CANIE AWARDS – Enterprise Support Award

Innovation Guelph

The winner of the 2020 CANIE Enterprise Support Award is Innovation Guelph. Located in one of the most innovative cities in the country, this organization has supported over 1,130 high-potential startups, scale-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) since its inception in 2011.  Currently, their Business Accelerator Program supports more than 175 companies that are driving economic growth, creating good jobs and expanding trade opportunities. In addition, almost 70 startups are being supported through various project-specific programs each year and approximately 60 women-led businesses through their cohort-based Rhyze Ventures program. This booming entrepreneurial hub made it possible for 130 businesses to receive over $2.1 million in seed funding through its programs between 2016 and 2018. They’ve provided over 24,000 hours of one-on-one mentor and industry specialist support thanks to the support of their passionate team led by Ann Fung and a roster of 50 contract mentors, subject matter experts and industry specialists. Innovation Guelph is an exemplary Enterprise Support organization, whose commitment to maximizing the potential of innovation and disruptors across Southern Ontario continues to grow.