Five new companies in this area are getting a helping hand at success.
The manager of the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre says for the third time, the Costarter Accelerator Program is giving $15,000 to each of the entrepreneurs, to assist them for a period of three months.
Judy Sander says for the three month period, each company receives office space, advisory assistance and access to those willing to contribute funds.
She admits choosing five recipients out of fifty was not an easy task at all.
“Coachable, smart entrepreneurs with a good idea. They didn’t have to have a full business plan to apply, it’s more about taking smart, entrepreneurial people with ideas, with a need in the market.”
Sander says it’s important to help northern entrepreneurs, especially since they don’t have the help that’s available in southern Ontario.
She notes that of the ten businesses involved in the first two programs, all but one have been able to keep their doors open. (File Photo)