Trades Business Program in Ontario

Why BuildUP

If you're a welder, electrician, plumber, carpenter—or any skilled tradesperson—who’s ready to be your own boss, the BuildUP program gives you the real-world tools and support you need to start strong.

Whether you're dreaming about your own shop or already taking on side gigs, BuildUP helps you turn that hustle into a solid business.

Is BuildUP Right for You?

You're a perfect fit if:

You work in skilled trades

You want to start your own business

You can commit 2 hours per week for 8 consecutive weeks

You’re based in Ontario

You can attend weekly sessions online or in-person

Why Tradespeople Choose BuildUP

This program isn’t just theory—it’s practical, hands-on, and built for tradespeople who want results.

Learn the Business Basics (without the fluff)

Workshops and mentorship sessions cover what really matters—things like marketing, taxes, hiring, and how to price your services.

Connect with Others in the Trades

Meet others just like you. Learn from their experience and build a support network that lasts beyond the program.

Get Ready for Financing

Not sure how to talk to the bank or apply for funding? We’ll walk you through it so you can feel confident and prepared.

Week 1: What it Takes to Be an Entrepreneur + How to Set Up Your Business

Week 2: Tax Basics—What You Need to Know

Week 3: Banking & Finding Financing

Week 4: Managing Cashflow + Business Insurance

Week 5: Bookkeeping Without the Headache

Week 6: Reputation & Customer Service That Wins Repeat Business

Week 7: Sales That Feel Natural

Week 8: Hiring Your First Team Member

Our Program Facilitators

Meet our Trades Experts in Residence

All Trades Experts in Residence and their affiliations are screened, vetted, and reference-checked. They're under contract with the Innovation Cluster and are bound by confidentiality and code of conduct agreements.

Paul Bennett

Real Estate Development

A prominent real estate developer and entrepreneur based in Peterborough, Paul Bennett is the founder and owner of Ashburnham Realty.

Paul co-founded VentureNorth and has served as the interim chairman of the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), reflecting his commitment to fostering economic growth and community engagement in the region.

Grant Conrad

Human Resources Health and Satefy

Grant Conrad is the President of WorkforceWins Ltd., a company that provides full HR and Health & Safety management services tailored specifically for construction and trades businesses.

Grant’s mission is to empower construction and trades leaders to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional customer experiences, maximizing profitability, and achieving long-term business goals such as expansion, succession, or sale.

Madeleine Hurrell

Small Business Financing Cash Flows

Madeleine Hurrell is an account manager at BDC. As a development banker, Madeleine supports entrepreneurs and businesses in the region with financing and advisory solutions to help them grow and scale their operations.

Prior to joining BDC, Madeleine worked in Economic Development where she managed the Peterborough & the Kawarthas Business Advisory Centre, the Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) for the region.

Jason Jackson

Leadership in the Trades

Jason Jackson is the past Acting Dean Fleming College School of Trades and Technology and School of Business, and Academic Chair Fleming College School of Trades and Technology, Past-President CWQA, Trainer at Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC), CWQA Education Committee, and the Canadian Hydronics Council Education Chair.

He is a Journeyman Plumber, Journeyman Pump Installer Mechanic, Class 1 Water Treatment Operator, Class 4 Well Technician, OWWA Back flow and Cross Connection Specialist, CWQA Master Water Specialist, and a TSSA Fuels Technician.

Craig Mortlock

Energy and Environmental Design

A graduate of the Civil Engineering Technology program at Algonquin College, Craig Mortlock is certified as an Applied Science Technologist (A.Sc.T.) and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP).

Craig's well-rounded understanding of the construction industry is ideal for the designbuild approach. Managing many projects has allowed Craig to refine his skills in dealing with clients, architects, engineers, consultants, and trades, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and maintaining the needs of the client.

How to Join BuildUP

We keep each cohort small—just 20 people—to make sure everyone gets the personalized support they need.

Here’s how to get in:

Apply

Fill out our short application to join the next session.

Let's Chat

If it looks like a good fit, we’ll set up a quick call to confirm.

Get Started

Once confirmed, you’ll get an official invite and everything you need to begin.

2025 BuildUP Program Timeline

Summer Group

Applications Close:
June 15
Program Kick Off:
June 24
Program End Date:
August 12

Fall Group

Applications Close:
September 5
Program Kick Off:
October 14
Program End Date:
December 2

FAQs About the BuildUP Program

Don’t see your question? Feel free to reach out to our program team.

Zahra Shafiei
Program Lead, International and Domestic

zshafiei@innovationcluster.ca

Kinen Ocitti
Program Coordinator

kocitti@innovationcluster.ca

How much does the program cost?

It’s completely free. There’s no cost to participate in the BuildUP Program—just your time, energy, and commitment to building your business.

What's the time commitment?

The training runs for 8 weeks, with 2 hours of sessions per week. That’s a total of 16 hours of practical, hands-on learning designed for busy tradespeople.

How is the program funded?

This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Your Business, Your Way