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The Hub Vaughan

Startup & Entrepreneurship Support

York Region's business community has a wide variety of innovation assets available to help support entrepreneurs, small businesses, and startups thrive. From makerspaces helping create product prototypes, to business incubators providing support and guidance, to networking organizations helping make new connections, and co-location spaces offering office space we've compiled them all here in one quick and easy to use guide.

Startup Support

York Region is home to many resources that help businesses succeed. From makerspaces helping create product prototypes, to business incubators providing support and guidance, we’ve compiled them all here in one quick and easy to use guide.

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ELLA


ELLA is York University’s accelerator for women entrepreneurs. ELLA provides women with the community, mentorship, and resources they need to scale their business.

Details:
4700 Keele Street, Toronto
ellawomen.com

Kingbridge Centre and Innovation Hub


The Kingbridge Centre and Innovation Hub offers programing and events designed to accelerate promising ideas that address challenges to strengthen economic resilience.

Details:
12750 Jane Street, King City
kingbridgecentre.com

Koffler Scientific Reserve at Jokers Hill Logo

Koffler Scientific Reserve at Jokers Hill


Scientists from the University of Toronto provide research and education in biodiversity, ecology and conservation biology.

Details:
17000 Dufferin St, King
ksr.utoronto.ca

Kortright Centre for Conservation Logo

Kortright Centre


Environmental, renewable energy education and demonstration site. Living City Campus offers research and analysis of sustainable technologies. BRE Innovation Park will accelerate commercialization of green building products and services.

Details:
9550 Pine Valley Dr, Vaughan
thelivingcitycampus.com

Innovation York

Innovation York


York University’s commercialization and industry liaison office providing an integral suite of services to industry, to facilitate research and commercialization.

Details:
4700 Keele St, Toronto
innovationyork.ca

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Seneca HELIX


Seneca HELIX, part of Seneca Innovation, is our on-campus innovation and entrepreneurship accelerator, which develops the innovation mindset by supporting entrepreneurs in developing and launching scalable ventures.

Details:
1750 Finch Ave E, Toronto
senecacollege.ca

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Seneca Applied Research


Seneca Applied Research, part of Seneca Innovation, works with industry and community partners to facilitate research, development and design initiatives to advance technologies, products, services and programs.

Details:
1750 Finch Ave E, Toronto
senecacollege.ca

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Treefrog Accelerator


The Treefrog Accelerator program provides programs for both international and local startups that help them to focus and scale their businesses.

Details:
567 Davis Dr. Newmarket, ON
treefrog.biz

University of Guelph Logo

University of Guelph Muck Crops Research Centre


Scientists from the University of Guelph and partners conduct research on crop protection and production for improved pest & crop management.

Details:
1125 Woodchoppers Ln, King
uoguelph.ca

ventureLAB logo

ventureLAB


ventureLAB is a leading technology hub that supports tech entrepreneurs and companies through programs focused on capital, talent, technology, and customers to build, grow, and scale their businesses.

Details:
3600 Steeles Ave E, Markham
venturelab.ca

YEDI

York Entrepreneurship Development Institute


Located on the second floor of the IMPROVE Centre, this campus features 50,000 sq.ft of office spaced, shared co-working space, boardrooms and a 250 seat auditorium.

Details:
907 Alness St, Toronto
yedinstitute.org

ySpace Logo

YSpace


YSpace is York University’s newest innovation hub located at the heart of Downtown Markham. They build great companies by connecting them with high-end equipment, access to capital and a network of influencers and entrepreneurs.

Details:
169 Enterprise Blvd, Markham
yspace.yorku.ca

Markham Small Business Centre Logo

Markham Small Business Centre


Funded by the City of Markham and Government of Ontario, Markham Small Business Centre (MSBC) provides no cost and confidential business advice and information to Markham’s aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small businesses through one-on-one consultations.

Details:
3600 Steeles Ave E, Markham
markham.ca

Richmond Hill SBEC Logo

Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise Centre


One-stop service for entrepreneurs/existing business owners, providing business consultations & information on management, marketing & sales, technology & finance. Seminars, webinars & business development workshops.

Details:
225 East Beaver Creek Road, Richmond Hill
richmondhill.ca

Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre

Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre


One-stop service for entrepreneurs/existing business owners, providing business consultations & information on management, marketing & sales, technology & finance. Seminars, webinars & business development workshops.

