CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective secures up to $1.75 million to incubate 300 tech ventures through partnership with Communitech

The Conestoga Entrepreneurship Collective (CEC) will receive up to $1.75 million in funding through the Scale-Up Platform, an initiative funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), delivered in the region by Communitech. This investment will allow the CEC to incubate 300 tech ventures over the next four years, providing critical support for entrepreneurs as they scale their businesses. Entrepreneurs will benefit from access to capital, talent, markets and mentorship, positioning them for long-term success.  

"This investment will enable the CEC to expand its programs and provide enhanced support to aspiring entrepreneurs," said Rose Mastnak, director of the CEC. "By working with early-stage tech companies, we're helping to build strong businesses in our region that will contribute to job creation and the growth of Canada's tech sector." 

The funding will support the launch of two new initiatives within the CEC the Venture Lab for Tech and the Venture Lab for Global Tech. The Venture Lab for Tech is a dedicated stream for Conestoga tech entrepreneurs, offering up to one year of support, including one-on-one coaching, curated mentorship and access to Communitech's resources. The Venture Lab for Global Tech is an eight-month program for international tech entrepreneurs with existing startups that are looking to expand their businesses into Canada while studying at Conestoga. 

The CEC provides multiple pathways for Conestoga students and alumni to develop entrepreneurial skills and participate in the innovation ecosystem. To date, it has supported more than 4,500 students through workshops and boot camps and helped launch 130 startups across a broad range of industries in the Venture Lab business incubator. 

Beyond the Venture Lab, the CEC provides specialized programs including the Sales Lab and Gig Lab, which provide essential ecosystem support. The Sales Lab, developed in partnership with the local tech industry in Waterloo Region, trains high-potential talent to bridge the labour market gap in tech sales. Its Sales Lab for Founders program equips startup leaders with advanced business development skills, enabling them to effectively scale their ventures. 

The Gig Lab serves as a business incubator for freelancers, focusing on professional development and monetizing industry-level skills. Through the Conestoga Gig Marketplace, freelancers can launch their businesses and secure their first clients. To date, the platform has facilitated over $500,000 in completed projects, demonstrating its success in supporting freelance professionals. 

The investment of up to $1.75 million is part of the Scale-up Platform supported by the Government of Canada, delivered investment across three regional innovation hubs, Communitech, MaRS Discovery District and Invest Ottawa. Communitech and Conestoga have an existing partnership, which will see Conestoga's portion directed toward its entrepreneurship support programs, delivered through the CEC. 

"Our partnership with Conestoga College highlights how collaboration drives innovation in Waterloo Region," said Jennifer Gruber, interim CEO at Communitech. "At Communitech, we're working with our partners to build a supportive ecosystem that helps founders start, grow and succeed. This important investment will allow us to continue providing founders with the resources, mentorship and connections they need to scale. We're proud to be part of a community that's fuelling innovation, supporting growth, and making an impact on the industry and economy."

Launched in 2019, the Scale-Up Platform program aims to accelerate business growth and establish new Canadian anchor firms -- companies generating $100 million or more in annual revenue and attracting billions in investment. Through this funding, Conestoga can strengthen its commitment to innovation and regional economic growth, empowering entrepreneurs to build high-impact ventures and contributing to the development of Canada's thriving tech ecosystem.

"When high-potential businesses are able to scale up, they contribute to long-term prosperity and create jobs across our region," said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. "Through our continued support for the Scale-Up Platform, we are investing in the potential and growth of our businesses and entrepreneurs in Ontario."