Bringing together entrepreneurs and like-minded peers to share best practices and experiences, the Founders’ Network is a new program to enhance the LEDC’s London iNC. initiative. Founders of rapidly growing companies often face similar challenges and can feel isolated in their leadership roles. This network provides a forum for area founders to learn from peers and share the lessons of experience. })
The goals of the Founders Network are:
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To establish new relationships, and strengthen existing relationships between our area’s successful entrepreneurs,
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To create a forum for sharing of information and best practices between local growth companies,
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To provide education and development opportunities to local founders,
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To build pathways for younger or less experienced entrepreneurs to connect with established business leaders for coaching, mentoring
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To support and strengthen a culture of entrepreneurial success in London
Participants gather over a light breakfast every second month at a member’s business to for an in-depth talk about the host business or on a subject of the host’s choice. There is no selling and this is not a networking opportunity, but rather is an opportunity to discuss and find solutions to common challenges or opportunities. The Network is geared for established founders at local, growing companies who serve markets beyond London, Ontario. If you are an established founder with employees and solid revenues and fall into one of the LEDC’s key sectors - food and beverage processing, digital creative, manufacturing, health, or professional services - you may wish to learn more by contacting Larry MacKinnon, Director of Business Development at LEDC: lmackinnon@ledc.com. })
From talking to many entrepreneurs about their needs and opportunities to grow in London, we also found that seasoned entrepreneurs want to give back and share their knowledge and experience with the next generation of businesspeople. The Founders’ Network endeavors to match established founders with less experienced company leaders seeking guidance. If you are interested in being either a mentor or a mentee, you can also contact us by filling out the form on our London iNC. mentorship page.
About Entrepreneurship in London
Entrepreneurial activities are increasingly being recognized for significant job creation throughout Canada. In London, more than 20,000 entrepreneurs fuel our economy through the wealth they generate, the talent they hire, and the innovative technologies and services they offer. Entrepreneurial companies are key to building our economy and attracting and retaining people.
London has a strong network of support that includes organizations such as the Small Business Centre, LEDC, TechAlliance, Leap Junction, Propel Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Works. This network aims to strength our entrepreneurial climate and improve collaboration among service providers.
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Knowing what services are available can affect entrepreneurship growth. The LEDC’s London iNC. portal was created to serve as a hub for all things entrepreneurial in the city. London iNC. helps high-growth entrepreneurs to raise and find funding, hire and develop talent, expand their markets, and locate business development opportunities.
