The York Region Innovation Portal
The York Region Innovation Portal is a centralized online space where you can explore resources for startups, shared office spaces, find job opportunities, discover business events, and other exciting news from the innovation ecosystem in York Region.
As one of Canada’s key innovation engines and an economic powerhouse, York Region is home to a unique and exceptionally diverse network of accelerators, incubators, startups, small and medium-sized enterprises and multinational corporations.
While innovation spans all industries, new tech is the catalyst for driving change. The #YRtech ecosystem in York Region is home to over 4,900 ICT companies; one of the largest tech hubs in Canada. This makes the Region the place where talent and opportunity intersects for startups and innovators alike.
USE THE MENU TO EXPLORE:
Innovation Supports & Resources
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. If you’re looking for information on how to start a business we suggest connecting with the York Small Business Enterprise Centre and exploring their small business resources. Additionally, if you’re looking for a quick way to find grants or subsidies check out Canada’s Business Benefits Finder.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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 – Markham
Provides small business loans (online application), financing for larger projects and business consultation services.
Details:
3985 Highway 7 E, Markham
bdc.ca
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 – 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
Focused on investing in early stage technology companies.
Details:
169 Enterprise Blvd, Markham
goodnewsventures.com
Keiretsu Forum
Events provide an audience of active angel investors.
Details:
9600 Bathurst St, Vaughan
keiretsuforum.com
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 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 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
Face Coalition
FACE is a national and bilingual Black-led non-profit organisation focused on providing resources and information to the Black community across Canada with the aim of accelerating wealth creation for Canadians of African descent.
Details:
3737 Boul Crémazie E, Montréal, QC
facecoalition.com
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
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
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
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
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
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
Bioenterprise
Provides customized business advisory services, industry and technical expertise, and global connections to advance innovative agri-businesses.
Details:
bioenterprise.ca
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
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
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
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 (YRFN)
Community cooks training, community gardens, food food box, and food access.
Details:
350 Industrial Pkwy S, Aurora
yrfn.ca
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
Women’s business mentoring and networking.
Details:
#303, 72 Main St, Mount Albert
bwnyr.com
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
Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.
Details:
20849 Dalton Rd, Georgina
georginachamber.com
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
Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.
Details:
Address
markhamboard.com
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
Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.
Details:
376 Church St South, Richmond Hill
rhbot.ca
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
Member-driven association that promotes, develops and fosters interests of the business community.
Details:
25 Edilcan Dr, Vaughan
vaughanchamber.ca
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
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
Branches in Holland Landing, Queensville & Mount Albert.
Details:
19513 Yonge St, Holland Landing
egpl.ca
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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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
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
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
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 Library
3D printing & Teen Lego Robotics Program. Entrepreneurs in Residence speaking series, spotlighting local entrepreneurs/innovators.
Details:
2 Park Dr, Whitchurch-Stouffville
wsplibrary.ca
Shared Office & Workspace Options
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.
Career & Workforce Development Tools
We’ve partnered with the Workforce Planning Board of York Region to bring you exciting new interactive tools. These tools will assist companies in learning more about talent present in York Region. Job seekers can leverage the general and tech-focused job board to find new career opportunities in the place where talent and opportunity intersect!
Recent News
Events
Innovation Ecosystem Partners
The Regional Municipality of York collaborates with various partners on innovation-related initiatives to support the development of York Region’s ecosystem including, but not limited to,
the following organizations and the York Region Innovation Leadership Group:
