London has everything an entrepreneur needs to be successful. No matter the field, extensive resources are readily available to get companies started off on the right foot. A robust infrastructure, competitive costs and supportive business climate are fueling entrepreneurial growth in London.
About London Inc.
London Inc. is a one-stop portal to support entrepreneurs and new ventures in London. From start-ups, scale-ups, prospects, investors, talent as well as established companies, London Inc. is designed to create growth opportunities, collaborations and make some noise about entrepreneurship in London!
Results-based events and programs offer funding opportunities, managing growth, access to R&D, professional development, mentorship and more. London Inc. provides multi-stage supports for entrepreneurs in a variety of industry sectors, talent development for growing companies and incubation spaces for start-ups to ensure entrepreneurs have the support they need to be successful.
Over 100 events, programs and development activities throughout the year provide numerous opportunities for people looking to start their own companies or grow their established businesses in London. A growing network of incubators, shared co-working spaces and collaboration hubs are emerging in London’s vibrant downtown.
From small business banking loans to venture capitalists and angel funding, several partners have come together to make it easier for businesses to access capital. The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) works with the Southwestern Ontario Angels Network to host monthly events to connect companies with investors.
Recently, a new partnership between the LEDC and the Small Business Centre resulted in the creation of a Food and Beverage Incubation Program. This exciting new initiative provides training for people looking to start their own food business.
“You may have a great recipe idea but no business background. London Inc. is here to help, with building a business model, obtaining regulatory approvals, understanding engineering and equipment needs as well as connecting with established food and beverage companies for valuable advice and mentorship,” says Kapil Lakhotia, President and CEO of the LEDC.
London Inc. is not just one entity. It is out community’s collaborative efforts to build strong enterprises and our signal to the rest of the world that London, Canada is a city of entrepreneurs!
You can visit the site at www.londoninc.ca.
The London Inc. Conference
On Tuesday, April 5th from 7:30am – 12:00pm, the LEDC held a London Inc. Conference at Best Western Lamplighter Inn in London, Ontario. The conference provided development opportunities for both current and aspiring entrepreneurs, where seasoned startups shared their insights and advice on starting a business. Local experts included:
- Keynote speaker: Taylor Ablitt, Co-Founder and CEO of Diply, the second largest social entertainment website that shares about creative ideas, projects and people
- Panel moderator: Steve Pellarin, Executive Director of London Small Business Centre
- Panel members: Jaymie Crook, President, Bosco and Roxy’s; Steven Nazarian, Co-Founder, Forked River; Meghan Kraft, Co-Founder, Illbury and Goose
- Concurrent breakout sessions: John Pollock, Managing Director, Southwestern Ontario Angel Group; David Ciccarelli, President, Voices.com; Cole Mason, Senior Director Digital Strategy, Arcane; Robert Collins, Director Workforce Development, LEDC, and more.
