Incubator Program
Why Join our Incubator?
Are you a new startup, or have a business idea and want extra support?
We are Greater Sudbury’s business incubator. We offer valuable resources and support for aspiring and new entrepreneurs looking to start and grow their early-stage business over the course of 6 months with a minimum of a 2-hour per week commitment.
Imagine working on your own business in a beautiful collaborative workspace in the heart of Downtown Sudbury, while you access business training and are surrounded by a community of entrepreneurs, mentors, and experts who will help you every step of the way. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Innovation Quarters.
Once accepted as a member of the IQ, you’ll have many new opportunities to connect with potential clients, business mentors, and future collaborators, as well as engage in customized professional development workshops. You’ll benefit from our vast networks, collaborative work environment, and knowledge-sharing with like-minded peers.
As an IQ member, you’ll get access to $25,000 of exclusive perks and business support to help your business achieve its goals – at no cost! Plus, our alumni have an opportunity for continued access to mentorship and workspace for an additional 6 months.
Tailored Programming
Our programming includes 8 in-person workshops led by our mentors at the IQ, and your choice of 7 or more virtual webinars or in-person networking opportunities. Our group workshops include topics on marketing, finances, and more.
Mentorship
You will have access to our mentors and program coordinator for one-on-one mentorship for up to a year. Your mentors are here to guide you on any topics including business strategy, sales, marketing, pricing structures, and more.
Dedicated work desk
You and your team can work out of the Innovation Quarters at no extra cost for up to a year. You can set up your workstation and work out of the space with the availability to use meeting rooms. Take a look at what our space has to offer.
Entrepreneurship Community
The program offers multiple networking events and invites you to meet our professional guest speakers, mentors, funders, and more. Working together in the IQ also encourages collaboration–we welcome you into our entrepreneur community.
What We Offer
- Dedicated workstations, access to video-enabled meeting rooms and a business mailing address
- High speed internet and printer access
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced mentors and community business leaders
- Milestone development and accountability meetings with our Incubator Program Coordinator
- Connections to business advisors, professionals and government funding programs
- Specially curated professional development workshops, seminars and networking events
- Peer2Peer socials
- Ongoing group and individual pitch practices
- Introductions to potential new clients, investors and collaborators
- Marketing and media exposure through our programs and initiatives
- Special discounts and offers from our network of collaborators
What We’re Looking For
- Early-stage for profit businesses from any sector offering innovative, creative or unique products or services
- Business has not yet begun operating or generating revenue OR business has been operating or generating revenue for less than 12 months
- Business will be launched and/or operational within 12 months
- Aspiring or new entrepreneur that demonstrates a strong desire to learn and enhance their skill set by actively engaging in training programs and mentorship opportunities.
- Driven, coachable and collaborative entrepreneur and/or team
- Business must be located in, intending to expand to or willing to relocate to Greater Sudbury.
Timeline & Schedule
Applications to our Incubator Program are open year-round with small cohorts joining twice per year. Once accepted as a member, you’ll have access to specially curated training, networking, and mentorship in a collaborative work environment while enrolled in the program.
Our next cohort will run from November 19th 2024 to April 15th 2025. Applications for our next cohort are now open and applications will close on October 13th.
During the course of the program, 8 in person group workshops will take place at the Innovation Quarters along with additional virtual webinars and mentorship sessions arranged at your convenience. See our program schedule linked below.
Application Process
Step 1
Complete the online application form.
Applications for our next cohort will close on October 13th.
This form may take up to 30 minutes to complete. Please ensure that you have enough time to complete the form since progress cannot be saved and completed at a later date.
Step 2
Upon review, you’ll be contacted by a member of our team to schedule an intro call.
This initial meeting will allow us to learn more about your business model, as well as its current stage and needs. We’ll discuss all aspects of what our Incubator Program can offer, along with other initiatives worth exploring.
Step 3
Following the evaluation of applications, a limited number of applicants will be invited to an in-person interview with the IQ Selection Committee.
During the interview, you’ll have an opportunity to pitch your business and engage in a Q&A session. The IQ Selection Committee will be composed of members representing the City of Greater Sudbury’s Economic Development Division, NORCAT, the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, and the IQ Mentors.