Orillia campus targeted for entrepreneur support program | Local News

Lakehead University Ingenuity’s Ascend Accelerator program has received a significant boost with a $132,000 award from the Dobson Entrepreneurship Excellence Project through the John Dobson Foundation. This funding will allow the program to expand to Lakehead’s Orillia Campus and support 24 business ideas over the next two years.

Alyson MacKay, the program manager, expressed gratitude for the new funding, as the previous support from FedNor had run out, limiting the program to Northwestern Ontario. The John Dobson Foundation’s funding stream specifically targets projects that directly support student entrepreneurship, with all funds going directly to the students.

The Ascend Accelerator program, launched in 2020, provides aspiring entrepreneurs with mentorship, business development knowledge, and accountability through milestone goal setting. This support has led to the success of several graduates, including businesses specializing in augmented reality software, sustainability consulting, Airbnb cleaning solutions, and more.

Notable ventures from the program include Nestar, Sidney Howlett Consulting, Sprout Circle, and Lavender and Luxe Cleaning Services, each offering innovative solutions in their respective fields. These success stories highlight the impact of the Ascend Accelerator program in nurturing entrepreneurial talent and fostering business growth.

With applications now open for the next cohort starting in May, Lakehead University is poised to continue supporting and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs through the Ascend Accelerator program. The recent funding boost ensures that more students and alumni will have the opportunity to turn their business ideas into reality and contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.