The Town of Minto and Minto Chamber of Commerce opened a “creative economy business incubator” called LaunchIt Minto on June 14.
Located at the corner of Elora and Arthur Streets in Harriston, officials describe LaunchIt Minto as “a hub for growth and innovation.”
Minto is under-serviced when it comes to business services, the town explains in a press release.
“LaunchIt Minto hopes to fill that void and help businesses in and around Minto get started, grow and do business better. This is the only business Incubator in the area, making it a very unique initiative in rural Ontario,” the release states.
“The goal is to help businesses start, grow and succeed in a creative environment,” explains LaunchIt Minto chair Glen Hall.
“Our services are for all businesses but geared towards entrepreneurs that think for a living. LaunchIt Minto is for businesses such as accountants, lawyers or financial professionals as well as designers, artists and technology entrepreneurs.”
Services for new businesses are focused on getting a new entrepreneur started. These services are in place to help a new venture succeed and include training services, mentorship program, and tenancy in LaunchIt Minto for businesses that qualify. LaunchIt tenants access high speed Internet, a private meeting room, receive promotion on the LaunchItMinto.com website and social media, access to a wider network of business support services. Tenants all receive a furnished working space, professional photocopier/printer and other services to help them succeed.
GrowIt services are for businesses that are established. These services are in place to help current businesses do new things, work through business challenges, learn new things and to help entrepreneurs learn how to Grow their businesses.
Services include the Business Excellence Training Program giving an entrepreneur access to a network of experienced and successful entrepreneurs to learn from as well as a wide variety of training programs for themselves of key staff. Members of the Business Excellence Training Program also get access to the LaunchIt Minto facilities for private meetings, business support services and networking events.
ConnectIt services are for businesses that are looking for new opportunities by connecting with other business owners and decision makers in the area.
“Making a single connection at the correct time can change the fortunes for a business for the better,” states Karisa Downey, LaunchIt Minto business development coordinator. “LaunchIt Minto is the hub for these connections through various events, sponsorship opportunities and networking sessions.”
LaunchIt Minto has partnered with Waterloo Wellington Community Futures, Saugeen Econonmic Development Corporation and Guelph Wellington Business Enterprise Centre to offer a wide array of training courses to LaunchIt tenants and members.
The incubator also has a large Board Room/Presentation Room that features a white board and a Smart TV, along with a smaller private meeting room. Both of these rooms can be rented by the public for meetings or other business gatherings. LaunchIt Minto also features fibre optic high speed internet along with a professional photocopier and printer to ensure the best business environment possible.
With the project launched, Minto business and economic manager Belinda Wick-Graham said the next step is to fill the incubator with fledgling businesses and she anticipates the application process beginning right away.
For more information, visit www.launchitminto.com.
