Building on the momentum of the inaugural i.d.e.a. Fund cohort, applications for Cohort 2 are now open;paving the way for a new group of forward-thinking companies looking to commercialize innovative technologies that will help continue Canada’s transition to a green...
IG Blog Posts
An Innovation Collaboration
By: Jen Brignall-Strong How do you create jobs, help to future-proof businesses and support the transition to a greener economy? As Innovation Guelph can tell you, it’s teamwork that makes the green work. This past spring, the Regional Innovation Centre (RIC) was...
How One Woman Makes Connection a Priority in the Painting Industry
In March 2021, with homeowners taking more of an interest in their residential painting needs, Sarah Wren realized there was an opportunity to launch a business focused on providing a personal, customized approach to painting that would more than satisfy a niche in an...
Is AI the Solution Healthcare Needs? One Entrepreneur Makes a Strong Case!
The COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for many businesses, but none were impacted more heavily than the healthcare industry. Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists were overwhelmed, overworked, and did not have the resources to provide patient care virtually. Luckily, just a...
How an Entrepreneur Made a Brazilian Snack Popin the Canadian Market
In 2018, Alvaro Barretto had a six-ingredient recipe for a delicious Brazilian snack food that translates to “cheese bread”, and a dream to make this a popular snack food in North America! Flash forward a few years and Alvaro is now the founder and owner of Mandioca,...
How No Nuts Allowed Created an Opportunity to Excel at Entrepreneurship
Patricia Di Chiara was struck with a dilemma six years ago when her family moved to Canada; her children were no longer able to bring sandwiches made with chocolate spread and hazelnuts to school due to rules about severe allergies. Concerned about the safety of the...
Lessons from Leaders: Hiring and Retaining Quality Talent
On October 28, 2022, Innovation Guelph hosted a Lessons from Leaders panel discussing best practices for hiring and retaining high-quality employees. The objective of Lessons from Leaders panel discussions is to have diverse sectors, leaders, and stages represented by...
Blending Up Smoothies and Success
Amber Cubitt of Spoon In had the idea to bring healthy, ready-to-eat vegan smoothie bowls to those looking for inclusive food options, and they’ve never looked back. Their smoothie bowls are a delicious blend of fruit and plant-based protein, topped with an assortment...
Putting together the Pieces of Entrepreneurship
The Idea For Kidunified founder Ashley Kizis, children need representation in play. Based in Guelph, Ontario, Kidunified is a women-led social enterprise making puzzles that reflect the communities children live in. For Ashley, engaging children in play that better...
Collaboration for a Common Goal
What do financial planning and estate executor support have in common? It’s that people don’t know they need these services until the moment is upon them. Kristine Beese from Untangle Money and Debbie Stanley from ETP Canada realized they shared this common hurdle...
Earlier Posts
Krippit: Stepping into the European Market
Melissa Chung created a product to solve a problem! She said she loves wearing heels, but like many women, found she had to change shoes when walking any distance. Anyone wearing heels at an outdoor wedding has likely experienced the struggle of inadvertently...
Continuing the Conversation – Branching Out
Kimberley Van Ryn, founder of Branching Out, a social enterprise that provides community supports for individuals with neurodiversity and their families, said the company supports about 50 clients from age 7 to 92! Branching Out provides adult day service where...
Innovation Guelph Provides 19 companies with $570,000 through Cohort 1 of Government of Canada-funded i.d.e.a. Fund
Innovation Guelph provides 19 companies with $570,000 through Cohort 1 of Government of Canada-funded i.d.e.a. Fund August 4, 2022 Guelph, Ontario Companies in southern Ontario that focus on environmental impacts are vital to creating jobs and bringing new,...
Continuing the Conversation – B12Give
Tony Colley, Be One To Give founder, said his company is like Instacart for surplus food. Their on-demand B2B delivery app is for retailers with surplus food along the food chain. The company takes surplus food from retailers and redistributes it to those in need...
Humans of Innovation Guelph – Evan Forster
What/where do you consider your hometown? I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada! Do you have a talent, hobby or skill people wouldn’t expect? If so, do tell! I’m very passionate about sports and video games, whether it’s playing them or watching them. I...
Continuing The Conversation – Comeback Snacks
How it startedEmily O’Brien of Comeback Snacks said she started her business at the worst time! “I was incarcerated in federal prison. I had smuggled narcotics into Canada,” she said. “I knew I could do better, and I wanted to create fair chances while putting a light...
Humans of IG – Carly Beneteau
What/where do you consider your hometown? I was born and grew up in Windsor, Ontario. Do you have a talent, hobby or skill people wouldn’t expect? If so, do tell! One hobby people may not expect is that I enjoy lifting weights. I like going to the gym in general and...
Funding for Small Business: An Essential List
Aprihttps://www.feddevontario.gc.ca/eic/site/723.nsf/eng/02466.html?OpenDocument Need funding for your small business? Having trouble navigating what's available? Don't worry, we've got you! Innovation Guelph has compiled a list of current funding available and we're...
We Asked Our Mentors: Some clients have commented they were initially so focused on client satisfaction that they neglected forecasting and planning. Have you found this to be true? What advice do you have?
Psigryph: Conversations and Connections Prompt Pivot and Acceleration
In January 2022, Psigryph founders Sean Thompson and Gopi Paliyath received an invitation to apply, along with 1100 to 1200 other companies, to the MassChallenge Switzerland Accelerator. Those selected receive a chance to access non-dilutive cash prizes, connections...