A new program delivered through the Centre for Entrepreneurship at Conestoga College will provide the training, support and lab space young entrepreneurs require to get their manufacturing-related startup businesses off to the right start.
Applications are now open for AMT Catalyst, a new program designed to support early stage startups engaged in developing advanced manufacturing technology enterprises across Waterloo Region and Guelph-Wellington.
The program includes free business training, professional mentoring and networking opportunities, lab space and technical support for qualified applicants, and can be completed in six to twelve months. Funding to support startup costs may also be available.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for individuals who have the passion, the knowledge and the drive to be innovators, but who need some support to get their new business off the ground,” said Barbara Fennessy, executive dean of Entrepreneurship and Applied Research at Conestoga.
According to Fennessy, investment in entrepreneurship results in long-term benefits not only for individuals, but also for the broader community.
“Over 75 per cent of the businesses here in Waterloo Region have between one and four employees,” said Fennessy. “By giving startup businesses the tools that will help ensure their success, we’re also contributing to the prosperity of our region.”
The AMT Catalyst program is open to all post-secondary students in their final year of studies as well as post-secondary graduates from Waterloo Region, Brantford and Guelph-Wellington. Participants are not required to be Conestoga students or graduates.
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the program is filled. Funding for AMT Catalyst is provided by the Government of Ontario through the On Campus Entrepreneurial Activities initiative.
Partners include the Accelerator Centre, Communitech and Innovation Guelph.
For more information, or to apply, visit AMT Catalyst online, or contact c4e@conestogac.on.ca