Mississauga Women's Entrepreneur Conference 2022
2022-03-10 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Toronto)
Join the Women’s Entrepreneur Conference and learn from entrepreneurs on how to increase gender equality and ensure a sustainable future

Women’s Entrepreneur Conference
“Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Future”
Are you an entrepreneur looking to increase sustainability in your business through gender equality?
Join us at the Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Future, Women’s Entrepreneur Conference, taking place online on Thursday March 10th, 2022
Learn from our panelists who will share information, experiences and insights to women entrepreneurs on how they address the gender gap and move towards equality to enhance and create a sustainable future
Registration in advance is required to attend this event. Register Today!
A Webex link will be emailed to all participants prior to the event start time. If you have any questions, please contact our events team at mbec.events@mississauga.ca

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Jennifer Harper, Cheekbone Beauty Founder and CEO
An award-winning social entrepreneur, Jenn Harper is the founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics INC. Cheekbone Beauty is a digitally native direct to consumer brand that is helping Indigenous youth see themselves in a beauty brand while using the concept of Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) in the brands ethos and in developing products. Creating a new segment in the beauty industry – Sustainable Socially Conscious Beauty.
She speaks regularly to university, college and high school students about social entrepreneurship, empathy and the history of her First Nations family. She has also been invited to speak to various entrepreneur groups including women in business associations, Apple Canada and First Nations organizations. Cheekbone Beauty’s mission is to help every Indigenous youth see and feel their enormous value in the world while creating sustainable cosmetics.
www.cheekbonebeauty.com
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook – @cheekbonebeauty

GUEST SPEAKER
Noora Sharrab, Sitti Social Enterprise Ltd Co-Founder and CEO
Noora Sharrab is a Palestinian-Canadian Muslim social entrepreneur, mentor, humanitarian and mother of 3 and runs a non-profit and social enterprise dedicated to supporting refugee and displaced communities. She obtained her Master’s degree in Political Science with a Specialization in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies at York University in Toronto, Canada. In 2013, Noora partnered with Jacqueline Sofia to establish a Social Enterprise, Sitti with the purpose to empower refugee communities to become self-reliant through employment generation and promoting gender equality. Noora was an Advisory Council member with UNHCR Canada, and WeConnect International (Canada). She is a Canadian SheEO Venture Winner and the received the Muslim Awards of Excellence for ‘Women of the Year 2021’ Award. Most recently she won the BMO for Women, Entrepreneur Award for 2021 based on their sustainable impact with the refugee community and currently mentors young entrepreneurs as part of the EDGE hub at Sheridan College.
www.sittisoap.com
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook – @sittisoap TikTok – @shopsitti

GUEST SPEAKER
Seema Sanghavi, Cooks Who Feed Founder and CEO
As founder of Cooks Who Feed, Seema is passionate about ending hunger. In partnership with charities and NGOs, Cooks Who Feed is on a mission to empower food lovers to take action for a hunger-free world.
In addition to her career, she loves to cook, eat, and travel off the beaten track. She has travelled extensively and has had the pleasure to work in various countries including Canada, the UK, Belgium, The Netherlands, and India. She considers herself to be an amateur chef and enjoys taking cooking courses in different countries to learn the local cuisine and cooking techniques.
www.cookswhofeed.com
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook – @cookswhofeed

Hosted and presented by
Mississauga Business Entrepreneur Centre (MBEC), Economic Development, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Division, City of Mississauga, is your central source for small business information, resources and guidance. mississauga.ca/mbec 905-615-4460 mbec@mississauga.ca @MississaugaEDO – Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook
Presented in Partnership With The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Build a Better World
2022-03-13
Are you interested in how technology can help build a better future for our community? We are looking for students who are ready to make change!
Take part in this challenge and develop solutions to a real-world problem of your choice within two categories – Climate Change and Sustainability or Societal Impact and Supporting Community. Any post-secondary student in Canada can join – we only encourage that 50% of your team identifies with the 2SLGBTQ+ community. You don’t need a background in tech, we want all walks of life to come to the table.
Register a team or join one today! Make sure you submit your ideas by March 13.

Women in Social Enterprise Spotlight and Networking
2022-03-29 14:00 - 15:00
Let’s celebrate and share the impactful work of Canadian women in creating social and environmental change

Canada is full of entrepreneurial women working to create positive social and environmental impact everyday. Join us on March 29th for a virtual networking session to tell your story and hear from other women social entrepreneurs. Share your experience, passion, challenges and successes with other women who are just as passionate about creating positive change.
You should attend if you are..

A woman working in the social enterprise space in Canada
Already have or are interested in building a social impact mission for your business
Entrepreneurs or employee for a for-profit or non-profit working on impact-focused projects
Excited to share your vision and the social impact solutions you are working on
Looking to connect and collaborate with others to grow
Keen to participate in an afternoon of candid conversations

What to expect

A short presentation from our founder on Women and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Lots of time to network in small groups
Safe space to raise issues you are experiencing in moving your vision forward
A lookbook for attendees to share their work

Spots are limited so register now and make sure to book the time in your calendar.
Hosted by Startup Social Enterprise, a Startup Canada community driven by Social Venture Circuit.
This event is brought to you by the generous support of the Startup Women Community Fund, presented by Startup Canada, UPS and Scotiabank.

Ideation Lab Info Session
2022-04-13 13:30 - 14:30
Calling on innovators from all backgrounds!

ICUBE at UTM is excited to be facilitating the Ideation Lab during the Summer of 2022 to help you put big ideas into action! By taking part in the program, you can access webinars, live events, and mentorship, needed to map out a sustainable business or organization. You also will be eligible to compete for prize money at the end of the program to help you further launch your idea into reality. So, whether you’ve been building an invention, dreaming of starting a non-profit, or see a nagging problem you know you could fix – the Ideation Lab will help you make it happen!
Any interested students, alumni, or community members with start-up ideas are encouraged to attend this information session to learn more!

ICUBE’s Poker Night
2022-05-12 17:00 - 19:00 | Blind Duck Pub, 3359 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Mississauga, L5L 1C6, CA
Join our fun networking event to meet students, peer entrepreneurs, investors and mentors while enjoying snacks and winning prizes.

You don’t need to be a pro poker player, we will have a table for 1st timers & beginners and will offer a brief tutorial.

Legal session: Shareholders & Corporate Power Structures
2022-05-31 17:00 - 18:30
Learn how shareholders interact with each other and how the formal power structure of a corporation works!

Avoid making expensive mistakes. Learn how shareholders interact with each other and how the formal power structure of a corporation works, running down from shareholders to directors to officers to employees.
Featured Guests
Matthew Literovich – Senior Associate, Dentons
Matthew Literovich is a senior associate in Dentons’ Corporate group. Based in Toronto, he has significant experience in the technology, life sciences, and charities spaces.
Matthew works extensively with emerging companies and investors as a part of the Firm’s Venture Technology and Emerging Growth Companies group. He advises on incorporations, shareholder matters, reorganizations, equity and debt financings, mergers and acquisitions and other corporate-commercial issues that may arise.
Areas of Expertise:

Joint Ventures
Venture Capital
Directors and Officers
Mergers and Acquisitions
Ahmed Mudathir – Associate, Dentons

Ahmed Mudathir is an associate in Dentons’ Corporate group. Based in Toronto, his practice focuses on corporate and transactional matters for venture technology and emerging growth companies, as well as securities and mergers and acquisitions.
Prior to joining Dentons, Ahmed was a member of a leading national law firm focusing on corporate and commercial transactions, and leveraging the use of cutting-edge legal technologies.
Areas of Expertise:

Corporate
Securities and Corporate Finance
Mergers and Acquisitions
Venture Technology and Emerging Growth Companies
Venture Capital

Media Consent: By registering for this session, you consent to the reproduction or use of the photographs, Screenshots, and video recordings taken during this event. This information in whole or in part, in all forms and media, will be used for distribution to the general public for the purposes of publicity and promotion of ICUBE UTM and its services. In giving this consent, you release ICUBE UTM and its nominees from liability for any violation of any personal or proprietary right you have in connection with any sale, reproduction or use of the digital media.