Details:
2141 Major Mackenzie Drive West, Level 200, Vaughan
vaughan.ca

YSBEC Logo

York Small Business Enterprise Centre


One-stop service for entrepreneurs/existing business owners in York Region’s northern six towns, providing business consultations & information on management, marketing & sales, technology & finance. Seminars, webinars & business development workshops.

Details:
17150 Yonge St, Newmarket
yorklink.ca/smallbusiness

BDC logo

BDC – Markham


Provides small business loans (online application), financing for larger projects and business consultation services.

Details:
3985 Highway 7 E, Markham
bdc.ca

BDC logo

BDC – Vaughan


Provides small business loans (online application), financing for larger projects and business consultation services.

Details:
3901 Highway 7 W, Vaughan
bdc.ca

BDC logo

BDC – Newmarket


Provides small business loans (online application), financing for larger projects and business consultation services.

Details:
17345 Leslie St N, Newmarket
bdc.ca

Good News Ventures Logo

Good News Ventures


Focused on investing in early stage technology companies.

Details:
169 Enterprise Blvd, Markham
goodnewsventures.com

Keiretsu Forum Logo

Keiretsu Forum


Events provide an audience of active angel investors.

Details:
9600 Bathurst St, Vaughan
keiretsuforum.com

Ontario Centre For Innovation Logo

Ontario Centre of Innovation


OCI co-invests with private sector to commercialize innovation from Ontario colleges, universities & research hospitals. Student entrepreneurship fellowships & programs.

Details:
3600 Steeles Ave E, Markham
oce-ontario.org

South Lake Futures Logo

South Lake Futures CFDC


Providing loans, counselling, and innovation grants to businesses in East Gwillimbury, Georgina, and Brock.

Details:
183 The Queensway S, Georgina
southlakefutures.ca

York Angel Investors

York Angel Investors


York Angel Investors Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 2008 to promote private investment in early-stage innovative businesses. It is one of the largest and most active Angel Investor groups in Canada. Our goal is supporting our community’s innovation ecosystem in a collaborative manner to create superior financial returns for our Investors and Entrepreneurs.

Details:
169 Enterprise Blvd, Markham
yorkangels.com

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NewMakeIT


NewMakeIt is a non-profit and consists of a makerspace, co-working area and interactive training and workshop facilities in a collaborative environment.

Details:
621 Timothy St, Newmarket
newmakeit.com

Proto3000 Logo

Proto3000


Proto3000 provides various 3D printers. Services include 3D engineering, rapid prototyping, 3D printing, reverse engineering, 3D visualization and inspection services.

Details:
171 Marycroft Ave, Vaughan
proto3000.com

Y Lab Logo

Y Lab


Y Lab is a volunteer, non-profit and offers makerspace memberships. For event information: ylab meetup.com. Also offers a robotics group.

Details:
123 Hillsview Dr, Richmond Hill
ylab.ca

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Seneca HELIX


Seneca’s makerspace is a key part of Seneca HELIX’s Entrepreneurship incubator service offerings.

Details:
1750 Finch Ave E, Toronto
senecacollege.ca

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ventureLAB


ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative is Canada’s only hardware and semiconductor-focused lab and incubator. The state-of-the-art $7 million lab has specialized equipment for product developers to transform concepts and challenges into new products.

Details:
13600 Steeles Ave E. Markham
venturelab.ca/hcilab

Canadian Food & Wine Institute

Aurora Food and Wine Institute at Niagara College – Aurora Armoury


Teaching and community space and part time teaching programs related to wine education and master taster program.

Details:
89 Mosley St, Aurora
auroraarmourycfwi.ca

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Bioenterprise


Provides customized business advisory services, industry and technical expertise, and global connections to advance innovative agri-businesses.

Details:
bioenterprise.ca

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Clearwater Farm (Ontario Water Centre)


Young Agri-preneur program is a multi-year apprenticeship providing practical experience to farming.

Details:
1614 Metro Rd N, Georgina
clearwaterfarm.ca

Foodpreneur Lab


Foodpreneur Lab is dedicated to helping early-start up food companies, particularly women of colour entrepreneurs.

Details:
foodpreneurlab.com

Kingbridge Innovation Hub


Hosts unique programing and events designed to accelerate promising ideas that address challenges to strengthen economic resilience, food innovation and biological preservation.

Details:
kingbridgecentre.com

Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre


Small-batch food-processing facility with a commercial kitchen, food testing equipment and business consulting services.

