New Niagara startups looking for guidance and expert support can now apply for the upcoming cohort of Brock University’s business incubation program, the LINCubator.

The 12-week program is open to early-stage startups in the region that have launched their business, have customers and are looking to grow. Entrepreneurs selected for the LINCubator will review their business and business growth goals, and develop an actionable growth roadmap.

The program will also include one-on-one mentorship, coaching sessions and opportunities to make connections with different funders and startup support organizations, such as Innovate Niagara, Haltech and the Niagara Angel Network.

“There is a lot that happens in those first few years when you’re getting your business off the ground,” says Farzana Crocco, Executive Director of the Brock LINC. “This free, hands-on program is designed to help early-stage businesses focus on planning and growth goals. It’s the shift from working ‘in’ your business to working ‘on’ your business.”

Participants will actively work on their business challenges each week with Brock LINC staff, external mentors and other entrepreneurs.

Adam Henderson and his business partner, Agusia Krzywinska, recently completed the second cohort of the LINCubator. The pair are co-founders of Adjective Noun Studios, a mobile game studio in St. Catharines.

“The LINCubator program helped us grow our business from a two-person side project to a full-fledged business of five. The expert mentors, diverse workshops and collaborative discussions with other cohort members helped us work through the many challenges faced when getting your startup off the ground,” says Henderson.

“The ongoing connections with the LINC and the mentors in the program continue to help us with the challenges we face to this day.”

Participants will have access to resources at the Brock LINC, including desk space, meeting rooms, the Library Makerspace, business services, coaching and advisory services, and also be connected to Brock LINC’s Entrepreneurs in Residence.

The incubation services remain available to the cohort for a full year, ensuring that support continues beyond the formal program sessions.

There is no cost to participate, and Brock LINC does not take equity or share in the intellectual property of participating businesses.

The program is open to businesses in the Niagara area that are incorporated, generating revenue and have at least one founder working on the business full time.

The LINCubator will run from Tuesday, June 6 to Tuesday, Aug. 22, with weekly in-person sessions from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Brock LINC at Brock University’s main campus.

Applications are open until Thursday, April 27 and can be accessed on the LINCubator website.

The interview and selection process will be completed by mid-May to prepare for the start of the program in June.

For questions about the LINCubator, please contact Cassie Conte, Program Manager, Brock LINC, at cconte@brocku.ca