NEWS RELEASE
SMOFFICE
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Dubbed as Canada’s most innovative incubation program, the 2018 smOffice contest is in its fourth year, but this year they’re approaching it differently.
Having successfully launched seven unique enterprises throughout Simcoe to date, smOffice is focusing on (aiming to reach) members of Indigenous communities in their efforts to launch three new startups this season! Applications will be accepted until May 1.
Last year’s smOffice winner, Charles Catchpole member of Couchiching First Nation and his wife Jermaine will be Co-leading this year’s program. “smOffice offers a great program that gives startups the support they need to get their business off to a running start.
Our food service product will be launching into retail in the next few months and it wouldn’t have come to fruition without the assistance of smOffice and the possibility of dreaming bigger. So I say ‘meegwetch’ for that.”
“Having served and supported First Nations community over the years, I’ve always longed for ways to see our FNMI communities thrive as opposed to just survive,” said Chad Ballantyne, creator of smOffice contest. “I think a unique incubator program like smOffice is perfectly structured for breaking down barriers and collaborating on dreams for any culture.”
Mentor and sponsor Marc Castel of Fiix said, “At Fiix, we believe deeply in promoting technological literacy and removing barriers for Indigenous Peoples. This past year we entered into a relationship with First Nations Technology Council, where we are finding new ways to serve and support our First Nations community. When we heard this season of smOffice had an Indigenous focus, we knew we wanted to get involved at a grassroots level.”
The contest is now accepting applications until May 1, 2018 and application is online. Three qualifying winners will receive free downtown office and meeting space for six months, professional services, invaluable mentorship sessions from top Simcoe entrepreneurs and $1,000 each in seed funding - all to fuel their small business dream.
“We’re excited to meet that next creative entrepreneur who has a clear vision and brings passion to what they do,” said Chad Ballantyne, owner of The Creative Space who is hosting the contest. “Our goal is to accelerate their business in ways they could never do on their own.”
How to apply
For more information: click here or follow @smoffice_barrie
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