Details:
oafvc.ca

Syzl logo

Syzl


Syzl is a one-stop-shop for food makers looking for certified kitchen space.

Details:
syzl.io

The Food Development Group

The Food Development Group


Product development, shelf life testing, nutritional labelling, and project management.

Details:
1250B Reid St, Unit 1, Richmond Hill
fooddevelopmentgroup.com

The Link Logo

The Link


The Link is a collaborative, community, learning space that brings together people and organizations under one roof.

Details:
20849 Dalton Rd, Georgina
georgina.ca

Venturepark Labs


This food incubator offers shared commercial kitchens and private production spaces to meet the needs of early stage food companies.

Details:
ventureparklabs.ca

ySpace Logo

York Region Food & Beverage Accelerator Program – Yspace


Incubation space, expertise mentorship, high-end technologies, access to local events, and funding resources.

Details:
169 Enterprise Blvd, Unit 301, Markham
yspace.yorku.ca

York Region Food Network

York Region Food Network (YRFN)


Community cooks training, community gardens, food food box, and food access.

Details:
350 Industrial Pkwy S, Aurora
yrfn.ca

Aurora Chamber

Aurora Chamber of Commerce


Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.

Details:
14483 Yonge St, Aurora
aurorachamber.on.ca

Business Women's Network of York Region

Business Women’s Network of York Region


Women’s business mentoring and networking.

Details:
#303, 72 Main St, Mount Albert
bwnyr.com

East Gwillimbury Chamber

East Gwillimbury Chamber of Commerce


Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.

Details:
19027 Leslie St, Sharon
egcoc.org

Georgina Chamber of Commerce Logo

Georgina Chamber of Commerce


Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.

Details:
20849 Dalton Rd, Georgina
georginachamber.com

King Chamber of Commerce Logo

King Chamber of Commerce


Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.

Details:
Box 381, Schomberg
kingchamber.ca

Markham Board of Trade

Markham Board of Trade


Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.

Details:
Address
markhamboard.com

Newmarket Chamber of Commerce

Newmarket Chamber of Commerce


Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.

Details:
Address
newmarketchamber.ca

Richmond Hill Board of Trade Logo

Richmond Hill Board of Trade


Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.

Details:
376 Church St South, Richmond Hill
rhbot.ca

TechConnex Logo

TechConnex


TechConnex is a dynamic member driven community offering opportunities for peer education, networking and knowledge sharing.

Details:
3600 Steeles Ave E, Markham
techconnex.ca

Vaughan Chamber of Commerce

Vaughan Chamber of Commerce


Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.

Details:
25 Edilcan Dr, Vaughan
vaughanchamber.ca

Whitchurch-Stouffville Chamber of Commerce

Stouffville Chamber of Commerce


Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.

Details:
6176 Main St, Whitchurch-Stouffville
stouffvillechamber.ca

Aurora Public Library

Aurora Public Library


APL is a hub of learning and centre of innovation. In 2019 a new creative studio will open, providing hands-on opportunities for creation and sharing. Featuring 3D printers, Circut Machine, Button Maker, and much more!

Details:
15145 Yonge St, Aurora
library.aurora.on.ca

East Gwillimbury Public Library Logo

East Gwillimbury Public Library


Branches in Holland Landing, Queensville & Mount Albert.

Details:
19513 Yonge St, Holland Landing
egpl.ca

Georgina Public Library

Georgina Public Library – Keswick Branch


Offering 3D printing at all its branches. one-on-one technology sessions, online legal services, business resource centre.

Details:
90 Wexford Dr, Keswick
georginalibrary.ca

Georgina Public Library

Georgina Public Library – Peter Gzowski (Sutton) Branch


Offering 3D printing at all its branches. one-on-one technology sessions, online legal services, business resource centre.

Details:
5279 Black River Rd, Sutton
georginalibrary.ca

Georgina Public Library

Georgina Public Library – Pefferlaw Branch


Offering 3D printing at all its branches. one-on-one technology sessions, online legal services, business resource centre.

Details:
75 Pete’s Lane, Pefferlaw
georginalibrary.ca

Markham Public Library

Markham Public Library – Aaniin Branch


Get access to a number of services/resources including: Business hub coworking space, Entrepreneurship workshops, 3D printers, Digital Media Lab, Laser Cutter, Creation Studio with Digital Embroidery and circuit die-cut machine, MakerClub.

