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The Forge Business Incubator

Hamilton, OntarioFinesseMember

Get support to launch and grow your startup

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The Forge is a business incubator funded by McMaster University, serving novel and scalable startups in the Hamilton, Greater Toronto and Niagara Regions. Launched in 2015, we work hands-on with entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas from ideation and validation to growth. The Forge is sector agnostic and offers cohort-based programming. So far 250 companies have been through The Forge Business Incubator program;together they have raised over $40M and are selling products in 50 countries.

Type

Not-for-Profit

Founded

1887

Affiliation

McMaster University

The Forge operates from McMaster Innovation Park, a premier research and innovation centre in Hamilton. Key statistics: 100 million dollars raised by portfolio companies, 1,099 jobs created, presence in 50 countries. Does not take equity in companies. Offers access to co-working space, mentor network including industry experts and serial entrepreneurs, and investor event facilitation. McMaster University is ranked among the world's top 85 universities.

Industries

General/industry agnosticOther

Focus Areas

Life sciencesBiomedical technologiesAI and healthcareSoftware solutions

Sourced from website

Stages supported

ValidationEfficiencyScale

Services offered

  • Access to free or discounted licenses for products or devkits
  • Access to specialized equipment, lab facilities, and/or services
  • 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
  • Practical prototype/MVP development assistance
  • Regulatory assistance
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 →

Business Incubator

incubator

Limited-enrollment program for early-stage startups with customized growth plans for a small cohort

Startup Survivor

accelerator

Program providing funding, mentorship, and resources to guide startups through launch preparation

Sourced from website

TO

TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario

London, Ontario

The place where innovative ventures thrive

TechAlliance is the place for dreamers, innovators, and world-changing ideas. As the Regional Innovation Centre for Southwestern Ontario, TechAlliance represents the most promising startups and fastest growing technology companies. We empower world-class ventures and fuel growth in Canada’s innovation economy, and we champion and coach entrepreneurs, and amplify businesses, creating a vibrant technology community.

General/industry agnosticOther
Finesse
IF

Innovation Factory

Hamilton, Ontario

Southern Ontario's business accelerator for tech innovation

Innovation Factory is Hamilton's Catalyst for Tech Innovation. Access the business services, training, mentorship and strategic connections you need to help bring your disruptive technologies to market.

General/industry agnosticOther
Visa
Finesse
TP

The Pivotal Point

Toronto, Ontario

Incubator, accelerator, and innovation hub growth coach

Digital media & telecommunicationsGeneral/industry agnosticOther
Finesse
VF

Venture for Canada

Toronto, Ontario

Where Canada's next entrepreneurial leaders get their start

Venture for Canada is a national charity that fosters entrepreneurial skills and mindset in young Canadians. To be entrepreneurial is to act upon opportunities to create value for others. We recruit, train, and support young people to work for innovative Canadian small businesses and startups. Through our programs, participants develop the network, knowledge, and entrepreneurial skills to have more impactful careers. The resourcefulness of Canadians is essential to overcoming our country’s greatest challenges. Venture for Canada is a catalyst of systemic social change by equipping young Canadians to build a more prosperous and inclusive society.

General/industry agnosticOther
Finesse