Applications being accepted for Downtown Business Incubator

Entrepreneurs with a passion for growing their tech-enabled startups are encouraged to apply for various supports through Innovation Quarters, the city’s Downtown Business Incubator.

Applicants can receive things such as mentorship opportunities, office space and tailored programming through the establishment of the incubator, a partnership between the City of Greater Sudbury, Northern Centre for Advanced Technologies and the Greater Sudbury Chamber Commerce.

“Our community is home to so many talented people with big ideas, and the Innovation Quarters will give them the support they need to cultivate those ideas and write their own success stories,” Mayor Brian Bigger said in a media release issued by the city. 

“This space is a collaborative and accessible ecosystem that fosters innovation and helps entrepreneurs get ramped up quickly to build the economy of the future. Investment in entrepreneurship is an investment in job creation, and I wish our first round of applicants the best of luck.”

The 12-month business incubation program will provide participating companies with:

• Affordable and collaborative office space located in the downtown core.
• One-on-one mentorship from experienced mentors and community leaders.
• Connections to business advisors, professionals and government funding programs.
• Specially curated professional development workshops, seminars and networking opportunities with potential new clients, investors and collaborators.
• Marketing and media exposure through IQ programming.
• Collaboration opportunities with like-minded local innovators.

Applicants will be accepted by completing a multi-stage application process, which includes an interview with a selection committee. They must demonstrate that they are a tech-enabled business with a high growth potential and a commitment to engaging in programming, including regular check-ins with staff and mentors to review milestones and progress. 

“After months of planning and preparation, we can’t wait to welcome our first round of entrepreneurs to the Innovation Quarters later this spring,” Greater Sudbury Development Corporation board chair Lisa Demmer said in the media release.

“This collaborative space will provide our local innovators with essential skills, connections, mentorship and learning opportunities to help them propel their business forward. We are proud to support the establishment of this new incubator as a strategic initiative meant to stimulate economic growth, job creation and revitalization of the city’s downtown.”

The city is hosting two virtual public information sessions about the business incubator, on April 26 at 12 p.m. and May 11 at 6 p.m. Both sessions will provide detailed information on the program and an opportunity to ask questions.

Applications for the program are open between April 19 and May 15 with the first cohort of the program scheduled to begin on June 20.

City council approved $1.16 million for the program over the next four years, with additional investments made by FedNor and the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce. More information on the program can be found by visiting innovationquarters.ca or phone the Innovation Quarters at 705-688-3918.