The Launch Kawartha Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre Is Officially Open

The Launch Kawartha Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre officially opened its doors to the public on Feb. 10, with the goal of providing multiple streams of innovation and incubation programming for the Peterborough community and beyond.

Pictured above from left to right: Mayor Doug Elmslie, City of Kawartha Lakes; MP Jamie Schmale; Executive Director Vince Killen, KLCFDC and Launch Kawartha; Mark Torrey, KLCFDC Board Chair: Nicole Stephenson, Interim CEO Innovation Cluster Peterborough and The Kawarthas.

The Centre is designed and anchored by the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corp. and funded internally by the Kawartha Lakes Business Community Development Corp. It will provide a space for up to 20 entrepreneurs each year to incubate their businesses alongside the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas. This will aid in delivering programs and services at Launch Kawartha and fostering the development of new, innovative technologies, products, services and job opportunities in the region.

Vince Killen, executive director of the Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corp. and Launch Kawartha, announced that the new facility is set to host approximately 40 events over the coming year. Recent events hosted at the centre include the induction announcements for the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame and Ministerial roundtables aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs.

Upcoming events were also announced, including the Intellectual Property “Pizza's and Patents,” a fun and interactive workshop and innovation leadership training programs. Additionally, multiple "Fireside Chats" with industry experts are planned and virtual viewing webinars and events are being developed for the public.

“We are deeply committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for entrepreneurs in the City of Kawartha Lakes. That's why we are thrilled to sponsor Launch Kawartha and relentlessly work towards our mission of empowering the next generation of business leaders in our community,” said  Nicole Stephenson, interim CEO of the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

For more information on the Launch Kawartha Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, visit the website.

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