SmartStart award recipients are among the top entrepreneurs in Ontario. In recognition of this, OCE has developed the SmartStart Founders’ Forum, an exclusive meeting for the leaders of SmartStart-supported start-ups. Recipients of SmartStart funding MUST participate in this mandatory training session (at no additional cost); start-ups that fulfil this requirement are not required to select additional skills training or professional advisory services within their seed funding budget.
The Founders’ Forum is an invaluable opportunity for SmartStart-funded start-ups to learn from their peers and network with leading entrepreneurs and investors. The Forum includes:
- A keynote presentation and panel discussion with key influencers in the world of entrepreneurship
- Breakout sessions that address important issues, such as investor pitching, customer development, legal issues, corporate governance and team building
- Networking opportunities with Ontario’s top young entrepreneurs
The Founders’ Forum will be held on May 12, 2019 in advance of Discovery, Canada’s leading innovation-to-commercialization conference that brings together more than 3,600 entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, academics, researchers, government officials and students to showcase best practices and leading-edge technologies.
As per program requirement, It is mandatory for all SmartStart recipients (maximum two people per company) to register and attend the Founders’ Forum on Sunday, May 12, 2019 and showcase in the SmartStart Zone at Discovery on Monday, May 13 and Tuesday, May 14, 2019.
NOTE: Should your application be approved for funding, completion of entrepreneurial skills training and/or professional advisory services, through mandatory attendance at the Founders' Forum plus optional additional training and advisory activities, is required to remain compliant and receive funding through the program. These activities must be completed within the duration of the project. Please plan accordingly.