#UofTPRIDEPITCH 2022
2022-06-15 17:00 - 18:30 | University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Mississauga, L5L 1C6, CA
U of T Entrepreneurship and Positive Space is thrilled to announce the second U of T PRIDE Pitch Competition.

We are thrilled to announce the third year of U of T’s PRIDE Pitch. Students from all three campuses are welcome to apply for #UofTPRIDEPITCH – a competition that offers $5,000 in cash prizes to recognize, reward and accelerate the U of T’s 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. Selected individuals or teams will compete by showcasing their idea via a five-minute pitch to a panel of judges.
Come and watch our prideful students pitch for the chance to win one our cash prizes!

Fundraising Workshop
2022-06-24 17:00 - 18:30
Attend this session to learn about the various ways in which entrepreneurs can raise funds for their businesses.

With speakers from York Angels and Futurpreneurs, you’ll learn about how best to approach investors, and seek out other financing opportunities to support your growth. A ZOOM link will be emailed to participants closer to the event date.

Speakers:

Enrique Soissa
With over a decade and a half in media and entertainment industries, working in content and client facing roles, I have spent my time in major media organizations as well as start-ups. From founding and running my own business in the music industry, acquisitions, and client management roles, I have a wide variety of experiences to draw from. Now in the role of BDM for Futurpreneur, I am now able to support new business creators during their key foundational stage.

Katie Salem CPA, CA
Katie Salem CPA, CA is an accomplished financial professional and strategist with over 25 years of experience in public accounting and management consulting. She has advised start-ups, small business owners as well as large corporations with an exceptional commitment to helping clients achieve their financial, operational, and strategic objectives. She is the Executive Director of York Angel Investors and an active Angel Investor.

Visual Branding Crash Course
2022-07-12 17:00 - 18:30
This crash course introduces entrepreneurs to branding; what it is, when to do it, how to use it, and why it’s so important.

After hearing from three industry professionals from Toronto-based branding studio, Wysp Creative, you’ll have a better understanding of the essential role branding plays in your business.
Our Speakers:
Lucas DeClavasio
Lucas started his first business when he was 23 years old and learned about the branding process by diving in head first. He made a lot of mistakes, and learned a lot from them. After a decade in the design and branding industry, he has helped Wysp Creative develop a streamlined branding package that’s quick and affordable without sacrificing quality.
Andrew Patterson
With nearly 20 years of design and branding experience, Andrew is a proud partner of Wysp Creative, and also teaches graphic design and illustration at Sheridan College. When it comes to realizing original designs, his integrity is unmatched.
Monica Low
Monica’s breadth of experience stretches from publishing to design, to branding, to business consulting, all over a successful 20+ year career. She is a partner and key brand strategist at Wysp Creative; she can make you look good AND tell you what to do next.

Ideation Lab Info Session
2022-08-25 11:00 - 12:00, 2022-12-07 11:00 - 12:00
Calling on innovators from all backgrounds!

ICUBE at UTM is excited to be facilitating the Ideation Lab during the Fall of 2022 to help you put big ideas into action! By taking part in the program, you can access webinars, live events, and mentorship, needed to map out a sustainable business or organization. You also will be eligible to compete for prize money at the end of the program to help you further launch your idea into reality. So, whether you’ve been building an invention, dreaming of starting a non-profit, or see a nagging problem you know you could fix – the Ideation Lab will help you make it happen!
Any interested students, alumni, or community members with start-up ideas are encouraged to attend this information session to learn more!

