Innovation cluster will add to a ‘growing and diverse economy’ in Kawartha Lakes

On February 11, the Innovation Cluster officially opened at 180 Kent Street West in Lindsay. An incubator for high growth entrepreneurs and businesses, the Innovation Cluster provides mentoring, workshops, space and access to specialized resources and complements Economic Development’s services for local entrepreneurs.

“We’re excited to finally welcome the Innovation Cluster to Lindsay,” said Rebecca Mustard, Manager, Economic Development, in a media release.

“During the past few years, both our organizations have seen a number of start ups grow and create new jobs while in our respective programs. This incubation space in Lindsay will build off our success in the past and expand our support for entrepreneurs and businesses.”

With the support of the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (KLCFDC) through the Rural Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario (RIIEO), a project funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), the Pilot Project is supporting 10 local innovators and offering at least six training sessions to a broader audience of entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Most local entrepreneurs start with the Kawartha Lakes Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (KLSBEC) at 180 Kent Street West and those that fit the pilot project may have an opportunity to move to the Innovation Cluster next door.

Focused on strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship in Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes, the Innovation Cluster has helped hundreds of start ups in the past 10 years. With a space now in Lindsay, this pilot project increases its level of support to Kawartha Lakes and will help further drive business and job creation.

“Economic Development is firing on all cylinders and this is another great example of how we’re creating a growing and diverse economy in Kawartha Lakes,” said Mayor Andy Letham. “Thank you to the KLCFDC and FedDev Ontario for their support, and of course to the Innovation Cluster and our Economic Development team for making this happen.”

To learn about everything the Innovation Cluster has to offer in the incubation program or to become a client, visit Innovation Cluster.