Business programs for entrepreneurs

Our entrepreneurship programs and education centre provide the knowledge, expertise and resources to ideation, early-stage and established entrepreneurs and business owners who aim to start or grow a product- or service-based business. To seek help with your tech startups or scaleups, visit here.

 

Women in event at the Small Business Enterprise Centre

Small Businesses
Ideation and Early Stage
Established businesses

Advisory services

When it comes to entrepreneurship, there is no “one-advice fits all”. Through our advisory services, you get tailored guidance from a business expert who help address your needs and challenges.

Small Businesses
Ideation and Early Stage
Established businesses

Advisory services

When it comes to entrepreneurship, there is no “one-advice fits all”. Through our advisory services, you get tailored guidance from a business expert who help address your needs and challenges.

Women in event at the Small Business Enterprise Centre
Small Businesses
Ideation and Early Stage

Starter Company Plus

Starter Company Plus is a four-month training program for entrepreneurs who have launched or are ready to launch a new business. The program teaches the fundamentals of running a successful business and is open to product makers, service providers and retailers. Participants are required to join a series of workshops surrounding business basics and will also receive dedicated advisory services from an experienced mentor. At the conclusion of the training program, graduates will pitch a lean business plan to a panel of judges for an opportunity to be awarded a grant of up to $5,000 towards business startup costs.

Note: This program is not designed for tech and software startups. If you are an early-stage tech startup, IO Ignition or IO Accelerator might be right for you.

Starter Company Plus Logo Banner

Summer Company Logo and Banner
Student Entrepreneurs
Secondary and Post-Secondary

Summer Company

The Summer Company Program offers students who are between semesters, either in secondary or post-secondary education, the skills and knowledge to start up a successful business during the Summer break. You will receive dedicated workshops, hands-on mentorship and funding to help your business thrive. If your application is accepted, you will be eligible to receive an award of up to $3000, with up to $1,500 up front to help underwrite start-up costs, and up to $1,500 upon successful completion of the program.

Summer Company Logo and Banner
Student Entrepreneurs
Secondary and Post-Secondary

Summer Company

The Summer Company Program offers students who are between semesters, either in secondary or post-secondary education, the skills and knowledge to start up a successful business during the Summer break. You will receive dedicated workshops, hands-on mentorship and funding to help your business thrive. If your application is accepted, you will be eligible to receive an award of up to $3000, with up to $1,500 up front to help underwrite start-up costs, and up to $1,500 upon successful completion of the program.