Ideation Lab Summer Pitch Competition
2022-08-31 17:00 - 18:00
Join us from 5:00pm to 6:00pm on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 for the Ideation Lab Pitch Competition! Watch 5 finalists compete for prize money and in-kind prizes, see examples of how the pitching process works, and understand what to expect from investors and interested parties.
This event is facilitated by ICUBE at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) and will be held virtually via ZOOM. Sign-up information is to follow!
Eligibility Criteria:

Member of the Summer 2022 Ideation Lab
Successfully completed 3 online modules as part of the program requirements
Attended 2 virtual and/or in-person events before the time of application
Completed Practice Pitch session, as hosted by ICUBE

Judging Criteria:
The panel of judges will be looking for the venture’s:

Opportunity: A clearly identified problem and articulated and compelling value proposition
Viability and impact: Demonstrated traction, market opportunity and knowledge
Growth potential: Sustainable and scalable idea
Innovation: Intellectual property and/or strong competitive differentiation
Talent: A strong team
Communication skills: An effective and persuasive overall application and pitch presentation

Zoom link for the event:
https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/88642184664

Cultural Opening & Indigenous Entrepreneurship in Canada
2022-09-20 17:00 - 18:30
Please join us in our drop in zoom session at 5pm.

Redbird Circle will be delivering twelve online workshops on the topic of two-eyed seeing in entrepreneurship. The workshops will offer participants an opportunity to learn about the duality in entrepreneurship and innovation, and invite them to think in new ways about themselves, their community, and our connection to the spirit of the land. The workshops aim to build traditional knowledge, community, facilitate partnerships and mentorships, and build pathways to success for Indigenous entrepreneurs. For a list of upcoming workshops, dates and to register please see below. To learn more about the program, please visit: https://icubeutm.ca/indigenous/
Once you register for an online workshop, our team will follow up with instructions of how to join. If you don’t receive an email, please contact us at admin@redbirdcircle.com
Redbird Circle Inc. in partnership with University of Toronto’s iCube UTM, The Bridge and University of Toronto’s Libraries.
At Redbird Circle Inc, we empower Indigenous Governments and their People by merging Indigenous Knowledge, entrepreneurship and innovative learning approaches. Through strategic post-secondary partnerships, we offer multiple (virtual) courses on leadership, business creation, innovation, strategy and investment through an Indigenous lens.
The BRIDGE is a joint venture between UTSC’s Department of ManagementOpens an external site in a new window and the UTSC LibraryOpens an external site in a new window. It is where business, research and innovation converge, delivering extraordinary student experiences through entrepreneurship, research, advanced training programs, and work-integrated learning. Our state-of-the-art facility includes a business research library, data lab, and collaboration lounge. We are a U of T accelerator focused on student formation, and a pathway for industry and community partnerships. The BRIDGE connects the best academic theory with creative applications and aspiring minds.
University of Toronto Libraries supports campus entrepreneurs enrolled in courses and programs, commercializing research, and launching startups on their own or via a campus accelerator.
ICUBE is the home of Social Entrepreneurship and early-stage start-ups at UTM, offering resources, programs, workshops and mentorship for people who are changing the world. We empower innovators, creators, and change-makers to explore their ideas and make them happen. If you want to make a difference, ICUBE is here to help you make it.

Barriers & Challenges: What’s your biggest challenge of starting a business
2022-09-27 17:00 - 18:30
Please join us in our drop in zoom session at 5pm.

