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THINK TANK E-NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019

Your source for all things TechPlace.

LaunchPad Kidictive Receives National 2019 Women Founders Fund at Startup Canada Awards

Kidictive co-founders Michelle Gorman and Laura McLaughlin were one of five recipients of the Women Founders Fund, announced last week at the 2019 Startup Canada Awards at MaRS Discovery District. The fund provides micro-grants to women-led companies in Canada to help them start and grow their businesses while accelerating gender parity.

Kidictive took occupancy in TechPlace's LaunchPad program in August 2019 and have begun the early stages of launching their first product KIDICTED™, the app that helps kids put down their devices and get 'addicted' to the real world. Read more here.

Angel One Joins Forces with GTAN and SWO Angels to Launch Equation Angels

Burlington Economic Development supported TechPlace co-location partner Angel One Investor Network during their Equation Angels launch event earlier this month. This event announced and celebrated the new alliance between three successful angel networks, Angel One Network, Golden Triangle Angel Network and Southwestern Ontario Angel Group, into Equation Angels. This new alliance means that entrepreneurs can now pitch their businesses to 100 plus angels across Southwestern Ontario all at once instead of approaching multiple groups individually. Committed to connecting entrepreneurs with investors to grow and scale their companies, Equation Angels provides streamlined services to get startups faster access to capital.

Learn More

TechPlace Welcomes Central American Company BeltecHub Technologies through Soft Landing Program

TechPlace is thrilled to welcome their second soft landing company, BeltecHub Technologies Inc. BeltecHub Technologies Inc. is a Central American company that will open their Canadian headquarters later this year through TechPlace’s Soft Landing Program. This program will give them access to mentorship, programming, networking, events, and resources that will be fundamental to ensuring a successful launch in the Canadian market. BeltecHub Technologies Inc. was introduced to Burlington through a delegation with LatAm Startups, a not for profit organization that helps Latin American startups scale in North America.

"We are thrilled that BeltecHub Technologies has chosen Burlington for their new Canadian headquarters,” said Mark Steffler, Manager, Innovation and Partnerships at TechPlace. “The team at TechPlace and Burlington Economic Development is thrilled to already see such great success stories materializing from our partnership with LatAm Start-ups. TechPlace has great resources for international companies and we look forward to welcoming many more to our community.”

Looking for R&D and prototyping funding?

Innovative Solutions Canada helps Canadian innovators by funding R&D and testing prototypes in real-life settings. They have two streams available with $140+ million dedicated to supporting Canadian innovators. Learn more about tapping into this valuable resource at Mohawk College's free IDEAWORKS information session on December 4th.

HAPPENING AT HALTECH

Hi5 Pitch Competition

Join Haltech on November 26th as 5 high-potential companies pitch their business to a panel of distinguished judges. Come out for an exciting evening of innovation and support these regional tech companies gearing for growth. Arrive early for refreshments, networking and be sure to check out Hi5 Contestants' booths! Get your tickets here.

Beyond Boundaries

As part of their Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), Haltech Regional Innovation Centre and the Halton Region Global Business Centre are pleased to introduce Beyond Boundaries, an accelerator program designed to unleash the power and potential of women entrepreneurs. Created to combat the unique challenges faced by women who start and run businesses, the program will offer:

• Skills development in key areas such as financial acumen, technology expertise, sales enablement and scaling up;
• Exploration of new markets and global opportunities;
• Mentorship, advisory support and peer learning circles; and
• Targeted connections through networking events and strategic introductions.

The first cohort of the program will start in early 2020. Apply here.

HIGHLIGHTS

Burlington Among Ontario Cities Recognized as fDi Cities of the Future

Burlington placed in the Top 25 for Best FDI Strategy, according to the 2019/2020 American Cities of the Future report. Burlington ranked at 23rd for its strategic location, proximity to several top post-secondary institutions, and success in attracting a number of companies in a range of industries. Read more.

Burlington Economic Development Wins Two International Awards

Burlington Economic Development received two Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council . The Burlington Economic Development team was awarded Gold for their Power BI presentation, and Silver for their 2017 Annual Report. Read more.

TechPlace Partners with INSPIRETech Canada

On October 9th, 2019, TechPlace sponsored INSPIREtech Canada's 1st Annual Fall Technology Expo at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (BPAC). This experiential learning event was aimed at educating high school students about STEM careers. Students had the opportunity to explore many different STEM related businesses and learn more about programs like the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM). Read more.

LatAm Startups Visits TechPlace

On September 27th, TechPlace and Burlington Economic Development welcomed LatAm startups to Burlington. LatAm Startups is a not-for-profit organization based in Toronto that connects startups in Latin America with the resources they need to scale in Canada. During the delegation to Burlington, the TechPlace team shared information about the Soft Landing Program and benefits of locating in Burlington.

LatAm Startups visiting TechPlace alongside Red Tape Red Carpet Co-chair Kelvin Galbraith (far right) and Acting Executive Director at Burlington Economic Development Anita Cassidy (third in on the right).

UPCOMING EVENTS

Financial Preparation for Capital Raising

November 12th & 20th, 9 am - 11 am
TechPlace, Burlington

About: BDO’s Technology & Life Sciences Group will present a two-part course for tech entrepreneurs preparing to raise capital. A range of topics will be covered, including: how external funders view your financial statements and projections, as well as understanding the basics and impact of valuations.

More Info & Register

Accelerator for Women in Entrepreneurship (AWE) 2019

November 14th, 9 am - 3:30 pm
Innovation Factory, Hamilton

About: AWE is a program designed to support success for women entrepreneurs through inclusive, educational programming and focused engagement that accelerates results for female founded and co-founded companies. Attend the event at McMaster Innovation Park for a full day of programming for entrepreneurs.

More Info & Register

About TechPlace

TechPlace is a one stop destination for new and growing technology companies. With the support of partners from across the public and private spheres, it is dedicated to connecting, developing, and advancing entrepreneurs at all stages. This means providing access to space, programming, mentorship, networking and resources that are fundamental to growing a business in today’s technology-driven marketplace.

Led by the Burlington Economic Development Corporation, TechPlace exists to help technology, talent and ideas come together under one roof to create and promote opportunities for economic growth.

THINK TANK E-NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2019