Details:
5665 14th Ave, Markham
markham.ca

Markham Public Library

Markham Public Library – Angus Glen Branch


Get access to a number of services/resources including: Digital Media Lab, 3D Printers, and Robotics Club.

Details:
3990 Major Mackenzie Dr E, Markham
markham.ca

Markham Public Library

Markham Public Library – Thornhill Community Centre Branch


Get access to a number of services/resources including: Digital Media Lab, 3D Printers, Coder Dojo.

Details:
7755 Bayview Ave, Thornhill
markham.ca

Newmarket Public Library

Newmarket Public Library


3D printing offered by downloading existing designs/using 3D modeling software. Lego Robotics program. Entrepreneurs in Residence Speaking Series spotlights local entrepreneurs & innovators.

Details:
438 Park Ave, Newmarket
newmarketpl.ca

Richmond Hill Public Library Logo

Richmond Hill Public Library


Central Branch offers 3D printer & Lego Mindstorm programs. Library hosts the Entrepreneurship in Residence speaking series spotlighting local entrepreneurs & innovators.

Details:
1 Atkinson St, Richmond Hill
rhpl.ca

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Vaughan Public Library


Vaughan Public Libraries offers 3 unique creation spaces that suit all ages and creative pursuits from 3D printing and carving in Make It!, to a state of the art recording studio and green room in Create It!. Even the littlest of makers can explore all things STEAM in the children’s Learn It! lab. All spaces are free to use, some material charges apply.

Details:
Civic Centre Resource Library
2191 Major Mackenzie Dr.
vaughanpl.info

Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library

Whitchurch-Stouffville Library


3D printing & Teen Lego Robotics Program. Entrepreneurs in Residence speaking series, spotlighting local entrepreneurs/innovators.

Details:
2 Park Dr, Whitchurch-Stouffville
wsplibrary.ca

Small Business Resources

From business structuring to taxes, market research and more, small business owners need the right tools and knowledge to succeed. Depending on where your business is located in York Region determines which Small Business Enterprise Centre you should contact.

Use the resources below to find helpful links that will help you get started on your entrepreneurship journey.

Want a quick way to find grants or subsidies? Check out the Business Benefits Finder tool.

The resources below provide information on the basics of setting up a business, including online learning sessions and more.

Small Business Centres Ontario – Online Learning Sessions

  • Business Basics | This series of 10 free online learning sessions will help you decide if starting your own business is the right path for you, then guide you through the steps involved in getting started.
  • Startup Sessions | Every business needs a solid foundation. This series of 10 free online learning sessions will set you up with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully launch your new business.
  • Growth Sessions | Are you an entrepreneur ready to take your small business to the next level? These 10 free online learning sessions will equip you with skills and knowledge to successfully position your business for growth.

To succeed, you need to know where your target customer lives, what media channels they use and their overall demographic information. Use the resources below as a starting point to start your market research.

Each business owner needs to confidently manage and understand their finances to ensure success. Use the below resources to learn about your tax obligations, payroll information and more.

Depending on your business’ size and structure, your tax obligations may vary, but all business activities
must be reported to the Canada Revenue Agency. Use the tools below to learn about income taxes and how you can get free help from a tax advisor.

Some businesses may need to import or export goods as part of their operations. Use the links below to learn how the process works and what you need to consider before getting started.

  • Importing Commercial Goods in Canada | This guide outlines the steps you need to take to import goods into Canada for commercial use, including duties, taxes and more.
  • Import/Export Program Account | If you import goods into Canada or export goods to other countries, you need to register for an import-export program account.
  • About Exporting | Whether your business is big or small, you can find new customers beyond our borders. Use this guide to learn about the steps you need to take to get started.

York Region is home to diverse communities, and its land is located on the traditional territory of many Indigenous peoples such as the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat and Métis peoples, the treaty territories of the Haudenosaunee, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Williams Treaties First Nations including the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. Use the links below to access tailored resources for Indigenous business owners.