Redbird Circle will be delivering twelve online workshops on the topic of two-eyed seeing in entrepreneurship. The workshops will offer participants an opportunity to learn about the duality in entrepreneurship and innovation, and invite them to think in new ways about themselves, their community, and our connection to the spirit of the land. The workshops aim to build traditional knowledge, community, facilitate partnerships and mentorships, and build pathways to success for Indigenous entrepreneurs. For a list of upcoming workshops, dates and to register please see below. To learn more about the program, please visit: https://icubeutm.ca/indigenous/
Once you register for an online workshop, our team will follow up with instructions of how to join. If you don’t receive an email, please contact us at admin@redbirdcircle.com.
Redbird Circle Inc. in partnership with University of Toronto’s iCube UTM, The Bridge and University of Toronto’s Libraries.
At Redbird Circle Inc, we empower Indigenous Governments and their People by merging Indigenous Knowledge, entrepreneurship and innovative learning approaches. Through strategic post-secondary partnerships, we offer multiple (virtual) courses on leadership, business creation, innovation, strategy and investment through an Indigenous lens.
The BRIDGE is a joint venture between UTSC’s Department of ManagementOpens an external site in a new window and the UTSC LibraryOpens an external site in a new window. It is where business, research and innovation converge, delivering extraordinary student experiences through entrepreneurship, research, advanced training programs, and work-integrated learning. Our state-of-the-art facility includes a business research library, data lab, and collaboration lounge. We are a U of T accelerator focused on student formation, and a pathway for industry and community partnerships. The BRIDGE connects the best academic theory with creative applications and aspiring minds.
University of Toronto Libraries supports campus entrepreneurs enrolled in courses and programs, commercializing research, and launching startups on their own or via a campus accelerator.
ICUBE is the home of Social Entrepreneurship and early-stage start-ups at UTM, offering resources, programs, workshops and mentorship for people who are changing the world. We empower innovators, creators, and change-makers to explore their ideas and make them happen. If you want to make a difference, ICUBE is here to help you make it.

Starting an Indigenous Business
2022-10-04 17:00 - 18:30

Funding for an Indigenous Business
2022-10-11 17:00 - 18:30

Introduction to Design Thinking
2022-10-11 18:30 - 20:00 | ICUBE UTM – L1240, Innovation Complex, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Mississauga, L5L 1C6, CA
You will be introduced to the concept of Human Centered Design and how it is applied through the 5 step Design-Thinking process.

In this 90 minute workshop you will be introduced to the concept of Human Centered Design and how it is a applied through the 5 step Design-Thinking process. By the end of the workshop, you would have been introduced to a few key tools used in Design Thinking and gain an appreciation for how you can design products and services by putting human needs at the center of your innovation process.

S﻿peaker: Andrew Seepersad
Andrew is the Associate Director for the Business Design Initiative, a research and education center at the Rotman School of Management which focuses on Design-led Innovation Management. A graduate of Rotman’s MBA program he is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at the Paris School of Business. He is a trained Design Thinking facilitator who also holds a certificate in Learning Experience Design. In addition to his work at Rotman, Andrew provides private consulting for organizational innovation projects. Previously, he worked over a decade at a large multinational corporation, building extensive experience in Corporate Strategy, Planning, Financial Management and Partner Relations Management. In addition, he was actively involved in theatre, having founded and led a successful theatre company.

Taxation and Accounting of an Indigenous Business
2022-10-18 17:00 - 18:30

Create a ‘Wow!’ Experience That Turns Your Customers Into Raving Fans
2022-10-19 17:00 - 18:30 | Online, Webinar
Create a ‘Wow!’ Experience That Turns Your Customers Into Raving Fans

Join award-winning business coach Caitlin Blundell to learn how to build customer loyalty and increase referrals. You’ll learn how to convert your first-time customers into repeat business, and your regular customers into raving fans. Build a more profitable, successful business – one that works for you, not because of you – with these practical, action-oriented strategies.

Caitlin is a certified and award-winning business coach who works with business owners who are driven to excel even further.
She helps entrepreneurs build a more profitable and enjoyable business – one that works for them, not because of them. She helps her clients achieve more using proven tools, methodologies, and systems that have been tested and perfected over tens of thousands of businesses worldwide. As a coach, she holds her clients accountable, and, just like a sports coach, pushes them to perform at optimal levels.

Medicine Wheel Teachings
2022-10-25 17:00 - 18:30

Ethical Marketing
2022-11-01 17:30 - 19:00 | Online, Webinar
If your inspiration for creating a social enterprise is to address issues in our society and environment, then surely ethics are important to you! You’re trying to do the right thing in the sourcing, production, packaging, and operations, but you may be worried that it’s not perfect. With that in mind, how do you market the critical impact you’re making without greenwashing or social washing? You want to feel good about what you’re doing, and definitely don’t want to be called out for being contradictory!
In this workshop by Julianna Van Adrichem, we’ll delve into how to spot greenwashing and social washing, and what it takes to promote your social enterprise authentically and ethically. You’ll learn ways to market your social enterprise effectively without feeling gross! There will be time to reflect on your marketing and to discuss it with others in breakout rooms. There will also be time for questions.

