Kingston Startup Ecosystem: Funding Programs and Community Support for Founders

Join us for this Kingston Startup Ecosystem session, where you’ll hear from local grant program representatives to find program support!

Looking for funding to grow your startup? Join us for this session in the Kingston Startup Ecosystem Series, where you’ll hear from funding experts and grant program representatives to find available grant programs in the region to help take your business to the next level. Join representatives of local organizations to learn more about the Helix Funding, OCI grants, and the IDEA Fund, and walk away with actionable strategies to fuel your business growth.

• Funding Sources: Explore grant funding options through specialized and open programs through OCI, Launch Lab’s IDEA Fund, and Kingston Economic Development Corporation’s Helix Funding programs.
• Positioning for Success: Learn how to make your business stand out to investors and grant committees.
• Financial Projections and Business Plans: Build confidence with clear, realistic financials that align with funder expectations.
• Winning Pitch Decks: Create compelling presentations that effectively communicate your business’s value and vision.
• Pre-Event Networking: Connect with mentors, funders, and fellow founders.

Register now to take the next step toward securing the funding your startup needs to grow.

Panelists:

Shelley Hirstwood – Director of Business Development, Kingston Economic Development Corporation

Shelley Hirstwood is Director of Business Development at Kingston Economic Development Corporation, with over 18 years of experience in investment attraction and business growth. She works closely with government and industry partners to encourage business expansion in Kingston. Shelley also serves on the board of the Economic Development Association of Canada and is a past president of Ontario East.

Garrett Elliott – General Manager, Launch Lab

Garrett Elliott is the General Manager at LaunchLab, a Regional Innovation Centre in Kingston, Ontario. He oversees client intake, program management, and partnerships while coordinating events at Seaway Coworking. With over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, Garrett connects startups with advisory services and mentorship. He also serves as a Trustee with the Limestone District School Board.

Cher Powers – Business Development and Commercialization Manager, Ontario Centre of Innovation

Cher Powers is the Business Development and Commercialization Manager for the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) in Eastern Ontario. She supports startups and high-growth companies by fostering industry-academia partnerships, mentoring entrepreneurs, and guiding access to funding. With experience at GreenCentre Canada and Loyalist College, Cher helps clients scale innovative technologies and bring globally competitive solutions to market.