Announcing the CCAWR Incubator Program (LiftOff)

Waterloo Region has one of the world’s fastest-growing tech sectors and the world’s second-highest start-up density after Silicon Valley*. The Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas are known for innovation and entrepreneurship. 1 in 4 Canadian startups is launched here.  Entrepreneurial, Innovative, Creative are just some of the adjectives used to describe the environment and culture of the Region.

Blacks have been underrepresented in this entrepreneurial space. There are numerous potential causes for this, including academic streaming, lack of mentors and role models, difficulty in accessing funding, among others. Black entrepreneurs encounter significant challenges when starting and growing a business.

The CCAWR and its partners are planning for the launch of the Liftoff program. Liftoff will be specifically focused on Black businesses, Black entrepreneurs, Black innovators. The goal is to increase the number of Black-led businesses through support, mentorship and coaching.

In the next 6 months, we will finalize our business plan and program offerings. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in this initiative, we invite you to check out our website. Let us know of your interest so that we can keep you informed of relevant news and events.

Here’s to building a sustainable, prosperous Black business ecosystem in the Region of Waterloo!

* https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/doing-business/innovation-culture.aspx#