Get the inside scoop on a program filling a major gap in Ontario, tips for working with media, a chance to get into our next Mastering Series, and much more
This month, we're turning up the momentum. From our clients' game-changing wins to the launch of an important new program to support skilled trades entrepreneurs, the Innovation Cluster is buzzing with impact.
For scaling tech SMEs ready to break through to the next level, this edition is packed with tools, insights, and opportunities to fuel your success. Let’s build the future—together.
📢 Inside this month’s newsletter:
A new program to help skilled tradespeople launch their own businesses
A sold out Mastering Series—and your chance to join the waitlist
Spotlight on success: winners of ourhigh-energy pitch event
Proven tips to capture a journalist's attention
Four powerful programs to take your innovation to market and scale with confidence
Announcing BuildUP - Turning Trades into Startups
Big news for tradespeople ready to take the helm of their business! The Innovation Cluster has officially launched BuildUP, a brand-new program designed to help skilled trades workers turn their craft into a thriving business.
This free 8-week program will guide journeypersons, upper-year apprentices, and experienced tradespeople through the essentials of launching and running a business. From setting up shop and managing finances to marketing, hiring, and customer service, BuildUP has every angle covered.
Successful business owners in the industry, including leaders from Ashburnham Realty, Sparkies Electric, Mortlock Construction, and more, are supporting the program with their expertise and workshop facilitation. Participants will also gain one-on-one mentorship and leave with a certificate, digital badge, and a business ready to roll. Evening sessions are held virtually and in person in Peterborough.
The first cohort kicks off June 24, and applications close June 15. Spots are limited, so don’t wait!
👉 Learn more and apply now - share this with 3rd and 4th year apprentices or journeypeople who have been talking about starting their own business!
This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
Her Yes Club and Happy Cramps!
These incredible startups were named the winner and runner-up of the LevelUP pitch competition.
“Necessity is the mother of invention,” which couldn’t have been more evident at our April 30th LevelUP 2025 Pitch Competition!
Taking home the $10,000 grand prize was Carmen Doucette, CEO of Her Yes Club. Her innovative app connects parents with trusted, vetted home daycare providers in their communities. With a growing list of providers and a waitlist of eager families, Her Yes Club is already making waves in childcare.
Our runner-up, Monica Singh, founder of Happy Cramps, impressed judges with her stick-on patch that uses science-backed essential oils to relieve menstrual pain. Monica won three months of support from the Innovation Cluster — a $6,000 value.
Got a product? Great. Now comes the real work. Just ask Andrew Nokes (ReziLink), who turned his MVP into a scalable SaaS business with help from Innovation Cluster mentors.
Or Mark Trypuc (SCHEG Corp), who’s building cleantech connections faster than his hydro-powered generator.
“You don’t know what you don’t know,” Nokes says. “The Cluster filled in the gaps and gave me the confidence to move faster and smarter.”
The Innovation Cluster’s newly revamped client program gives Ontario tech startups access to 1-on-1 mentorship, monthly sessions with 30+ seasoned Experts in Residence, unlimited workshops, co-working space, and sweet discounts on bootcamps — all for just $200 per month (yep, it’s a $2K per month value). The Innovation Cluster has your back. What makes the difference is real-world, been-there-done-that support from people who get the grind.
We’re Not Saying We’re Proud... But We’re Pretty Proud
Q1 2025 was a big win for Innovation Cluster clients — think new jobs, product launches, and even permanent residents. From AI-powered platforms and metaverse real estate to eco-friendly packaging and diagnostic tools, our startups are making serious moves. Plus, thanks to the StartUP Visa Program, seven international companies are now officially calling Canada home. Momentum’s strong, and we’re just getting started.
Inaugural MVP to Product-Market Fit Mastering Series…Sold Out!
Want to dig deep into a business discipline, process, or area? Mastering Series are 5-week virtual knowledge and skill-building programs. The inaugural Mastering Series program, MVP to Product,-Market Fit: Ready, Set, Grow! was sold out and kicked off on May 15th.
The next Mastering Series, Growing from 1 to 100 Customers, is scheduled for Fall 2025.
Cision has released its 2025 State of the Media report. Based on responses from 3,000 journalists, this FREE report offers behind-the-scenes insights on securing media coverage, which words and actions attract journalists’ attention, and how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the media and PR landscape.
The next step to scaling your startup is just a click away. Founder teams with early-stage MVP+ products turn to the Innovation Cluster for programming, training, and mentorship built to help SME tech leaders grow.
Here's how we can help:
Business Accelerator: A 12-week accelerator program designed to propel you into the market so you can scale fast.
Global Entrepreneur Incubator: Training and mentorship to establish and scale your market-ready tech venture in Canada.
Dedicated Mentors & Advisors: Real-world guidance from 20+ business experts to navigate the challenges of building and scaling early-stage technology companies.
Workshops & Bootcamps: Educational programs to help your founding team master essential business skills.
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