New Downtown Business Incubator Now Accepting Applications

Applications for the first cohort of participants in the Innovation Quarters (IQ), the City of Greater Sudbury’s new downtown business incubator, are now open.

Are you a local entrepreneur with a passion for growing your tech-enabled startup? Apply now for access to mentorship opportunities, office space and tailored programming through the establishment of the incubator, a partnership between the City, NORCAT and the Greater Sudbury Chamber of 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,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “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.”

Coordinated by the City’s Regional Business Centre, the accelerated 12-month program delivered through the IQ will provide participating companies with access to:

• 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.

“After months of planning and preparation, we can’t wait to welcome our first round of entrepreneurs to the Innovation Quarters later this spring,” said Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC) Board Chair Lisa Demmer. “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.”

Acceptance into the program will be determined by a competitive multi-stage application process, including an interview with a selection committee. Applicants must demonstrate that they are a tech-enabled business with high growth potential, and commit to engage in programming, including regular check-ins with staff and mentors to review milestones and progress.

Members of the public and interested applicants are invited to attend one of two virtual public information sessions on Tuesday, April 26 at 12 p.m. or Wednesday, May 11 at 6 p.m. Sessions will provide detailed information on the program and the opportunity to ask questions.

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

Creation of the downtown business incubator is a priority of the 2019-2027 City of Greater Sudbury Strategic Plan and the GSDC Economic Recovery Strategic Plan to build economic development initiatives that attract new businesses and promote entrepreneurship. The GSDC, through the approval of City Council, is investing $1.16 million in the program over the next four years. Additional investments have come from FedNor and the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce.

To learn more, submit an application or register for an information session, visit innovationquarters.ca or call the Innovation Quarters at 705-688-3918.

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.