Greetings and Salutations!
I recently came across an interesting article which discusses Waterloo’s Accelerator Centre’s achievements in nurturing the early growth of high-technology firms in Canada. It goes without saying that the Accelerator is dedicated to helping eager entrepeneurs and businesses develop and reach their potential! The myriad of partnerships and funding that the AC has is simply staggering; the centre is backed by the goverment of Ontario, City of Waterloo, Infusion Angels Innovation Centre, Communitech, Canadian Innovation Centre and many more.
WATERLOO, Ont. (Monday, March 19, 2007) — In less than a year, the Accelerator Centre at the Waterloo Research and Technology Park has laid the groundwork for some of Canada’s high-tech stars of the future.
“It’s been a very successful time since our launch last May. We’re at 98-per-cent capacity and we have plans to expand,” says Gerry Sullivan, AC’s chief executive officer. “We provide start-up companies with access to industry experts who can help direct budding entrepreneurs through the process for launching a technology enterprise.”
The AC seeks to commercialize the innovative work of researchers and entrepreneurs. It focuses on early-stage technology enterprise issues and promising technology companies.
Bobbi Holte, director of client programs, said there are 17 start-up high-tech companies currently based at the AC. “We have a total of more than 90 people who work here every day,” she says.
As well, the AC works with innovation partners, including Communitech, Canadian Innovation Centre, Infusion Angels Innovation Centre (sponsored by Microsoft), Ontario Centres of Excellence and the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program.
The AC’s entrepreneurship council is made up of business and technology leaders who will provide mentorship to client companies. The council offers experience in critical roles to growing an enterprise, such as financial management, investment, research and development, product development, marketing, sales and human resources.
Clients occupy one of 20 office suites in the AC’s 22,700-square-foot building. Suites range in size from as small as 250 square feet to as large as 800 square feet and include Internet access and telephones. Suite fees pay for access to meeting rooms, reception, photocopying and administrative support. The building is covered by Canada’s second-largest extensive green roof.
Typical clients will remain at the AC for one to three years and graduate when appropriate. They will either move into the Waterloo Research and Technology Park or remain within Waterloo Region. Ideally, they will maintain a connection to the AC, acting as a resource or mentor for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The not-for-profit AC is the result of a multi-stakeholder partnership, with land and a portion of the initial operating funds provided by UW. The Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, Region of Waterloo and City of Waterloo provided the primary capital funding. Other stakeholders include the University of Guelph, Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College and University of Waterloo.
http://newsrelease.uwaterloo.ca/news.php?id=4847
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