Join us for 3 sessions on creating your business plan and getting your idea ready to pitch

Session one and two: Building a business plan

In these sessions we will walk through the process of building a business plan by discussing the different sections, what information is needed and how to go about finding that information. (note both of these sessions will cover the same material)

Session three: Pitching your business idea

This session will focus on taking your business idea into a successful business pitch.

Session One: March 10^th  12p-1p

Session Two: March 18^th 2pm-3pm

Session Three: March 23^rd 1-2pm

To register email: manager.ingenuity@lakeheadu.ca

You will be sent a business plan template and financial template to work on during these sessions.

This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime: https://lakeheadu.zoom.us/j/7082475285

Meeting ID: 708 247 5285

All sessions will be held virtually on zoom

More information is available on ingenuity.lakeheadu.ca

This series will help you prepare your idea for the Ingenuity Ascend Accelerator program which has the potential to provide your business up to $7,500.

Ingenuity Ascend Accelerator program is a great opportunity for entrepreneurially-minded students and alumni looking to transition an idea into a business opportunity, or accelerate the growth and development of their early stage start-up. The Ingenuity Accelerator program will accept up to 4 business teams per cohort, and deliver up to $7500 per business idea for costs associated with business development. Applicants will be screened through an interview process before successful admission to the program. 

Applications due March 28, 2021. Program starts May 3, 2021

Intake Interviews to take place between the weeks of April 5th an 12th

What to expect (what participants should be ready for)
 Throughout the 12-week program, Ingenuity Ascend participants can expect the following daily activities:

• Participate in networking events
• Attend weekly business development workshop sessions
• Connect with entrepreneurial mentors
• Participate in milestone meetings with Ingenuity staff to review progress and set upcoming monthly milestone goals
• Access up to $7500 per team to help fund business development activities (some restrictions apply)

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must have at least one founder connected to Lakehead University (Student or Alumni up to 3 years post graduation)
• Must be willing to devote a full-time effort to the program
• Must have decision-making ability
• Must participate in all Ingenuity Ascend events, workshops and competitions throughout the program duration (available in online format)
• Must be eligible and meet the requirements of starting and running a business in Canada

FAQ’s

Q. Does it cost anything to join the program?
A. There is no cost for this program. This program is completely free for all current students and recent graduates from Lakehead University.

Q. Is Ingenuity only for business students?
A. No, we serve students from all disciplines.

Q. Does Ingenuity take any equity or royalties of my company if I use their services?
A. Ingenuity does not take any equity or royalties of any kind.

Q. Who can I contact for questions?
A. For all general inquiries, please email info.ingenuity@lakeheadu.ca

CLICK HERE TO APPLY 

Funding restrictions:

The Ingenuity Ascend program will cover some costs associated with business development and will disperse funds based on a mutually agreed upon milestone delivery plan. Some costs that are not eligible for this program include rent, labour and wages, and large inventory purchase. All spending will need to be approved through the program coordinator prior to purchase to ensure it is eligible.

Ingenuity and The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre present Disrupt The Day-Keeping Connected During Change.

Disrupt The Day is a one day event that could take your business idea out of your mind and into action. Come with a team or come on your own and join a team.

The day ends with a final pitch presentation to a panel of judges and a grand prize of $1000, and $500 to the people's choice.

This year's theme: Keeping Connected During Change

Maybe your idea has a new way of keeping people connected socially? Or does your idea provide a business solution to stay open and operating during these times.

Don’t know much about how to launch a business? Don’t worry that is where the coaches, mentors and members of the organizing committee come in, they are there to help you. The event also includes support developing the business idea in the areas of financial literacy, business planning and how to pitch the idea to the judges.

For more information or any questions please contact:

Alyson MacKay: amackay@lakeheadu.ca

*this event is virtual and links will be sent out to registrants one day prior to event 

In this session, we'll talk about how you can network successfully for your business when you can't leave your own home. Then open it up to "hot seat" questions specific to your business and networking and social media. 

3 Learning Outcomes

1. How to identify HOT networking opportunities

2. How to work the "virtual room" when meeting people

3. How to get the most "bang" from a virtual connection "buck"

Link to Google Meet for Event:

Meeting ID

meet.google.com/kcn-nwhv-kdn

After attending this workshop, you will be able to:

• Identify the way your unique personality style approaches change
• Communicate change more effectively
• Utilize tools and principles for a successful transition

About the speaker:

Ryan Smith from Legendary Coaching

Ryan is passionate about helping people uncover who they are and reach the fullness of their potential. He loves to come alongside and support leaders and teams, helping them see new perspectives and solve problems. Whether it be coaching or workshops, his enthusiasm for helping people quickly becomes evident to those who hear him speak.

Zoom link information:

Join Zoom Meeting https://lakeheadu.zoom.us/j/91207396990

Meeting ID: 912 0739 6990

In this session we will discuss:

• How to market your app
• How to generate revenue from your app
• What does success look like
• Some myths and realities about app development

About the Speaker Tracie Wagman:

Entrepreneurial executive who has bought, built, sold and exited businesses internationally in both the digital and brick-and-mortar fashion. Extensive online/offline marketing and product development insight

Zoom link information:

Join Zoom Meeting https://lakeheadu.zoom.us/j/93718880274

Meeting ID: 937 1888 0274

Motivation is the desire to act in service of a goal. People can influence their own levels of motivation and self-control, and it can have many sources. But why is finding and keeping motivation so hard? The Motivation workshop will look at the four (4) main types of motivation – extrinsic, intrinsic, introjected, and identified – and look at the different ways you can figure out how you are motivated, how you can work with your type of motivation, and how follow through is just as important as motivation.

Presented via zoom, please register at:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/motivation-workshop-presented-by-thunder-bay...

Grab the popcorn and join us for a virtual showing of "She Started It" 

SHE STARTED IT gives a new face to the popular image of the tech entrepreneur: a female face. Following five young women over two years as they pitch VCs, build teams, bring products to market, fail and start again, SHE STARTED IT takes viewers on a global roller coaster ride from San Francisco to Mississippi, France and Vietnam. Along the way, it weaves in big-picture perspectives from women like investor Joanne Wilson; White House CTO Megan Smith; GoldieBlox CEO Debbie Sterling; and Ruchi Sanghvi, the first female engineer at Facebook.

Vimeo link is available by emailing Alyson MacKay, Manager, Ingenuity

manager.ingenuity@lakeheadu.ca

*Please note the link requires a password and will be sent to those who register via email. The link is only valid for November 18th and the password will not be valid after this date.