Innovation Cluster’s new Slingshot program to aid student entrepreneurs
Applications are open for the six spots in tech field
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas is seeking applications for their second annual Slingshot Program, aimed at student entrepreneurs from Fleming College and Trent University until April 21.
The seven-week program will culminate with a pitch competition on July 4, where a winner will be awarded a $3,000 prize, explained Nonnie Dube, entrepreneurship co-ordinator for Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK).
“It’s focused on the education piece when it comes to starting a business within Peterborough and the Kawartha region,” she said. “It’s the first tailor-made program for students and will help students who are working on these businesses sort of elevate those business ideas that they are stuck on.”
This is the first official year of the Slingshot Program, noted Dube, following the success of a pilot program in 2023.
“Last year was the pilot, which went phenomenal, and we were able to continue working with some of the students that were doing it,” she said. “We’re doing it again for the second time, this year, and we do hope to continue running the program annually.”
ICPK will be selecting six companies for the program, explained Dube.
“We’re going to be taking in six companies. So not specifically six individuals, but six companies,” she said.
“They can be a team, for example, or it could be a solo thing.”
To qualify for the program, participants must be from the region, enrolled in post-secondary education, and have a passion for entrepreneurship, stated Dube. There are no limitations for the type of business, so long as it’s tech-based, she added.
“That’s what we’re looking for. With the innovation cluster, we focus on bisectors, so that would be social innovation, digital technology, clean technology, health technology, as well as agriculture,” she said. “So if it’s anything in those sectors, 100 per cent — they can apply, and we would be happy to work with them.”
Slingshot will cover entrepreneurship essentials, business idea development, business model analysis, market research marketing plan, explained Dube.
“It’s going to be seven weeks starting on May 7, and within each week, they’ll have about two to three workshops,” she said. “Depending on the theme of the week that we’ll be having.”
To apply for the new Slingshot Program, visit the ICPK website.
“Slingshot is a one-time opportunity for any student who is taking on the adventure of entrepreneurship and looking for that community, guidance, and industry leaders who can help them in taking their ideas of businesses to the next level,” she said.
“It can also help contribute to the economic development in Peterborough, and hopefully, potential job creations within the region,” she added.