Accelerator Centre puts pedal to the metal
True to its name, the new Stratford Accelerator Centre is off to a quick start.
Even before it had officially launched at its downtown home, the centre – which is an offsboot of the successful Waterloo Accelerator Centre – already received 10 applications for its award-winning program that mentors, supports and cultivates early stage technology and digital media companies.
And even before holding a formal grand opening, it already has seven clients on board here.
Shane Pegg, the centre’s direction of strategic initiatives, introduced a few of them at a recent Avonova meeting at the University of Waterloo Stratford campus, and offered an overview of just what will be happening at 6 Wellington St.
“Our mission with the Accelerator Centre is to work with the community to help accelerate early-stage companies, to help them move from concept to commercialization,” said Pegg.
For their monthly rent, clients accepted into the program get much more than just a desk, a phone line and the use of the photocopy machine.
They have access to mentors and advisors, as well as a team of business professionals than can help them navigate things like grant applications, financing, sales, marketing and human resources.
What’s offered is “all the different aspects from an entrepreneur toolkit that you need to help move you from the point you’re at to point of launch and beyond,” said Pegg.
Dan Heitbohmer is looking beyond.
He’s among the initial group of clients at the centre hoping to accelerate his business, BuildCircle, which provides cloudbase software services for contractors to help streamline their communications with subtrades, and improve the bidding process.
“The mentorship there is just fantastic,” said Heitbohmer, suggesting that the professional guidance and networking opportunities offered through the centre are invaluable to a young business.
MotoRegistry, which provides management software for the motor sport industry, is also hoping to capitalize on those local resources.
Founder and CEO James Emmerich said the Stratford Accelerator Centre is just what are startups need.
“I think it’s a huge opportunity for small business, or just people with ideas to have someone that can help them grown that idea into a full-fledged business,” he said.
“I think it’s going to be a huge benefit for Stratford.” Emmrich is not the only entrepreneur at the Accelerator Centre revving the engine of a motorsport-related business.
Myles Bartholomew, a Global Business and Digital Arts student at the university, is working on MXM Nation, which provides online resources to help connect amateur motorcross racers with sponsorship opportunities.
A fellow local learner a the Stratford campus, Master of Digital Experience Innovation (MDEI) student Don Wright, has teamed up with Anne Dixon and Stratford digital media strategist Bob Telfer on an initiative called Empatico.
The early-stage company commercializing software, based on Wright’s extensive work in behavioural science that focuses on interpersonal conflicts, and how to improve dynamics between groups of people.
And another software company at the centre is exploring the business model for a one-stop site that categorizes, curates and promotes local news, events and offerings, serving them up online through social media.
Pegg said the first crop of client companies at 6 Wellington St. embody the strong entrepreneurial spirit the Accelerator Program wants to nurture.
Along with the main Accelerator Centre in Waterloo, and the Communitech Hub in Kitchener, Stratford will be part of a “core” that helps to incubate up-and-coming technology and digital media companies in the region.
Pegg said he sees the centre working in partnership not only with the University of Waterloo Stratford campus, but with others in the city committed to supporting and enhancing the local business ecosystem.
“It is about building community,” said Pegg. “That’s why we’re here.”
mike.beitz@sunmedia.ca