Collège Boréal is launching a new research and incubation space at its Toronto campus.
In a Sept. 12 news release, Boréal said L’Espace d’innovation, de recherche et d’incubation (the Space for Innovation, Research and Incubation) will offer Toronto-based Francophone creators and entrepreneurs support, expertise, and an environment to succeed in their projects.
The centre will offer participants training, workshops and other resources so they can learn basic concepts in areas such as accounting, human resources, and legalities around creating a business.
Launch of the centre will happen thanks to a $500,000 donation from the financial services firm Desjardins, through its Fonds du Grand Mouvement (GoodSpark) fund.
Thanks to the funding, the centre’s resources will be free of charge. Particular attention will be paid to young entrepreneurs, by offering them support at the different stages of project development, from design to seeking grants and coaching, according to Boréal.
“With this donation, Desjardins Group is making a clear new commitment to Ontario's Francophonie and confirming its confidence in Collège Boréal to train the entrepreneurs of tomorrow,” college president Daniel Giroux said in a the release.
“We do not take this mark of confidence lightly: our desire to contribute to the vitality of the Franco-Ontarian economy and communities across the province is at the heart of our daily decisions. We look forward to launching this dynamic, unifying and creative space for the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
Collège Boréal’s Toronto campus is slated to open in a temporary space in the Casegoods Warehouse building in the city’s Distillery District in 2023.
At 4,500 square metres, and spanning four floors, the Toronto campus will include the business incubator, collaborative workspaces, and an event space.
The school said it would offer an array of programming, including some new programs, as well as specialized services for newcomers.
