube), are headquartered at Launch Kawartha, in Lindsay, ON.
Located west of Peterborough and only 75 km from Durham Region and the GTA, Launch Kawartha is eastern Ontario’s newest hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
For more information about our centre, visit Launch Kawartha
For more information on the KLCFDC, visit their website here.
About ICPK
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
FASTSTART – Student Entrepreneurship Program
For more information on the ICPK, visit Innovation Cluster
City of Kawartha Lakes
The City of Kawartha Lakes is Southern Ontario’s largest geographic municipality and home to vibrant downtowns, abundant green spaces and diverse opportunities. Kawartha Lakes collaborates with the Kawartha Lakes CFDC, Innovation Cluster and regional partners to support economic vibrancy in the community. Kawartha Lakes is home to the Kawartha Lakes Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre, a program that guides entrepreneurs through the process of planning, starting and growing a small business.
For more information, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca
For more information on the Kawartha Lakes Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre, visit www.klsbec.ca
Media Contact
Vince Killen, Executive Director, KLCFDC, KLBCDC, and Launch Kawartha