Our Speaker: Julianna Van Adrichem
Julianna Van Adrichem created Promosaurus after 15 years of experience growing social enterprises focused on solar energy, sustainable agriculture, waste reduction, land conservation and other solutions for our environment. In 2019, she branched out on her own to expand her impact by offering marketing services to many more social enterprises that are doing crucial work for our societies and the planet.
Her degrees in International Development and Biological Sciences from the University of Guelph ensures that her communications align with the science behind the initiatives and allows her to bring an analytical approach to marketing and to see the larger picture. Julianna is currently a mentor in the Rhyze Ventures Program with Innovation Guelph.
Get your FREE ticket now!

CANCELLED: Market Research
2022-11-03 18:00 - 20:00 | ICUBE UTM – Financial Learning Centre, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Mississauga, L5L 1C6, CA
Come learn first-hand how to use market research tools available to start-ups via the ICUBE community.

You will receive training in how to conduct research, a demo of the best research tools available, and guidance in finding the information needed to validate the main areas of your business.
This workshop will be most beneficial to early-stage entrepreneurs interested in learning how to conduct primary and secondary market research.
Through the session you will:
· Learn about the pros and cons of different research types
· Receive guidance in conducting primary and secondary research
· Explore the main market research tools available through the library
· Start finding key information to validate the assumptions in your business plan
· Walk away with a list of valuable resources to continue your research

About the Speaker: Catherine MacGregor is the Finance Learning Centre Liaison Librarian at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Before joining the UTM Library last year, Catherine was a Knowledge Analyst at the Ontario Securities Commission. She also has experience as a librarian at two different corporate law firms in Toronto.

Legal session: Shareholders & Corporate Power Structures
2022-11-16 18:00 - 19:30
Learn how shareholders interact with each other and how the formal power structure of a corporation works!

Avoid making expensive mistakes. Learn how shareholders interact with each other and how the formal power structure of a corporation works, running down from shareholders to directors to officers to employees.
Our Speaker: Hani Al-Dajane
Emerge Law was founded by Hani Al-Dajane in 2019 to reimagine the delivery of legal services.
Hani is a corporate and transactional lawyer. In his practice, Hani serves as outside counsel to businesses, advising on matters ranging from formation to exit including equity compensation, regulatory compliance, and purchase and sale of businesses.
Hani is also a serial entrepreneur himself and is the founder of a new age media company called Yalla, which has been featured in Canada Digest, Toronto News, and Globe and Mail.

Zoom Link: https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/87002420287

Design Thinking | Part 02
2022-11-17 18:00 - 19:30 | ICUBE UTM – L1240, Innovation Complex, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Mississauga, L5L 1C6, CA

Visual Branding Crash Course
2022-11-23 18:00 - 19:00
This crash course introduces entrepreneurs to branding; what it is, when to do it, how to use it, and why it’s so important.

After hearing from three industry professionals from Toronto-based branding studio, Wysp Creative, you’ll have a better understanding of the essential role branding plays in your business.
Our Speakers:
Lucas DeClavasio
Lucas started his first business when he was 23 years old and learned about the branding process by diving in head first. He has a decade of experience in the design and branding industry, and has recently started exploring the world of user research.
Andrew Patterson
With nearly 20 years of design and branding experience, Andrew is a proud partner of Wysp Creative, and also teaches graphic design and illustration at Sheridan College. When it comes to realizing original designs, his integrity is unmatched.
Monica Low
Monica’s breadth of experience stretches from publishing to design, to branding, to business consulting, all over a successful 20+ year career. She is a partner and key brand strategist at Wysp Creative; she can make you look good AND tell you what to do next.

