Written by Sarah Israel
What does it really take to turn a business idea into reality? Beyond things like office space or initial funding, entrepreneurs also need a supportive community to thrive. It truly takes a village, and if you’re an entrepreneur in Durham Region, you’re in luck: Spark Centre is right nearby.
Located in the heart of Downtown Oshawa, Spark Centre is a business incubator focused on fostering economic development in Durham Region. “We support entrepreneurs in the technology and innovations sectors as they’re looking to grow and scale their businesses through advisory, funding opportunities, and helping them expand globally,” says Kristy Sansom, Director of Operations and Client Success at Spark Centre. Sansom and her team have one clear aim: to transform big ideas into scalable, sustainable growth.
Spark Centre currently serves about 180 clients. Whether someone is just brainstorming an idea or has already validated their concept, Spark Centre provides various services to help bring those business ideas to life.
To become a client at Spark Centre, one needs an innovative business idea that:
Has been incorporated for less than five years. Generates less than $1 million in annual revenue. Includes a product or service that is creating something new or improving an existing product or service. Involves technology such as breakthrough research, ICT devices, or internet-based solutions.
New clients go through a specially designed curriculum aimed at promoting their business growth. This includes masterclasses, access to advisors, networking with investors and peers as well as ongoing operational support.
When asked why they chose Spark Centre, many clients share similar thoughts: it’s all about the sense of community. “We’re a remote software company living in the region. We needed somewhere we could gather as a team, plan our strategies together, and receive mentorship and advice,” says Karen Elliott, CEO of Cinareo Solutions-a Software as a Service (Saa S) solution providing multi-channel capacity planning for contact centres. “We’ve met some amazing people here with extensive experience who have guided us on our journey to grow.”
Having such a vibrant business incubator close by brings pride to local entrepreneurs. Joel Davies is CEO at Render Developments, which offers 3D animation and software for pre-construction real estate projects. “Choosing Spark Centre was easy for me. I live in Durham Region; after hearing about it during a Whitby Chamber of Commerce meeting it felt like the right move for my business.”
Gaurav Mathur, CEO of Book Wise Lectures shares this perspective too. “I live locally and found that Spark Centre has tailored programs specifically designed for emerging entrepreneurs like myself.” Mathur is developing an ambitious platform using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create educational tools for students and educators alike. Thanks to Spark Centre he’s made valuable connections that are helping him turn his vision into reality.
The Amplify Program offered alongside Launch Lab opens doors for businesses from Durham Region all the way to Hawkesbury in Eastern Ontario. Over six months participants follow personalized action plans aimed at tackling unique challenges they face in their businesses while receiving leadership coaching along with guidance from experienced advisors.
The Elevate IP Program focuses on supporting tech startups by improving their Intellectual Property (IP) knowledge while facilitating the creation of valuable IP assets. Having unique IP can significantly set products apart from competitors while understanding its related threats and opportunities contributes greatly towards long-term success. This program works collaboratively with Invest Ottawa, Launch Lab, Communitech along with Innovation Science Economic Development Canada (ISED). To join businesses must be based in Eastern Ontario having fewer than 500 full-time employees regardless if they are clients of Spark Centre or not.
The Landing-Pad Accelerator Program supports newcomer and female entrepreneurs within Environment Energy Engineering sectors (EN3), aiming towards assisting newcomers establishing startups across eastern Ontario over four years (2024-2028). The goal is aiding 80 startups including 24 ventures founded by women providing each participant with grants worth $10k along invaluable access mentoring leadership coaching IP asset development financing opportunities etc., upon completing this program founders commit giving back offering future advisory time other new founders which helps strengthen connections among new Canadian entrepreneurs.
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