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Spark Centre

Oshawa, Whitby, OntarioFinesseMember

Igniting Innovation

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Helping innovative companies launch, scale and succeed. Spark Centre provides world-class innovation services like educational programming, advisory from industry experts, co-working space, access to funding and more for early-stage tech and innovation startups in the Durham and Northumberland Regions. It also acts as a gateway for global tech and innovation entrepreneurs relocating their businesses to Eastern Ontario. Spark Centre works with clients to develop individualized plans for success. We connect start-ups to business and research networks, learning tools, business coaching, mentorship, and access to funding and investment.

Type

Not-for-Profit

Founded

2010

Regions

Ontario (ON)

Known as the Clean Energy Capital of Canada with strength in the automotive sector. Provides customized marketing services, one-on-one advisory with industry experts, access to funding, and co-working space. Serves Durham, Northumberland, and the emerging Eastern Ontario innovation corridor.

Industries

General/industry agnostic

Focus Areas

Advanced ManufacturingMaterialsAgricultureFood DevelopmentEnvironmentEnergyEngineeringMedtechHealthLife SciencesInformation TechnologyDigital MediaClean EnergyAutomotive

Sourced from website

Stages supported

IdeaDiscoveryValidationEfficiencyScaleMature

Services offered

  • Access to free or discounted licenses for products or devkits
  • Discounted and/or free professional services (legal, accounting, bookkeeping, etc.)
  • Financing opportunities and connections with investor groups
  • Free educational events or programming (ie. lunch and learns)
  • Intellectual property education and assistance (Includes: patent, trademark and copyright evaluation, intellectual property strategy, protection and licensing)
  • Mentorship and access to advisors
  • Networking opportunities and community events
  • Office space, co-working environment
  • Regulatory assistance
  • Trade and export support (Includes: Business development missions, internationalization, and any other activities linked to international market development)
Finessemedium confidence

Refining and expanding venture growth and entrepreneurial competencies and create the connections across innovation ecosystem

Sector-agnostic (broad industry focus). Higher accountability signals (equity/paid programs, later-stage focus).

Learn more about the four BAI types →

Structured Programs

incubator

Tailored support depending on stage of growth to help founders build, launch, and scale successful ventures

Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program

other

Spark Centre is a Start-Up Visa Designate providing support for technology and innovation entrepreneurs

Sourced from website

  • Peter Crouse

    Franchising

  • Dave Miller

    Software Technology

Sourced from website

HC

Humber Centre for Entrepreneurship

Toronto, Ontario

Established in 1967, Humber is one of Canada’s leading postsecondary institutions. Committed to student success through excellence in teaching and learning, Humber serves 31,000 full-time students and 56,000 continuing education registrants. With an internationally recognized reputation for quality learning, Humber offers a wide-range of career-focused opportunities for students to personalize their educational path, including 180 full-time programs across more than 40 fields of study, 200 part-time and 60 online programs or courses. More than four out of five of Humber graduates are employed within six months of completing their studies.

General/industry agnostic
Foundations & Ecosystem-Building
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KITE is a world leader in complex rehabilitation with 100 scientists dedicated to improving the lives of people living with the effects of disability, illness, and aging. KITE is one of the principal research enterprises at the University Health Network (UHN), Canada's top medical research hospital with more than $539 million in total annual research expenditures and 1,194 principal investigators (2023).

General/industry agnostic
University
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MaRS

Toronto, Ontario

We help innovators build a better world

MaRS supports Canada’s most promising startups — helping them grow, create jobs and solve society’s greatest challenges. From advisory services to connections to talent, capital, customers and more, MaRS offers a range of high-value services that help high-growth companies succeed. We also provide access to the MaRS ecosystem, a curated community of entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, academics and government partners. MaRS Discovery District is a not-for-profit corporation founded in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2000.

General/industry agnostic
Finesse
NB

NorthStar Business Studio

Toronto, Ontario

**NorthStar Business Studio** is a premier business accelerator and consultancy based in Canada, dedicated to guiding startups and entrepreneurs toward success. We provide strategic business advisory, startup incubation, and comprehensive support services, including business planning, funding assistance, mentorship, and market expansion strategies. With a strong network of partners, including investors, accelerators, and legal advisors, NorthStar Business Studio empowers innovators with the tools, expertise, and connections needed to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Whether you are launching a startup or scaling your business, we are your trusted partner for growth and innovation.

General/industry agnostic
Finesse