February 13, 2012, Ottawa ON – Invest Ottawa announced today they are currently accepting applications for its third cohort of high potential start-ups in Ottawa looking to launch their early-stage technology to the next level. The GrindSpaceXL program is a four-month, milestone-based program which combines a core curriculum plus tailored individual business development plans designed to build a company that can quickly grow, launch a successful product and find funding.
GrindSpaceXL offers targeted and intensive entrepreneurship training; extended one-on-one mentorship; specialized advisors to help companies become investor-ready; opportunities to pitch to qualified investors; and office space at Invest Ottawa’s 80 Aberdeen Street location.
Two cohorts of companies have already enrolled in the program and Invest Ottawa is currently accepting applications for its third class of tech start-ups. To apply to this competitive program, companies must be incorporated, headquartered and operating in Ontario, less than five years old, and their core product or service must be technology-based. Interested startups can apply online at www.GrindSpaceXL.com.
“This is a natural and important extension to the existing services we provide,” explains Bruce Lazenby, President and CEO, Invest Ottawa. “Ottawa has a rich history of building great companies, as a result we have a wealth of experienced entrepreneurs available to mentor local startups. We have pulled together a team of entrepreneurs-in-residence who have the experience and the passion to support the companies through this intensive program and help build the next billion dollar Ottawa-based company.”
“The GrindSpaceXL program really helped to understand my core value proposition,” said grinder, Patrick Millward, Founder and CEO of MyOfficeTool, whose company provides workplace solutions that enable efficient workplace collaboration and communication. “I now have a deeper understanding of my business and a clear path to take it to the next level,” Millward continues, “MyOfficeTool is now in a solid position to effectively market and sell its products as well as present to investors.”
Benson Wong, Founder and CEO of Can I Pay Less; an organization that provides a price comparison platform for credit cards and cell phone plans states, “GrindSpaceXL has significantly rounded out my skills from an operational perspective”. Mr. Wong adds, “This intensive program has completely turned around my strategic approach to sales, marketing and presentation tactics – it has been an invaluable experience for my company.”
As the Regional Innovation Centre for Ottawa and Eastern Ontario and a member of the Ontario Network of Excellence (ONE), Invest Ottawa’s Grindspace XL program is made possible through the financial support of the Government of Ontario as well as that received through the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC’s IRAP).
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About Invest Ottawa:
Invest Ottawa delivers export-oriented economic development programs and initiatives that increase entrepreneurial momentum, wealth and jobs in the City of Ottawa and its surrounding region. Its goal is to make Ottawa the best place in Canada to start and grow a knowledge-based business. Invest Ottawa services include startup incubation and mentorship, acceleration for existing companies, global business attraction and local business retention, targeted sector development, commercialization, and marketing Ottawa’s diversified economy and high quality of life. Visit us at www.investottawa.ca, find us on facebook.com/InvestOttawa or follow us on Twitter @invest_ottawa
