Brampton Ontario Canada is building an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem
Prioritizing Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship is a key cornerstone in Brampton’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy. This cornerstone outlines how Brampton will drive growth in innovation and technology start-ups and corporates, while promoting digital transformation among existing businesses and putting the necessary resources in place to nurture entrepreneurship.
Sound like a tall order? The City of Brampton is up for the challenge. We are fast-tracking plans to build an innovation ecosystem that produces innovative talent with the goal of supporting start-ups from across the region. Many technology companies and start-ups have found ways to pivot and gain momentum through the economic downturn produced by COVID-19, and Brampton is well positioned to accelerate these companies from ideation all the way to success. We will do this by supporting companies across all sectors and sizes of business in their recovery strategies, and by investing in and nurturing the growth of the up-and- coming Brampton Innovation District. The District will develop into an ecosystem with resources for companies in all stages including start-up, scale-up, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large corporates.
Positioned to be a key player in the innovation space with its location in the middle of Canada’s Innovation Corridor, downtown Brampton’s Innovation District will fully adopt an innovation and technology transformation and capitalize on entrepreneurship.
Who Is Part of Brampton’s Innovation District?
A number of entrepreneurial and innovation spaces are currently part of downtown Brampton’s Innovation District. More will join as we continue to build a robust District which will support businesses and entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey by offering a range of solutions and support to the local entrepreneur community.
Brampton Entrepreneur Centre SPACE FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP SERVICES AND CO-WORKING
The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre (BEC) opened a spacious 4,500 sq. ft. storefront co-working space designed to fuel creativity and productivity, completely free to Brampton entrepreneurs and innovators. Located at 41 George Street South, BEC hosts frequent seminars and sessions with business advisors. Since BEC has opened over 400 entrepreneurs have subscribed to use the services and space. Although BEC’s physical location on George St. is currently closed due to COVID-19, staff have continued to work with Brampton businesses remotely throughout the pandemic and provide ongoing support and a variety of webinars to support businesses.
Welcoming the Research Innovation Commercialization (RIC) CENTRE to Brampton.
The recent relocation of the RIC Centre to downtown Brampton is a critical addition to Brampton’s Innovation District and the development of its ecosystem. The RIC Centre is a “scale-up” organization to help entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level. The RIC Centre is located directly across from the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre at 6 George Street South.
“We are thrilled to be moving to Brampton. We have built an excellent relationship with Brampton in our work with them over the past few years, and we are excited about our many new opportunities as we get established in our new location. Downtown Brampton has a great energy – a heartbeat – and we are excited to become a part of the innovation ecosystem that is thriving there.” Pam Banks, Executive Director, RIC Centre.
Ryerson Venture Zone
With the recent launch of the Ryerson Venture Zone in the Brampton Innovation District, Brampton is committed to building and supporting entrepreneurial teams by aiding in the development of high potential scalable businesses in Brampton. The Ryerson Venture Zone is modelled after and integrated with Ryerson University’s world recognized Zone network. It is designed to bring people together to brainstorm, kick-start projects, and help take start-ups from early-stage incubated companies to established thriving businesses.
Rogers Cyber Secure Catalyst
The newly launched Rogers Cyber Secure Catalyst led by Ryerson University will help local and international companies seize the opportunities and tackle the challenges of cybersecurity, collaborating with industry, governments and academic partners. This not-for-profit organization is owned and operated by Ryerson University and offers training and certification, support for cyber scale-ups, applied R & D and more. A major component of the Rogers Cyber Secure Catalyst is the Cyber Security Accelerator which is developed in partnership with the world renowned Ryerson DMZ Accelerator. This Accelerator is Canada’s first commercial Cyber Security accelerator for start-ups and scale-ups and provides companies with the required tools to grow. The accelerator also features a “Corporates-in-Residence” program where companies including Rogers, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), and Amazon mentor companies at the Catalyst Cyber Accelerator. The scale-ups also have access to over $500,000 worth of exclusive business services and perks provided by over 60 globally recognized businesses. The new accelerator, in conjunction with the other cornerstones of the Rogers Cyber Secure Catalyst including Canada’s first Cyber Range, Cyber security training and research and development are all positioning Brampton to become Canada’s next national hub for Cyber Security.
Founder Institute
Our newest addition to the Innovation District, the Founder Institute in Brampton is a world premier ideastage accelerator that aims to empower early-stage entrepreneurs to launch global companies by providing expert mentorship, a global network of resources and a curated program through a partnership with Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst and the City of Brampton.
DEVELOPING OUR TALENT
Over the last two years, education and training opportunities within the downtown core have significantly increased. From Ryerson University – Chang School of Continuing Education and Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst to Sheridan College and Algoma University, the Innovation District is a destination for learning at all levels.
• Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst’s Accelerated Cybersecurity Training Program
• The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, Ryerson University
• Sheridan Continuing and Professional Studies at Brampton Library’s Four Corners Branch
• Algoma University – Downtown Brampton Campus
In Brampton, work is underway on a plan for a more modern and innovative approach to postsecondary education. Our aim is to create a locally tailored solution that offers leading undergraduate and graduate degrees in key areas that align with the in-demand skills of the future. We want to develop and retain our home-grown talent right here in Brampton.
The City of Brampton is eager to submit our proposal to the Province and continue working with our local Members of provincial Parliament and the provincial government to make Brampton U a reality.
Business Support Services through the Economic Development Office, Brampton Board of Trade and the Downtown BIA will provide essential services and connections to help build the talent ecosystem within the Innovation District.
BUILDING CAPACITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE FOR INNOVATION
Last year, Brampton approved moving forward on three major projects that will generate downtown revitalization and enhance new developments in the City’s core. The future Centre for Innovation (CFI) is a transformational initiative that will support the growth of Brampton’s innovation ecosystem. It will offer a new central library, office space and direct access to transit. The CFI will become an anchor for Brampton’s Innovation District.
All of these initiatives will complement the City’s efforts to create complete communities, unlock economic potential and reinforce Brampton’s unique position within the Innovation Corridor (between Toronto and Waterloo Region). Creating a gateway building like the Centre for Innovation will be transformational for downtown Brampton and will anchor the Innovation District as a hub for the City’s talent to thrive.
All the pieces are being put into place to propel Brampton’s economy forward and to ensure Brampton’s downtown Innovation District has a full suite of supports for entrepreneurs and businesses.
The City of Brampton is eager to welcome local entrepreneurs and talent of all types and keep the momentum going. For more information, visit Bramptoninnovationdistrict.com or contact us at 905.874.2650 or email
invest@brampton.ca
