1) We don’t just deal with software or high tech companies
At the Innovation Centre people think we solely deal with techies developing apps, software, and things that go to the moon. In reality as cool as all of that stuff is, we interact with pretty much anyone with an innovation. This includes food processors looking to scale up or helping companies implement new technology to make their existing business more competitive.
2) We have a 3D Printer that can Physically Print Products, how Cool is that?
Ever wanted to create your own product? The barriers to entry are getting lower and lower with 3D printing. We now have our own 3D printer located right in our office. Ask our staff about how to print your next prototype to show customers.
3) Our Office Manager Heather plays the bag pipes!?
Yes, you heard us right the bag pipes. Heather is often seen playing with the Thunder Bay Police Band. You may see her piping in the yard and down at the marina. Say hello she is quite friendly, so long as you are on her good side! If you aren’t, she’ll let you know with a term of endearment.
4) We’ve moved three times in the last five years
Yes, we’ve finally actually unpacked all of our boxes and are staying put thanks to Confederation College and their vision to turn the campus into an entrepreneurial hub. If you run into anything with our Balmoral or High Street address please discard!
5) We are part of a larger network of Innovation Centre’s and digital hubs across Canada
The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre is one of 14 Regional Innovation Centre’s (RICs) across the province that partake in something called the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs. We have shared resources to be utilized when we may be lacking that expertise locally so we can help you out. We are also connected Nationally and Internationally with the Canadian Digital Media Network of which we are a node. Check out the video to learn more:
6) We are also Entrepreneurs Ourselves.
Select members of our team are either currently working on their own business or have had a business in the past so we understand the balancing act required to get something up off the ground. Other members of our staff are entrepreneurial in their own way and make amazing contributions to both our organization and our clients. Previous and current endeavours include mining software, retail eCommerce, and business consulting.
7) We Cover a Region the Size of France
Northwestern Ontario is a big place and we connect with people all over the region from as far west as Kenora to Manitouwadge in the East. If you fall outside that region, we would still love to help and get you pointed in the right direction. Just give us a call.
8) Our Services are Free...
Even though we are business consultants we don’t charge any money for our services. Our currency is job and wealth creation in the region. If you are on track and have a similar vision to do something amazing in Northern Ontario we’d love to help.
9) ...and Confidential
We are also bound by confidentiality so feel free to start sharing your ideas with us. After all if you are ever going to sell something, you have to tell someone!
10) We help People Create Products
We wish we could build people’s products for them, but quite frankly our strong suit is providing fresh insight to help people along the entrepreneurship pathway. That is why we’ve formed strong relationships with strategic community partners to help you out along the way. One such initiative is MI-Zone, and advanced manufacturing lab that helps turn napkin sketches into prototypes ready for production by utilizing the regions brilliant minds under one umbrella organization to help get innovations to market.