Georgian College expands entrepreneurship support in Grey Bruce
Nov. 18, 2024
Entrepreneurs in Grey and Bruce counties will have new services to support them through the various stages of their entrepreneurial journeys – from training and networking to funding and mentorship – via Georgian College’s Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC).
HBEC first launched at Georgian’s Barrie Campus more than a decade ago, and, following its successful programming in Simcoe County, it will open a second location out of a dedicated space at Grey County’s Sydenham Campus in Owen Sound. This collaboration builds on the strong foundation of Catapult Grey Bruce and highlights a shared commitment to nurturing the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and bringing vital business development resources to the region.
Together, Georgian and Grey and Bruce counties aim to drive growth and opportunity in the community through unique programming and services related to intellectual property, business mentorship, research, social innovation, and beyond.
By collaborating with regional organizations and the local vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, our goal is to foster innovation, harness the entrepreneurial spirit of this region and create impactful opportunities toward social-economic development.
– Amanda Mejia, HBEC’s Business Development Manager at Georgian, who will lead the effort in this new, shared space
With a background in digital marketing and storytelling, Mejia is passionate about leveraging community partnerships to build ecosystems of support. After living in Thunder Bay and falling in love with its local business scene, she brings a strong eagerness to discover the origin stories of business successes, particularly to understand the role narrative can play within brands.
Mejia’s role is pivotal in helping local businesses and organizations tap into Georgian’s comprehensive resources, technology and expertise. She works closely with colleagues from Georgian’s Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship department to connect subject experts with small, medium, and large enterprises interested in industry-connected research, technology transfer, and training that helps businesses scale up and compete.
Entrepreneurs already benefitting from HBEC
Local entrepreneurs have already begun to benefit from the resources and guidance provided by HBEC. Following a recent HBEC-led intellectual property workshop in Owen Sound, Mike Jones of Knot Audio said he was able to learn from industry experts and get more personalized answers to questions.
Grey and Bruce counties need these types of services to help businesses start, grow, and expand within the region. HBEC will be very valuable for us by fostering connections between industry experts and businesses that will help us to grow our company more rapidly.
– Mike Jones, Knot Audio
By offering services locally, HBEC can help ensure Grey Bruce entrepreneurs have access to valuable resources and expertise from throughout the college, ensuring Georgian’s commitment to bolster and support the local workforce.
Entrepreneurs and innovators in Grey Bruce can access HBEC’s services directly at the Sydenham Campus in Owen Sound. HBEC’s programming, including workshops and access to mentors and business experts, will be available to entrepreneurs and businesses in communities throughout Grey Bruce, bringing HBEC’s expertise directly to those who need it most across the region.