David Li, SparkMatrix: "The Centre’s team has been really helpful in providing us with mentoring programs and different courses on sales and technology, and allows us to interact with a lot of start-up companies who are in a similar boat."
Support | Client Services
Management Support
An on-site management team provides the day-to-day support clients need to move through all aspects of the commercialization process -- business plans, sales strategy, human resources, accounting/finance, statutory requirements, financing or investor relations. In short, when clients have questions, they can always go to someone who has "been there and done that".
Mentoring
AC clients have the benefit of unprecedented access to connections in the technology community. Getting access to the right people at the right time is key to building a strong path to success. Through the Accelerator Centre network, clients have access to an impressive and growing list of successful local area entrepreneurs, business leaders and service providers. The mentoring that these individuals provide is critical to decreasing the time to commercialization and increasing the likelihood of success. Mentoring typically covers the gamut of issues that a start-up company faces, such as high level strategic advice, development of the management team, personal skills development, connections to other business resources, etc.
Administration & Infrastructure
Clients are free to focus on the commercialization process because the AC has full-time staff who handle administration and facility maintenance. The entire administration and infrastructure package includes:
- A shared receptionist
- Administrative/Facilities Coordinator (daily administrative and facilities activities)
- Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant (bookkeeping, HR and other administrative support, provided at an hourly rate below market prices)
- Equipment (free use of shared administrative equipment, including fax, printer, photocopier)
- Document destruction shredding service
- Audio visual presentation equipment, white boards, flip charts
- Communications infrastructure
- High-speed internet access
- Telephones available for quick hookup in each suite
Education Programs
AC clients have many opportunities for on-site education and training, covering topics such as intellectual property management and strategy, technical sales training (including sales management), human resources development ("HR 101" series), legal and financing issues, leadership training, and more. Qualified presenters deliver this support, for free or at substantially discounted prices, in seminars and lunch & learn sessions. Some training includes hands-on mentoring by qualified service providers and mentors.
Clients also have access to training programs coordinated with partner organizations, such as Communitech, University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Guelph and Conestoga College.
Networking Opportunities
Recognizing the importance of creating business contacts and alliances, the AC features large open spaces that are natural gathering places for peers, mentors, service providers and funding sources. Other opportunities for networking are created by providing:
- Coordinated access to mentors, service providers and potential investors (venture capital, angel, government, other)
- Access to Innovation Partner events and seminars
- Organized client events and social activities
- Daily networking possibilities with other entrepreneurs within the facility
Research Support
Gaining access to research support and resources — a top priority for many business start-ups — is easy because the AC has direct links to four leading academic institutions — University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, Conestoga College and University of Guelph. Leaders from each of these institutions sit on the AC board, a relationship that enables the following opportunities:
- Research assistance provided by the Faculty Access Team, a group of selected University of Waterloo faculty who have agreed to assist the Research Park's tenants. This experienced team represents all academic units on the UW campus.
- Introductions to faculty from each of the academic institutions
- Contacts to the worldwide network of Waterloo alumni at various academic institutions
