The Brock LINC has opened applications for the next cohort of the University’s business incubation program, the LINCubator.

After the successful launch of the LINCubator’s first cohort in November and the positive feedback received from incubator members and mentors, a second cohort has been added ahead of schedule.

“We originally intended to run the program once per year,” says Cassie Price, Program Manager for the Brock LINC. “But with the feedback we’ve received and interest from entrepreneurs, we will be running two cohorts each year, one starting in May and the other in November.”

The eight-month LINCubator program supports a small group of early-stage businesses as they work to reach their next stage of venture development. Businesses selected for the program will go through a series of educational workshops as well as one-on-one mentorship sessions, coaching sessions and opportunities to meet and network with different funders and startup support organizations such as Innovate Niagara, Haltech and the Niagara Angel Network.

“There are dozens of facets of starting a business, and I believe having access to such a wide variety of expertise and opportunities that the LINCubator offers is invaluable to early-stage entrepreneurs,” says LINCubator mentor Sharon Reeds, Co-Founder/CEO of Intuitive Shipping. “A major struggle in the early stages is that you don’t know what you don’t know. Brock has done a fantastic job of gathering a diverse group of mentors with varying skill sets and providing access to learning opportunities.”

Selected entrepreneurs will have access to resources at Brock, such as co-op services, research collaborations, support from Goodman School of Business students, and access to the Brock Makerspace and Digital Scholarship Lab.

They’ll also have access to desk space, meeting rooms, business services and a collaborative community at the Brock LINC. There is no cost for businesses to participate and Brock LINC does not take equity or share in the intellectual property of participating businesses.

The program is open to students, staff, faculty and anyone in the broader Niagara community. Startups from all industries are encouraged to apply. The includes tech businesses using artificial intelligence and facial recognition, product-based businesses and a social enterprise.

“The LINCubator connected us with highly qualified mentors, coaches and exemplary training,” says LINCubator resident Vishal Badiani, CEO of Millo.ai. “In addition, our monthly touchpoints helped customize the type of help that was needed. The Brock LINC team is always willing to connect with you, and this has really accelerated our growth. I would highly recommend the program.”

Applications are open until Sunday, March 13 and can be submitted to brocku.ca/linc/lincubator

All applications will be reviewed after the deadline and the interview and selection process will be completed by mid-April to prepare for the start to the program in May.