PARRY SOUND — May 12, 2023: Canadore College in Parry Sound has created a new platform to help local entrepreneurs develop their business ideas. Venture Bay Studio is now open and ready to collaborate.
“Canadore listened to local area partners, including the Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Parry Sound, and saw an opportunity to create this one-stop business hub to support local business development,” said Jennifer O’Brien, Venture Bay program manager.
“Canadore College is committed to leading economic development in all regions that we serve,” said president and CEO George Burton. “Venture Bay Studio will connect entrepreneurs in Parry Sound with the services they need to bring their business ideas to fruition.”
Funding provided by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), through the Rural Economic Development program, is helping Venture Bay Studio offer a coworking space at the West Parry Sound Campus. The program provides access to laptops and technology and offers a variety of services including workshops, one-on-one business coaching, and mentorship opportunities. The Venture Bay Studio team consists of experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals who are passionate about supporting economic growth.
“Canadore College is providing regional leadership to foster the type of entrepreneurial spirit that leads to sustainability for the people, communities, and organizations that we serve.” said Shawn Chorney, vice-president of strategic infrastructure, Indigenous and learner services. “Venture Bay Studio, as envisioned, builds off of the strengths of the Canadore Entrepreneurship Academy while leveraging the unique nuances and character of the Parry Sound area.”
“Entrepreneurs and small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy in Parry Sound-Muskoka. I'm thrilled that OMAFRA is funding Canadore College's efforts to foster entrepreneurship in Parry Sound. Our government is committed to ensuring small and rural communities have the resources and tools they need to prosper,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka.
About Canadore College: Canadore College trains people through applied learning, leadership and innovation. It provides access to over 80 full-time quality programs, has outstanding faculty and provides success services to students from nearly 400 Canadian communities and 15 international countries. The college, its students, and alumni add $402.5 million to the Nipissing–Parry Sound service area economy. Approximately 1,000 students graduate from Canadore each year, and they join 60,000 alumni working across the globe. Canadore receives less than 50 per cent of its traditional funding from the provincial Ministry of Colleges and Universities and relies on its own innovation and entrepreneurial endeavours and generous donors for the balance.