African Impact Challenge Pitch Day
2022-12-02 09:00 - 12:00 | University of Toronto Scarborough – Instructional Centre, 1095 Military Trail The BRIDGE, Toronto, ON M1C 1A2, Toronto, M1C 1A2, CA
African Impact Challenge 2022 Pitch Competition

W﻿e welcome you to join us in cheering our founders on as they have their first pitch competition in the 2022 African Impact Challenge.
At the African Impact Initiative, we are committed to building the future of our continent through its young innovators; by empowering them to create sustainable solutions to our biggest challenges. We achieve this through initiatives centered around impact-driven entrepreneurship, community engagement and career development.
One such initiative is the African Impact Challenge, where yearly, we help Africa’s brightest minds go from Idea to MVP to Market.
This year, we received over 500 venture team applications from 20 African countries, with 281 teams engaging in pre-incubation training, where the Top 30 pre-incubation startups were interviewed, and the emerging Top 16 selected for incubation.
Join us on Dec 2, 2022 as our Top 16 ventures, representing 8 African countries, share their incubation experience, products & services, and their exciting plans for scaling.

Understanding the Gig Economy
2022-12-06 17:00 - 18:30
Please join us in our drop in zoom session at 5pm.

Please note that these workshops were developed for self-identifying Indigenous peoples, First Nation, Inuit and Metis.
Redbird Circle will be delivering twelve online workshops on the topic of two-eyed seeing in entrepreneurship. The workshops will offer participants an opportunity to learn about the duality in entrepreneurship and innovation, and invite them to think in new ways about themselves, their community, and our connection to the spirit of the land. The workshops aim to build traditional knowledge, community, facilitate partnerships and mentorships, and build pathways to success for Indigenous entrepreneurs. For a list of upcoming workshops, dates and to register please see below. To learn more about the program, please visit: https://icubeutm.ca/indigenous/
Once you register for an online workshop, our team will follow up with instructions of how to join. If you don’t receive an email, please contact us at admin@redbirdcircle.com.
Redbird Circle Inc. in partnership with University of Toronto’s iCube UTM, The Bridge and University of Toronto’s Libraries.
At Redbird Circle Inc, we empower Indigenous Governments and their People by merging Indigenous Knowledge, entrepreneurship and innovative learning approaches. Through strategic post-secondary partnerships, we offer multiple (virtual) courses on leadership, business creation, innovation, strategy and investment through an Indigenous lens.
The BRIDGE is a joint venture between UTSC’s Department of ManagementOpens an external site in a new window and the UTSC LibraryOpens an external site in a new window. It is where business, research and innovation converge, delivering extraordinary student experiences through entrepreneurship, research, advanced training programs, and work-integrated learning. Our state-of-the-art facility includes a business research library, data lab, and collaboration lounge. We are a U of T accelerator focused on student formation, and a pathway for industry and community partnerships. The BRIDGE connects the best academic theory with creative applications and aspiring minds.
University of Toronto Libraries supports campus entrepreneurs enrolled in courses and programs, commercializing research, and launching startups on their own or via a campus accelerator.
ICUBE is the home of Social Entrepreneurship and early-stage start-ups at UTM, offering resources, programs, workshops and mentorship for people who are changing the world. We empower innovators, creators, and change-makers to explore their ideas and make them happen. If you want to make a difference, ICUBE is here to help you make it.

