Entrepreneurs with big goals and a winning idea are invited to apply for Brock University’s new business incubator.

Five early-stage businesses that have either launched or are close to launching will be selected for the first cohort of the LINCubator, the new entrepreneurial incubation program operated through Brock LINC.

Launched in early 2020, the LINC is Brock’s centre for creativity, innovation, research and entrepreneurship. The 41,000-square-foot facility is housed in the Rankin Family Pavilion at the base of Schmon Tower.

As one of Brock LINC’s programs, the LINCubator will help early-stage ventures reach their next stage of business development. Open to the broader community, this program does not require an affiliation to the University. It will include support services in collaboration with Brock Partnerships, Innovation and Intellectual Property Advancement (PIIPA), Goodman Group, Co-op, Career and Experiential Education, as well as external partners such as Innovate Niagara, Haltech and the Niagara Angel Network, a group of more than 50 individual investors from across southern Ontario.

“We are excited to bring together a very strong selection of resources, both at Brock and in the greater Niagara innovation ecosystem, to support the next wave of entrepreneurship in the region,” says Farzana Crocco, Executive Director, Brock LINC. “We have such unique strengths in research and experiential education at Brock, so we developed this program to leverage those assets and support businesses that are solving a compelling problem.”

The LINCubator’s first cohort program will last eight months and will be delivered in a hybrid online and in-person format. If public health restrictions allow it, selected entrepreneurs will have access to desk space, meeting rooms, business services and a collaborative community at the Brock LINC space. There is no cost for businesses to participate, and Brock LINC does not take equity or share in the intellectual property of participating businesses.

Entrepreneurs who would like to apply can do so at brocku.ca/linc/lincubator by Thursday, Sept. 30. Eligible applicants will be contacted to schedule a video interview and then the five selected businesses will be notified in mid-October.

Each of the winning applicants will receive a customized business program and will be set up with mentors from the Brock LINC and the Niagara Angel Network.

They’ll also have access to Brock co-op talent and support for one co-op work experience; business development support from Goodman School of Business students; access to the Brock University Library Makerspace and Digital Scholarship Lab; and an exclusive opportunity to pitch to investors in the Niagara Angel Network.

“Brock LINC’s business incubator will be a crucial feeder of deal flow to the Niagara Angel Network,” said Terry Kadwell, Executive Director, Niagara Angel Network. “Our members believe that mentoring is critical not only for commercialization, but also for getting companies to the critically important investment-ready stage. Through this collaboration, we look forward to building the next generation of global innovators and regional champions from right here in Niagara.”

For more information about the Brock LINC incubator, or to apply, visit brocku.ca/linc/lincubator