Downtown Business Incubator Opens Its Doors to the Public

The Innovation Quarters (IQ), the City of Greater Sudbury’s new downtown business incubator, is now officially open. This brand-new space, located at 43 Elm St. in the heart of Downtown Sudbury, has been created as an environment for innovation, creative thinking and collaboration.

The incubator program is designed to support local start-ups who are leveraging technology to create operational efficiencies, improve customer experience and provide goods or services in innovative ways. The program will help accelerate the growth and success of tech-enabled start-ups through a variety of business supports including mentorship, training, workspace and professional networking.

The IQ is currently looking for applicants who meet the criteria of an early-state tech-enabled business with high growth potential led by at least one full-time founder committed to their business venture. Applications are open until Sunday, September 11, with the first cohort of the program scheduled to begin Monday, October 10.

Creation of the downtown business incubator is a priority of both the 2019-2027 City of Greater Sudbury Strategic Plan and the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation’s (GSDC) Economic Recovery Strategic Plan to build economic development initiatives that attract new businesses and promote entrepreneurship. Coordinated by the City’s Regional Business Centre, the program is a collaboration between the City, NORCAT and the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce. The GSDC, through the approval of City Council, is investing $1.16 million in the program over the next four years and leveraging an investment of $896,882 from FedNor and $15,000 from the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce.

Members of the public and interested applicants are invited to attend an Open House celebration at the IQ this evening (June 28), beginning at 4:30 p.m. Hosted by the Innovation Quarters and the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, the event will include tours of the newly renovated space and an opportunity to learn more about the program.

For more information or to submit an application, visit innovationquarters.ca or call the Innovation Quarters at 705-688-3918.

Quotes

“Greater Sudbury is known for big ideas; the Innovation Quarters is about providing the support, connections, collaboration and resources to help bring those ideas to life. Investment in entrepreneurship is an investment in job creation, and this program will help our local entrepreneurs quickly take their businesses to the next level.”

– Mayor, City of Greater Sudbury

“Strong economies thrive with the strength and growth of small businesses and entrepreneurs. With investments in incubators like the Innovation Quarters (IQ), our government is fostering a culture of opportunity, and prosperity for businesses to scale and grow with the critical tools and resources. The Innovation Quarters is a welcome addition to our community, and will fuel our economy by maximizing opportunities for Sudbury’s innovation ecosystem here, and globally.”

– Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

“I am proud to be a part of this ribbon cutting ceremony for the City of Greater Sudbury’s Innovation Quarters business incubator and look forward to the success stories that are sure to follow. This program will help advance tech-enabled start-ups through a variety of business supports for entrepreneurs, heightening their success and longevity. This will help further grow industry and retain good-paying jobs in our region.”

– Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages

“It is so exciting to see this space open up to our local entrepreneurs – innovative and forward thinkers in our community – to help them move their business ventures forward. I am proud that the GSDC is able to support this new strategic initiative that will stimulate economic growth, create jobs and help revitalize our downtown core.”

– Lisa Demmer, Chair, Greater Sudbury Development Corporation

“As a long-standing collaborator of the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation, we are excited to support the grand opening of the Innovation Quarters, the City of Greater Sudbury’s new downtown business incubator. This important initiative will help fast-track technology development in our community, maximizing opportunities within Sudbury’s innovation ecosystem and fueling economic growth, job creation and prosperity for our region.”

– Brendan Skiffington, RIC Coordinator, NORCAT

“The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce has supported the Regional Business Centre since its inception, and we are now proud to be a sponsor of the Innovation Quarters and the opportunities it affords local entrepreneurs and business start-ups. Our small businesses are the heartbeat of our community and the new Innovation Quarters provides space, programming and mentorship opportunities to help that pulse grow strong,”
– Debbi Nicholson, President & CEO, Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce

About the GSDC:

The GSDC is the economic development arm of the City of Greater Sudbury, consisting of an 18-member volunteer board of directors, including City Councillors and the Mayor, and supported by City staff. Working with the Director of Economic Development, the GSDC acts as a catalyst for economic development initiatives and supports the attraction, development and retention of business in the community. Board members represent various private and public sectors including mining supply and services, small and medium-sized enterprises, hospitality and tourism, finance and insurance, professional services, retail trade, and public administration.