News

August 17, 2022

Three Regional Economic Development Organizations Announce New Program to Support International Tech Startups and Scale Up in Southwestern Ontario

Haltech (Halton Region), TechPlace (Burlington) and Innovation Factory (Hamilton) form partnership with LatAm Startups to promote economic growth in Southwestern Ontario. 

BURLINGTON, ON, August 17, 2022 – Today, a new program was announced to enable innovative international companies to grow in southwestern Ontario. The “Acceleration+” program, delivered through a partnership formed with LatAm Startups; Haltech, TechPlace (led by Burlington Economic Development), and Innovation Factory, will provide specialized resources to high-potential startups, designed to help them enter the Canadian market, create new jobs and promote economic returns.

Specifically tailored to the unique needs of an international expansion, Acceleration+ will provide services and programming available through the three organizations, including coaching, mentorship, business advisory support, access to networking events and strategic introductions to investors and regional stakeholders. In addition, companies will be provided office space, access to customized market research and intelligence and support with immigration and visas.

LatAm Startups will accept companies on a rolling intake basis and complete discovery sessions with each to ensure they are provided with customized support to help them grow and scale successfully. 

The launch of Acceleration+ follows up on the recent $3-million Government of Canada  investment for LatAm Startups announced by Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). This project is expected to help bring 100 Latin American startups to Canada, create 180 new jobs, generate $50 million in revenues, and contribute to the commercialization of new technology products and services. 

Quotes

“Our Government recognizes the importance of global business attraction and the role it plays in Canada’s economic development recovery. Today’s launch of the “Acceleration+” program will enable innovative international companies to grow in southwestern Ontario, attract highly qualified personnel, strengthen our economy and create good jobs.”

The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Agency for Southern Ontario 

“This partnership formalizes the relationship between LatAm Startups, TechPlace, Innovation Factory and Haltech and boosts our ability to support innovative companies with leading-edge solutions to make this region their home. This program opens Halton and Hamilton’s doors to the world, creating new opportunities and high-impact jobs for all entrepreneurs and existing companies.”

Shann McGrail, C.E.O., Haltech Regional Innovation Centre

“Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship locally is an important part of what we do at Burlington Economic Development, and we launched TechPlace to create a space and place for start-ups to connect into resources and support. This partnership with LatAm Start-ups is very exciting as it will allow us to expand TechPlace’s reach globally and welcome more international companies to the community. We are thrilled to be able to offer them a place to start growing their business right here in Burlington.” 

Anita Cassidy, Executive Director, Burlington Economic Development 

“Through this innovative partnership with LatAm Startups, Haltech and TechPlace, we are thrilled to support emerging companies as they establish a presence in Southwestern Ontario. The Acceleration+ program provides important services and resources to a community of newcomers and their innovative businesses while also promoting economic development for our region.”

David Carter, Executive Director, Innovation Factory

Associated Links

• Government of Canada invests over $3 million to support international tech entrepreneurs’ start-up and scale-up in southern Ontario
• LatAm Startups – Phase III: Acceleration Program (Startup Visa)
• Acceleration+ Program
• Applicant FAQs
• Program FAQs
• FedDev Ontario

About Haltech

Haltech is a not-for-profit Regional Innovation Centre (RIC) that has worked with more than 800 innovation companies since its inception. Expertise includes education, mentorship and advisory services and strategic connections with a wider ecosystem of professionals and partners to support technology and innovation companies. Haltech also specializes in programming and support for Women entrepreneurs.

www.haltech.ca

About TechPlace

Led by Burlington Economic Development, TechPlace is Burlington’s one-stop destination for new and growing technology companies. The space is home to Haltech, Halton’s Regional Innovation Centre, and Angel One Investor Network, a member-based angel group that has invested more than $25 million in early-stage companies. TechPlace provides space, place, and resources to domestic and international businesses through its Launchpad and Soft-Landing programs, hot desking areas, and meeting and event spaces.

www.techplace.ca

www.investburlington.ca 

About Innovation Factory

Innovation Factory is a not-for-profit business accelerator, serving as the catalyst for technology innovation in the greater Hamilton area since 2011. From ideation to commercialization and scale-up; Innovation Factory provides business services, training, mentorship, and strategic connections to drive market adoption, leverage intellectual property, and increase revenues, investment, and jobs. Innovators can also access sector-specific resources including exclusive smart transportation test environments and data; and a formal life science and health innovation ecosystem.

www.innovationfactory.ca

About FedDev Ontario

For 13 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.