Innovator Membership Program
Highlights
Becoming an Innovator Member is a fantastic opportunity for your business. This program offers 12 free hours of expert business advice to help you with planning, bookkeeping, budgeting, and forecasting. You will also receive comprehensive market research support, including focus group development, surveys, and project management. This can help you identify new markets for your products.
Additionally, the program provides strategic market development and export services to help you approach new markets and expand internationally. You will have access to a network of government and private sector groups for international business development. The program also supports product development, guiding you from prototype to successful product launch.
Moreover, you will benefit from access to various sources of capital, including seed and venture capital, government programs, and angel investors. The program offers workshops and event management services tailored to your needs, ensuring you have the knowledge and support to grow your business. This program is designed to be accessible and beneficial, making it easier for you to qualify and succeed.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- No repayment required.
- No interest rates apply.
Eligible Expenses:
- Market research and surveys.
- Business planning and financial budgeting.
- Product development from prototype to launch.
- Marketing and sales support.
- Export development services.
- Event management and workshops.
Use of Funds:
- Funds can be used for business advice, market research, market development, and accessing capital.
- Funds can also be used for workshops and event management.
Restrictions on Use of Funds:
- Funds cannot be used for personal expenses.
- Funds cannot be used for any non-business-related activities.
Fees:
- No fees associated with this grant program.
Qualifications
- Must be an entrepreneur.
- Business must be located in Northwestern Ontario.
- Must need assistance with business planning, bookkeeping, financial budgeting, and forecasting.
- Must require help with market research, surveys, and project management.
- Must need strategies for market development and export services.
- Must be involved in product development from prototype to product launch.
- Must be seeking access to capital, including seed and venture capital, government programs, and angel investors.
- Must be interested in participating in workshops and seminars.
Must need support with event management.
Disqualifications:
- Businesses located outside Northwestern Ontario.
Description
The Innovator Membership Program is designed to help your business grow and succeed. By becoming a member, you gain access to a team of experts who can provide 12 free hours of business advice. This includes help with business planning, bookkeeping, financial budgeting, and forecasting.
You will also receive assistance with market research. Our team can help you develop focus groups, conduct surveys, write reports, and manage projects. If you want to enter a new market, we can help you find the best opportunities.
Additionally, the program offers market development support. We will recommend strategies to approach the marketplace and help you implement them. We can also assist in creating a professional business image that aligns with your strategy.
For businesses looking to expand internationally, the program provides export development services. This includes access to a network of government and private sector groups with international business development programs and information.
If you are developing a new product, our team will work with you to take your concept from prototype to successful product launch. We also help identify sources of capital that fit your business needs, from seed and venture capital to government programs and angel investors.
Finally, the program offers workshops and event management services. You can participate in on-site and remote learning opportunities, and we can help you plan and execute successful events.
This program is a comprehensive solution to help your business overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Program Steps
Gather Required Documentation:
- Business Plan
- Financial Statements (last two years)
- Market Research Reports (if available)
- Projections and Forecasts
- Any relevant permits or licenses
Complete the Application Form:
- Fill out the Innovator Member application form available on the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre website.
Prepare a Detailed Proposal:
- Outline your business needs and how the Innovator Member program will help address them.
- Include specific goals and expected outcomes.
Submit the Application:
- Send the completed application form and all required documentation to the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre via email or mail.
Schedule a Consultation:
- Contact the Innovation Centre to schedule a meeting with their team of experts.
- Discuss your business needs and how the program can support your growth.
Review and Finalize Membership:
- Await feedback from the Innovation Centre.
- If accepted, review the terms of the membership and finalize any agreements.
Utilize Program Benefits:
- Begin using the services offered, such as business advice, market research, and product development support.
- Attend workshops and events as needed to maximize the benefits of your membership.