Regional Incubator
Knowledge and Mentorship for Entrepreneurial Success
Interested in working with the Innovation Cluster?
inquire now!Full-Service Regional Incubator
Our Regional 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 Regional Incubator is here to help you make it happen.
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 growth-stage company’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 business 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 business to the next level.
meet our teamKNOWLEDGE & 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 Regional 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 growth-stage companies
- 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!
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.
Amenities
Whether you choose to work from our Peterborough or Kawartha Lakes location, all business 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
An Ecosystem
of Support
As a client, you receive much more than the services of a business incubator, you receive an entire entrepreneurial ecosystem of support.
Business 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 Regional Incubator clients can book 1-on-1 meetings with our Experts in Residence for a largely discounted rate over the general public. Our EXiRs offer a wide range of expertise including business strategy/planning, marketing, legal, HR, financial services, taxes, and more.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Eligibility Requirements
1. Have an innovation or technology-driven growth-stage company in one of 4 sectors*:
• Agriculture Technology
• Clean Technology
• Digital Technology
• Healthcare Technology
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 in Ontario, Canada.
4. You have at least one full-time person dedicated to the business.
5. Your business is driven, coachable, and collaborative.
6. Able to work directly with the Innovation Cluster for the duration of the program.
CONTACT
ANN-MAJELLA MCKELVIE
Program Coordinator
Ann-Majella leverages her expertise to connect entrepreneurs with top advisors and industry experts. With a deep commitment to fostering innovation, she is dedicated to empowering and guiding entrepreneurs on their path to business growth.
Have a question?
Tel: (705) 536-1101 ext 903