Since the program launched in March this year, 17 companies have already successfully worked with CLIC to uncover market insights and develop new product/service opportunities.
Startups & Innovation (page 4)
Newmarket’s Treefrog Certified to Invest in Immigrant Entrepreneurs
At the Collision Conference in Toronto, the Town of Newmarket and Treefrog Inc. announced that the Treefrog Accelerator (the Accelerator) successfully received designation from the federal government as a Start-up Visa organization.
York University’s YSpace Expands to Northern York Region
This dedicated space will feature virtual and in-person learning and allow for collaboration with other business owners and create connections with mentors. The physical space will offer computer access, internet, video conferencing solutions, photography tools for e-commerce and online content creation, collaboration spaces, programming support, and business community resources.
Skinopathy is Local Healthcare Success Story for Aurora’s Keith Loo
The local success story of Mr. Loo and Dr. Hong was the focus of the inaugural Emerging Aurora event, an initiative of the Aurora’s Economic Development Board.
2021 Year In Review // York Region Economic Development
On behalf of York Region Economic Strategy, I am pleased to present the 2021 Economic
Development Year in Review. This is an overview of economic development activities undertaken this past year, highlights of business news from across the Region, and important economic indicators showing the strength and resilience of our business community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Development Year in Review. This is an overview of economic development activities undertaken this past year, highlights of business news from across the Region, and important economic indicators showing the strength and resilience of our business community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Succeeding as a Canadian Food Entrepreneur
Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy. You need courage, perseverance, and an obvious passion for what you are pursuing. And when it comes to food entrepreneurialism, achieving success demands a special ingredient — a true love for making and sharing incredible…
ventureLAB Secures $2.5 million in Provincial Funding to Expand Semiconductor Incubator
Markham, York Region-based ventureLab has received a $2.5 million investment from the Government of Ontario to establish a medical technology stream within its Hardware Catalyst Initiative (HCI)
Oat Canada and Roquette Receive $4.1M as Part of a Project to Improve Oat-Processing Capacity
Oat Canada received scale-up support through the York Region Food and Beverage Accelerator Program through York University’s YSpace. This investment will see the development of novel oat ingredients and nutritionally superior oat-based food and beverage products.
Richmond Hill Partners with OCAD University and eCampusOntario to Launch CLIC
CLIC brings together expertise from Richmond Hill’s Small Business Enterprise Centre and OCAD University to help businesses review their offerings and business models through a design-thinking lens.
TechKnowledgy: That’s One Way to Describe the Depth and Potential of Automotive Technology in Greater Toronto Area’s York Region
“York Region is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive auto tech ecosystems in North America.” — Brendan Sweeney, Managing Director, Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing
ventureLAB’s 2021 Annual Review
In 2021, ventureLAB enabled tech companies to create over 400 new jobs and raise more than $116 million in capital.
York Region’s New Investment Aims to Attract Global Tech Firms and Create New Jobs in the Region
Regional Municipality of York today announced a five-year, $1.5 million investment in ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative – a Canadian lab and incubator for hardware and semiconductor companies.
ventureLAB Receives $1.5 Million From Municipal Government to Expand Hardware, Semiconductor Incubator
ventureLAB has received $1.5 million from the Regional Municipality of York to expand its hardware and semiconductor-focused incubator.
Hardware Catalyst Initiative Lands Further Funding
ventureLAB and the Regional Municipality of York have partnered to expand the Hardware Catalyst Initiative, Canada’s only lab and incubator for hardware and semiconductor companies.
York Region Invests $1.5M Into Canada’s Only Hardware-Focused Lab and Incubator, Aims to Attract Global Tech Firms
ventureLAB and the Regional Municipality of York have partnered to expand the Hardware Catalyst Initiative, Canada’s only lab and incubator for hardware and semiconductor companies.
ventureLAB-supported company, Hyivy Health, Secures $1.1M in Pre-Seed Funding
ventureLAB-supported company is developing the first smart, holistic pelvic health rehabilitation product for the one in three women who will develop pelvic health complications in their lifetime.
Government Extends Loan Forgiveness Repayment Deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account
The repayment deadline for CEBA loans to qualify for partial loan forgiveness is being extended from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2023.
ventureLAB and York Region announce 2021 Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund Recipients
Funded with the generous support of the Regional Municipality of York, the fund allows local organizations to increase innovation and elevate sustainability in York Region while expanding inclusion, diversity, and accessibility.
Two York Region Food Companies Secured Deals on CBC Dragons’ Den
Check out these local food entrepreneurs and how they secured a deal on CBC’s Dragons’ Den!
York University Student, From Richmond Hill, Wins Bronze Medal at IFIA Best Invention Awards 2021
York University student Erfan Nouraee has won a bronze medal at one of the most coveted international invention and innovation awards. “At its most basic level, innovation is about change,” said Nouraee, who lived and studied in Richmond Hill for years.
Federal Government Announces New Targeted COVID-19 Business Support
The Government of Canada has confirmed that certain existing income and business support programs will end on October 23, 2021, as previously announced. This includes the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.
Newmarket’s NewMakeIt, Maker’s Mark Partner to boost support for area artisans
Opportunities for makers in Newmarket and York Region are growing thanks to a new partnership between two local businesses: NewMakeIt and The Maker’s Mark.
Upcoming Small Business Webinars and Events
We have so many great webinars and group events coming up that we had to dedicate an entire blog to them! From marketing experts teaching graphic design and online marketing, to digital advertising strategies and more, our agenda is jam-packed with helpful tips…
York Region’s Regional Innovation Centre, ventureLAB, Releases 2020 Annual Review
Despite the economic and business challenges of COVID-19, ventureLAB program companies and alumni made an outstanding impact in 2020. From the launch of Tech Undivided and the Hardware Catalyst Initiative, discover everything else that this regional innovation centre supported in their 2020 Annual Review.
Former YSpace and ventureLAB-Supported Company Mero Technologies Closes Seed Round to Improve Cleanliness of Commercial Buildings
Mero Technologies, a former YSpace and current ventureLAB-supported company in Markham, York Region has completed a $2.5M USD seed round, led by Fresco Capital and IX Labs.
Quarantine Chronicles: How a Markham BIPOC, Female-Founded Business Shifted Gears Through the Pandemic
After meeting at McGill University studying Dietetics and Nutrition, the two of us realized we had more than just our passion for health and coming from our hometown of Markham, Ontario in common.
New Accelerator in Northern York Region Brings Increased Opportunity for Startups as First Cohort Graduates
A new business accelerator in Newmarket recently graduated its first cohort. Read more about this group of companies and how the new accelerator is looking to support businesses in Northern York Region and beyond.
The Best Built Robot in the World, Siemens Enhances the HCI, and New Career Opportunities: York Region Tech Makes a Big Impact
Major tech announcements coming from York Region-based companies this spring are no surprise as tech companies here continue to thrive in Canada’s second largest tech hub!
Virtual 2021 Seneca HELIX Summer Institute Open for Applications
Are you ready to innovate? Seneca College is holding its fifth annual HELIX Summer Institute, a highly-interactive and intense six-day virtual experience where you will think creatively, work strategically and collaborate with peers and real key stakeholders. Together, you will…
York University’s YSpace Releases 2020-2021 Annual Report
It was a year unlike any other for Innovation York, the innovation office for York University with a mandate to facilitate and maximize the commercial, economic, and social impacts of research and innovation. Their 2020-2021 Annual Report has just been released and it outlines impressive successes, including supporting new ventures, launching new programs and more.