The Power of Storytelling
2022-12-13 17:00 - 18:30

Ideation Lab Pitch Competition | Fall 2022
2022-12-15 17:30 - 18:30
Join us from 5:30pm to 6:30pm on Thursday, December 15 for the Ideation Lab Pitch Competition!
Zoom link for the event: https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/86781797001

Join us from 5:30pm to 6:30pm on Thursday, December 15 for the Ideation Lab Pitch Competition! Watch 5 finalists compete for prize money and in-kind prizes, see examples of how the pitching process works, and understand what to expect from investors and interested parties.
This event is facilitated by ICUBE at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) and will be held virtually via ZOOM. Register for free using the Eventbrite link below!
Eligibility Criteria:

Member of the Fall 2022 Ideation Lab
Successfully completed 3 online modules as part of the program requirements
Attended 2 virtual and/or in-person events before the time of application

Judging Criteria:
The panel of judges will be looking for the venture’s:

Opportunity: A clearly identified problem and articulated and compelling value proposition
Viability and impact: Demonstrated traction, market opportunity and knowledge
Growth potential: Sustainable and scalable idea
Innovation: Intellectual property and/or strong competitive differentiation
Talent: A strong team
Communication skills: An effective and persuasive overall application and pitch presentation

Prizes:

1st place: $3,500.00 + $500.00 in-kind support from Optinum to work on your blueprint to optimize for positive social impact or financial sustainability”
2nd place: 1,000.00
PC: $500.00

Judges:

Prabaarja Bedi is a two-time entrepreneur and marketer passionate about social impact and environmental sustainability with strong interpersonal and networking skills. With over seven years of professional experience, she has worked in growth marketing, as an entrepreneur in the sustainable fashion and wellness living industries, and as a research associate with a global investment business for early-stage entrepreneurs. Aarja is an MBA from Babson College with a major in entrepreneurship. As an entrepreneur, she has graduated from various accelerators and incubators in the US and Canada.

Kyle Wang is the co-founder of Archipelago, a personalized health and wellness company that designs custom workout programs based on your unique goals, lifestyles and DNA. Kyle has spent all of his time doing 3 things: 1. Pushing Archipelago toward its mission of giving everyone the tools and knowledge to achieve their best health, 2. Broadening the company’s understanding of genetics through his PhD, and 3. Connecting with intelligent people with a vision for a better world.

Rick Makos has over 35 years of industry experience in consultative sales, marketing, product development and professional services. Rick has deep experience in growing businesses that focus on building analytical ecosystems that generate value for the businesses they are deployed. He has worked in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia, leading divisions within large multi-national corporations, and managing pre-IPO organizations. Rick has worked with many major companies on business focused implementations of Data Warehousing, Analytics, Digital Manufacturing, and IIOT systems. Some these clients include US Patent & Trademark Office, Royal Bank of Canada, TD Bank, Bank of America, McCain Foods, Rogers Communications, Bell Canada, MARS, Dupont, Sierra Nevada Corporation, and Bristol-Myers. His past positions include, President Callisto Integration, President and CEO Phemi Systems, CEO of Angoss Software, and President of NCR Canada and Teradata Canada.

Fundraising Workshop
2023-02-08 17:30 - 18:30
Attend this session to learn about the various ways in which entrepreneurs can raise funds for their businesses.

Come join us over Teams on February 8th – 5:30-6:30pm. Learn from investors and experts about the various options available to seek funding when establishing your venture.

O﻿ur Panelists:

Julia Tu
Julia is currently the Director of Ontario Investments at Front Row Ventures, Canada’s first university-focused venture capital fund investing in student founders. She is passionate about supporting the next generation of technology leaders and building a stronger tech ecosystem in Canada. Outside of Front Row, she has work experience in various different industries including sustainable investing at the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan, consulting at Deloitte and risk and strategy at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.

Enrique Soissa
With over a decade and a half in media and entertainment industries, working in content and client facing roles, I have spent my time in major media organizations as well as start-ups. From founding and running my own business in the music industry, acquisitions, and client management roles, I have a wide variety of experiences to draw from. Now in the role of BDM for Futurpreneur, I am now able to support new business creators during their key foundational stage.

Frank Lorusso
Frank Lorusso is a Senior Account Manager with BDC which is a financial institution devoted to Canadian entrepreneurs. BDC helps create and develop strong Canadian businesses through financing, advisory and capital.
Frank Lorusso joined BDC in February of 2019. In his current role, he is a small business specialist. This involves financing commercial real estate, as well as helping businesses finance equipment and working capital to accelerate their growth.
