GEORGIAN COLLEGE
Georgian expands entrepreneurship support in Grey Bruce

Entrepreneurs in Grey and Bruce counties will have new services to support them through the various stages of their entrepreneurial journeys - from training and networking to funding and mentorship - via Georgian College's Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC).  

Amanda Mejia, Business Development Manager for Georgian College's Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC), will lead the effort in HBEC's new, second location out of a dedicated space at Grey County's Sydenham Campus.

HBEC first launched at Georgian's Barrie Campus more than a decade ago, and, following its successful programming in Simcoe County, it will open a second location out of a dedicated space at Grey County's Sydenham Campus in Owen Sound. This collaboration builds on the strong foundation of Catapult Grey Bruce and highlights a shared commitment to nurturing the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem and bringing vital business development resources to the region.

Together, Georgian and Grey and Bruce counties aim to drive growth and opportunity in the community through unique programming and services related to intellectual property, business mentorship, research, social innovation, and beyond. 

"By collaborating with regional organizations and the local vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, our goal is to foster innovation, harness the entrepreneurial spirit of this region and create impactful opportunities toward social-economic development," said Amanda Mejia, HBEC's Business Development Manager, who will lead the effort in this new, shared space.

With a background in digital marketing and storytelling, Mejia is passionate about leveraging community partnerships to build ecosystems of support. After living in Thunder Bay and falling in love with its local business scene, she brings a strong eagerness to discover the origin stories of business successes, particularly to understand the role narrative can play within brands.

Mejia's role is pivotal in helping local businesses and organizations tap into Georgian's comprehensive resources, technology and expertise. She works closely with colleagues from Georgian's Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship department to connect subject experts with small, medium, and large enterprises interested in industry-connected research, technology transfer, and training that helps businesses scale up and compete. 

Local entrepreneurs have already begun to benefit from the resources and guidance provided by HBEC. Following a recent HBEC-led intellectual property workshop in Owen Sound, Mike Jones of Knot Audio said he was able to learn from industry experts and get more personalized answers to questions.

"Grey and Bruce counties need these types of services to help businesses start, grow, and expand within the region. HBEC will be very valuable for us by fostering connections between industry experts and businesses that will help us to grow our company more rapidly," he said.

By offering services locally, HBEC can help ensure Grey Bruce entrepreneurs have access to valuable resources and expertise from throughout the college, ensuring Georgian's commitment to bolster and support the local workforce.

Entrepreneurs and innovators in Grey Bruce can access HBEC's services directly at the Sydenham Campus in Owen Sound. HBEC's programming, including workshops and access to mentors and business experts, will be available to entrepreneurs and businesses in communities throughout Grey Bruce, bringing HBEC's expertise directly to those who need it most across the region.

Explore HBEC at Sydenham Campus

Grey County is hosting an Open House on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to showcase the Sydenham Campus as an innovation centre. Area residents and guests are welcome to explore the campus, tour the new HBEC space and learn more about HBEC services offered by Georgian College in Grey Bruce and beyond.

For entrepreneurs wishing to schedule a consultation, please visit GeorgianCollege.ca/hbec or contact amanda.mejia@georgiancollege.ca.