The LINCubator

The LINCubator is Brock’s incubation program for early-stage startups that have launched or are close to launching their business. Over 12 months, participants in the LINCubator will review their business, their business growth goals and will develop an actionable roadmap by the end of the program.

This is a hands-on program where participants will be actively working on their business challenges each week for the first 4 months of the program and then will work with Brock LINC staff and external mentors to receive mentorship and coaching on their business plans and go to market strategy.

To be eligible for the program, businesses must have completed Brock LINC’s Navigate or Blueprint program or receive approval from Brock LINC staff to participate in the program.

There is no cost to participate, though enrollment in the program will be capped to ensure small groups and personalized feedback and mentorship. Brock LINC does not take equity or share in the IP of participating businesses. All participants who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of completion.

The next cohort of the LINCubator program will begin in January 2025.

Participants in the program will have access to Brock LINC co-working space, meeting rooms, coaching and mentorship support, and other incubation services during the program.

Learn more about The LINCubator

Overview

The LINCubator is  open to early-stage businesses in Niagara and surrounding areas that are close to launching or have recently launched their business and looking to grow. Participants in the LINCubator will learn about topics related to growing their business, and will develop a business plan and go to market strategy.

For businesses that are not yet at this stage, please apply to the NAVIGATE program.

Businesses in the LINCubator can expect to:

  • Identify the key challenges or growth opportunities for the business
  • Get different perspectives on your business issues
  • Attend weekly workshops and seminars on topics related to launching a business from January – April
  • Access monthly mentorship meetings from June – December
  • Develop actionable plans for your business including a business plan and go to market strategy
  • Make contacts with other entrepreneurship programs and resources in the local ecosystem

Eligibility

The LINCubator is open to current Brock University students (both undergraduate and graduate students), Brock Alumni and community members in the Niagara region and surrounding areas.

Other eligibility criteria include:

  • Successfully completed Brock LINC’s Navigate or Blueprint program
  • You are open to receiving feedback and mentorship on your business
  • You are able to attend in-person sessions between January – April 2025
  • You are able to attend virtual monthly mentoring sessions between June – December 2025

Sessions

LINCubator will be delivered over a 12-month period. Weekly in-person workshops will take place from January – April 2025. Virtual monthly mentoring sessions will take place from June – December 2025.

Session Overview

  • Business Plan Overview
  • Market Research & Market Intelligence
  • Building a Startup Team
  • Overview of Legal & Insurance for your Startup
  • HR Blueprint for Emerging Startups
  • Operations Planning
  • Go to Market Strategy Planning
  • Developing a Sales Strategy
  • Exploring Funding Opportunities
  • Developing your Cash Flow and Budget

Weekly in-person sessions will take place on Tuesdays from 3:00-5:00pm at the Brock LINC at Brock University.

Apply

Applications are now closed for the next cohort of the LINCubator program.

Connect with the Brock LINC at brocklinc@brocku.ca to find out about the next offering of the LINCubator.

Contact

Please contact Karyn Gicante, Program Manager, Brock LINC at kgicante@brocku.ca if you have any questions about the program.