Brock LINC is growing, with changes recently implemented to enhance the services and facilities it offers entrepreneurs.

The University’s innovation and entrepreneurship centre — located in the 300 level of the Rankin Family Pavilion (RFP) — is now offering a private, enclosed co-working space for staff and entrepreneurs in Brock LINC programs, including Navigate, LINCubator and the Entrepreneurship Co-op.

“One of the advantages of the new co-working space is that entrepreneurs in our cohort programs are able to build a community with each other in a space that is dedicated to them,” says Farzana Crocco, Executive Director of the Brock LINC. “It allows the entrepreneurs 24-7 card-only access to the space, and easier access to staff, mentorship and advisory services on site.”

Visitors to the RFP 300 level will also now be greeted by a Brock LINC Team Assistant who will sign guests into the broader innovation and collaboration space. Open to the Brock and Niagara communities, the space includes a lounge area, desks and tables, a public kitchenette, accessible washrooms and free wi-fi for community members.

“The innovation and collaboration space on RFP 300 has always been popular on campus. It’s one of the best places to have a meeting, study, eat lunch, read a book or play games,” says Brock LINC Program Manager Cassie Conte. “The welcoming and inclusive nature of the space hasn’t changed. We will just start to track how the space is being used.”

Along with changes to its physical space, Brock LINC has now been joined by the Innovation, Commercialization and Partnerships team previously housed in the Office of Research Services — a move that strengthens support for industry and community partners seeking to develop research partnerships with Brock and its researchers. The transition includes existing support for commercializing research, such as intellectual property (IP) protection, technology licensing or developing a start-up.

“This step integrates Brock University’s central expertise in innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization, IP stewardship, business development and partnership supports into a single unit with a shared mandate,” says Tim Kenyon, Vice-President of Research at Brock. “The realignment will support growing capacity and take advantage of natural synergies within research at Brock, especially in planning and implementing institutional strategies around commercialization, innovation and partnerships.”

Brock LINC has a full lineup of programs, workshops, events and resources that support University and community members with opportunities to learn new skills that support innovative thinking and entrepreneurship. Find out more about the spaces and programs available by visiting the Brock LINC website.