  • Indigenous Economic Development Fund | The fund provides grants and financing to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities and organizations. The fund helps promote economic development and improve employment opportunities for Indigenous people.
  • Indigenous Business Development | The Government of Canada’s list of programs that support Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners in Canada.
  • Wabutek Business Development Corporation | Waubetek delivers business financing and economic support services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs and First Nation communities.
  • Ogemawahj Tribal Council | Provide direction, guidance and support to member First Nations Chiefs, Councils, staff and community members in community based business projects.
  • Georgina Island Economic Development | The Georgina Island Economic Department is working to create local economic opportunities and a high quality of life for our community through training, business development, funding and more.
  • Georgina Island Training Employment and Development Fund | This fund provides financial support to help overcome skill-based barriers for businesses based on Georgina Island.
  • Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario | IAPO offers financing and business support to help First Nations farmer flourish
  • Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business | CCAB builds bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, businesses, and communities through diverse programming, providing tools, training, network building, major business awards, and national events.
  • PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise | PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise (PARO) provides a myriad of business supports including access to funding for women entrepreneurs living in Ontario.
  • Native Women’s Association of Canada | The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is a National Indigenous Organization that supports women arosss Canada, including Indigenous Skills and Employment Training.

York Region Public Health wants to ensure your health and safety by providing you with information on current inspection and investigation reports as well as educational resources on emerging public health concerns. Use the resources below to help keep your business safe and compliant.

Food Safety

Workplace Signage and Posters


Infection Control


Safe Water


YorkSafe Inspection Reports

  • YorkSafe Program | YorkSafe is York Region’s enhanced public health inspection reporting program that discloses the results of routine inspections, complaint inspections and re-inspections.

Shared Office & Co-Location Spaces

York Region has many options for businesses and entrepreneurs looking for shared office space and co-working office space throughout our nine cities and towns. The shared office space locations are organized individually for the southern three cities and towns – Markham, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan – and combined for the northern six communities of Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Newmarket, and Whitchurch-Stouffville.

Markham Corporate Centre

Markham Corporate Centre


Details:
3950 14th Ave, Markham
markhamcorporatecentre.com

M World Club

M World Club


Details:
155 Commerce Valley Dr E, Markham
mworldclub.com

OfficeScape

OfficeScape


Details:
85 Leslie Street, Markham
officescapemarkham.com

OneHub

OneHub


Details:
205 Torbay Rd, Markham
onehub.ca

Regus Allstate

Regus Allstate 


Details:
15 Allstate Pkwy, Markham
regus.ca

Regus Trillium

Regus Trillium


Details:
675 Cochrane Dr, Markham
regus.ca

Executive Suites

Regus Woodbine


Details:
7030 Woodbine Ave, Markham
regus.com

TechConnex in the IBM Innovation Space

TechConnex


Details:
3600 Steeles Ave E, Markham
techconnex.ca

TechConnex in the IBM Innovation Space

ventureLAB


Details:
3600 Steeles Ave E, Markham
venturelab.ca

Village Hive

The Village Hive


Details:
55 Albert St, Markham
thevillagehive.ca

YSpace

YSpace


Details:
169 Enterprise Blvd, Markham
yspace.yorku.ca

Regus Leslie

The Business Exchange


Details:
9225 Leslie St, Richmond Hill
regus.ca

First Richmond Professional Centre

First Richmond Professional


Details:
30 East Beaver Creek Rd, Richmond Hill
firstrich.com

iServe

iServe


Details:
30 Via Renzo Dr, Richmond Hill
iserveinc.com

Meridian Centre

Meridian Centre


Details:
1595 16th Ave, Richmond Hill
furnishedoffices.ca

SkyTek

SkyTek


Details:
95 Mural St, Richmond Hill
skytek.ca

West Beaver Creek

West Beaver Office


Details:
180 West Beaver Creek Rd, Richmond Hill
westbeaveroffice.com

Venture X

Venture X


Details:
120 East Beaver Creek Rd, Richmond Hill
venturexcanada.com

YLab

YLab


Details:
123 Hillsview Dr, Richmond Hill
ylab.ca

The Hub Vaughan

The Hub Coworking


Details:
290 Caldari Rd, Vaughan
thehubvaughan.ca

Intelligent Office

Intelligent Office


Details:
400 Applewood Cr, Vaughan
intelligentoffice.ca

Lauft

Lauft


Details:
1 Bass Pro Mills Dr, Vaughan
lauft.work

Regus Vaughan

Regus Keele Rutherford


Details:
9131 Keele St, Vaughan
regus.ca

Apple Suites

Apple Suites


Details:
16 Industrial Pkwy, Aurora
applesuites.ca

2021-01-13

Newmarket Office Space


Details:
17075 Leslie St, Newmarket
Newmarket Office Space

The Link

The Link


Details:
20849 Dalton Rd, Georgina
georgina.ca

NewMakeIt Building

NewMakeIT


Details:
621 Timothy St, Newmarket
newmakeit.com