The Annual Pitch It Event is back and this year it's going virtual! 

Up to $1500 cash prizes available! All ideas and all students are welcome! 

Here is what you have to do:

Apply and submit your application by November 8th: https://www.nwoinnovation.ca/pitch-it-2020

We will host a helpful workshop to help you learn how to pitch your business on November 10th, 2020

Submit your 5 min pitch video by November 15th and the rest is up to the judges! 

We will be showing your pitch videos online via social media for the week of November 16th to allow for a People's Choice Award.

Overall winner and People's Choice will be announced November 20th, 2020. 

Looking forward to seeing another year of great ideas! 

If you have any questions please reach out:

Alyson MacKay, Ingenuity Manager

manager.ingenuity@lakeheadu.ca

Join us as we hear from 3 young entrepreneurs who have forged the path of entrepreneurship. You will hear about how they turned their passions into a business, the successes and failures, and advice they have for young entrepreneurs.

The panel will include:

1. Sarah Johnston- Owner, Lovely Body

2. Aram Razouki-Owner, Dressfresh

3. Jean Paul DeRoover-Owner, Blueprints

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88267741877?pwd=U2svcG1jeDZ1NEhnU1VsZk9HVHdSUT... ID: 882 6774 1877

Passcode: 180218

In this webinar PARO’s Lead Business Counsellor Karen Evans will discuss:

• Challenges starting a business
• Funding opportunities
• PARO Programming available to women entrepreneurs

About PARO:

PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise is one of Canada's most successful business support and networking organizations. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, we collaborate to empower women, strengthen small business and promote community economic development across Ontario.

To register visit:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/women-mean-business-tickets-122552099629

Have you ever thought you’ve had a great idea for a business but don’t know where to start?

In this webinar we’re going to review 3 key things you can do easily to validate if your idea is worth pursuing!

Speaker info:

Bob Minhas is THE authority to high performing corporate and entrepreneurial leaders with his intense Circle of Expertise Value system. His combined 17 years of entrepreneur experience, education, and life experience align him perfectly to position you as the wanted expert in your field. His first quarter-million-dollar business instructed other experts on HGTV. He had coached over 500 business owners through workshops and private sessions.

His soon to be released book, From Addict to Expert, maps the journey of his early dysfunction with business and people, and his recovery to authenticity. He is in high demand with audiences to share this story as an inspiring and engaging speaker, delivering actionable steps while engaging through humour and vulnerability.

Think you know what it takes to run your own business? It’s not all sales and revenue. In this webinar I’m going to share with you 3 things you NEED to be a successful Entrepreneur in any industry. 

Speaker info:

Bob Minhas is THE authority to high performing corporate and entrepreneurial leaders with his intense Circle of Expertise Value system. His combined 17 years of entrepreneur experience, education, and life experience align him perfectly to position you as the wanted expert in your field. His first quarter-million-dollar business instructed other experts on HGTV. He had coached over 500 business owners through workshops and private sessions.

His soon to be released book, From Addict to Expert, maps the journey of his early dysfunction with business and people, and his recovery to authenticity. He is in high demand with audiences to share this story as an inspiring and engaging speaker, delivering actionable steps while engaging through humour and vulnerability.

IMPACT 2020 is a competition where participants develop a social enterprise. The business can be either an idea or an established business, as long as the focus has a positive social impact. The business can also be for profit or non-profit. You will be asked to describe your business model and provide a short description in the application form. 

5 businesses will be selected from submissions based on business viability criteria to pitch for a chance to win a CASH PRIZE!

The top 5 chosen will move forward and receive a business pitch workshop. Afterwards the participants will be asked to submit a 5 minute business pitch video to the judges. Judges will choose a first and second place winner to be announced October 23rd as a part of BDC's Small Business Week. 

1st place-$750

2nd place-$250

ALL STUDENTS ARE WELCOME AND ALUMNI OF UP TO 3 YEARS

Application form link:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/107Ak1VyIJOxvU4x_9OfyLjIRTnx-kkXfuHlg...

Applications are due October 11th, 2020  

For more information, please contact Alyson MacKay

amackay@lakeheadu.ca

Are you curious about Social Entrepreneurship? Do you have a business idea that would create impact socially?

Join us as we learn more about what Social Entrepreneurship is and how this type of business is helping to solve some social issues. During this webinar Ingenuity will also be launching their social impact challenge, Impact 2020.

Impact 2020 is a business plan competition in which a cash prize will be given to the winner to help them develop their social business idea. All details will be provided along with the application link and deadlines. 

If you can't attend the event but want more information please connect with Alyson MacKay, Manager of Ingenuity

manager.ingenuity@lakeheadu.ca

Ingenuity has been looking for ways to support others during this time and to provide some programming. We have once again partnered with Legendary Coaching to bring you this fantastic webinar. 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-goals-to-wins-webinar-tickets-110980256936 

Attendance is limited to 15 people, please use the promo code: INGENUITY to register for free. Please do not register if you can not attend, others will miss the opportunity. 

From Goals to Wins, presented by Legendary Coaching and brought to you by Ingenuity

About this Event

The concept of goals is perhaps the most discussed topic in leadership and the marketplace. What makes a good goal? How do I measure it? How do I stay focused and follow through? All these questions have been asked by many a leader. However, what is often lost in the busyness and transactional nature of our organizations lies an even more important question. Why? What am I passionate about and how does it inform my goals? In our FROM GOALS TO WINS workshop, we will unpack the principles for setting effective and meaningful goals.

We will look at how starting from a place of self awareness and passion will set you up for success and allow you to not only crush your goals, but inspire others in the process. Furthermore, you will learn practical tools and principles for goal setting on a team and organizational level.

In regards to learning outcomes, upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

▪ Understand the concept of the “The 3 Spaces of an Organization” and how to set powerful value-based goals

▪ Utilize the “Legendary 6” framework for goal setting on a personal and team-based level

▪ Identify their unique learning style and how to best position themselves and their team for successful goals

▪ Understand the 3 stages of change and its impact on following through with goals

The FROM GOALS TO WINS workshop will provide a fresh take that helps participants set goals that are not only effective but deeply satisfying. At Legendary Coaching we are passionate about helping people lead themselves and others well, and we look forward to helping you!

Event Details:

Ticket includes webinar, workbook, diagnostics as well as a special ADDED BONUS during the webinar. Upon registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the links for the webinar and PDF workbook.

Ingenuity is Lakehead University's first business incubator, offering space and resources for students who are looking to start a business or develop an idea. In addition to providing space for budding entrepreneurs, Ingenuity offers a learning environment to help develop knowledge and skills that help support business development and growth.

About the Ingenuity Accelerator program:

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 10 entrepreneurs 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 June 7th, 2020. Program starts June 22nd, 2020

What to expect (what participants should be ready for)
 Throughout the 10-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

Funding restrictions:

The Ingenuity Ascend program will cover some costs associated with business development and will disperse funds based on a 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.

Apply Now

Looking for online support for small business development? Curious about Government funding or what programs exist? Also included is online programming content available through our community partners and Provincial resources. 

Connect to the link below to see a full scope of what is available

https://sites.google.com/view/tbretailers/covid-19-resources?authuser=0#...

Looking for more support? Ingenuity is available for calls and online meetings. Ingenuity can also help connect you to other resources within the city. 

Have some feedback on what you like to see more of online? Connect with us

info.ingenuity@lakeheadu.ca