York Region Arts Council among 'hotbed of talent' to receive innovation funds

Entrepreneurial and Innovation Fund provides $100K annually to recognize innovative start-ups and non-profit organizations in York Region

Newmarkettoday.ca
June 11, 2020

The Regional Municipality of York and ventureLAB proudly announces recipients of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund program.

The funds were recently awarded to six companies and organizations for their commitment to driving entrepreneurship across York Region. They include promising early stage start-ups, accelerators, incubators and community partners.

“Innovation is fundamental to business growth and supporting innovative companies helps us strengthen York Region’s economic vitality,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “We are proud to partner with ventureLAB and work together to create jobs and expand our world-class innovation network.”

Non-profit community partners selected to receive $10,000 in funding through Stream One:

• Seneca HELIX is dedicated to developing the entrepreneurial mindset by providing knowledge, mentorship, sessions, workspace, access to like-minded peer community and experiential opportunities
• York Region Arts Council is the leading York Region-wide non-profit charitable arts service organization focused on capacity building, creative place-making and community engagement in support of artists, arts organizations and creative entrepreneurs
• YSpace is York University’s community innovation hub supporting high potential innovators in both the technology and consumer packaged goods space; they help a growing number of entrepreneurs, community members and youth build and scale their sustainable and impactful businesses

Start-ups and small businesses selected to receive up to $15,000 in funding through Stream Two:

• BIOSA Technologies is an eco-friendly biotechnology company headquartered in the City of Markham; has developed a unique, proprietary technology platform for the optimization of both enzymes and chemicals
• Memory & Company provides products and specialized care to suit different needs, including the world's first premium day program and respite resort for people living with memory loss
• Stan A.I. is the first A.I. assistant for residential property managers using artificial intelligence to respond to all resident inquiries; reduces a property manager’s emails by 30 per cent in 16 days by responding to condo residents in seconds, 24/7 with a 98 per cent accuracy rate

“York Region is a hotbed of talent and innovative thinkers,” said Jane Gertner, VP of Partnerships at ventureLAB. “The competitiveness of this fund proves why York Region is the destination of choice for small businesses to build and grow their companies.”

First introduced in 2019, the Entrepreneurial and Innovation Fund is a $100,000 annual program over the next four years to recognize innovative start-ups and non-profit organizations in York Region. The fund is divided into two streams – one for non-profit community partners and the other for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

If you are interested in applying, visit venturelab.ca/innovationfund.