FLINTHUB ONLINE INCUBATOR
Explore how our cohort based online entrepreneurship incubator can empower your entrepreneurship and innovation journey
About the Program
The Online Entrepreneurship Incubator is a cohort based program that is open to a maximum of 10 Indigenous entrepreneurs per year. The program consists of training in the areas of business development, finance, networking, marketing, and strategy. The program is offered in a hybrid format, with the majority of programming taking place online, and some in-person gatherings.
This program is intended for Indigenous entrepreneurs who have an idea that they are ready to focus on for the next year, or who have already been in operation for at least one year and are looking to bring their business to the next level.
We offer mentorship and wrap around supports that are a significant investment in each entrepreneur and their business, and in reciprocity, we expect commitment through attendance and participation.
Funding
We offer funding to entrepreneurs in our incubator through pitch competitions, wrap around supports, and small grants. Each entrepreneur will receive at least $4000 to put towards their business. Receiving the funding is dependent upon participation and attendance.
Start Up Grant (September)
Each entrepreneur is given a modest start up grant that they can put towards setting themselves up for success.
Pitch Practice (December)
Entrepreneurs receive funding for participating in our practice pitch competition, in front of a panel of live judges. This pitch practice takes place virtually.
Final Pitch Competition (March)
Entrepreneurs receive funding for participating in our final pitch competition, in front of a panel of live judges and open the public.
Wrap Around Supports
All participants are allowed to apply for wrap around supports throughout the program, and are subject to approval by the Director of Indigenous Entrepreneurship. Our wrap around supports are here to reduce barriers to participation in our program.
Mentorship
We provide mentorship opportunities through our skilled team who each have a background and passion for Indigenous entrepreneurship. Participants can receive 1-1 mentorship from:
- Ashley Richard: Director of Indigenous Entrepreneurship
- Patrice Mousseau: Entrepreneur in Residence
- Elder Wendy Phillips: Elder in Residence
- Angela Poundmaker: Innovator in Residence
Workshops
Workshops run live on Zoom weekly from September to November and January to March. We offer a wide range of workshops, with topics such as:
- Business Plan Writing
- Business Model Canvas
- Goal Setting
- Strategic Planning
- Business Fundamentals 101
- Financial Wellness for You and Your Business
- Networking
- Developing and Delivering your Pitch
- Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Social Innovation
Community + Celebration
We will work closely with our Elder in Residence to provide culturally relevant teachings and ceremonies throughout the year. At the heart of our program, we want participants to feel like they are a part of a community of empowerment. We will provide online opportunities for collaboration, relationship building, and feasting throughout the year.
Want to Learn More?
FAQs
What is the difference between the Indigenous Entrepreneurship Diploma Program and FlintHub?
They are the same - sort of! Students who are enrolled in the Indigenous Entrepreneurship Diploma Program (INDENT) are in an accredited program at the University of Waterloo. Students will complete 6 university courses in order to complete the program. 2 of the courses are the capstone courses. The capstone courses are functionally the Indigenous incubator, FlintHub.
Do I need to be enrolled in INDENT to participate in FlintHub?
No! Any Indigenous entrepreneur and/or innovator can participate in FlintHub.
Do I need to be enrolled in INDENT to take the university courses?
Yes and no. FlintHub encapsulates the capstone course, so everyone involved in FlintHub essentially takes the capstone, but only the students enrolled in INDENT will receive an academic credit. Only students enrolled in INDENT will have access to the other 4 university courses.
Is there a cost to participate?
There is a tuition fee for INDENT. If you are not enrolled in INDENT and wish to take part in FlintHub, there is no cost to attend!
If I am not enrolled in INDENT, am I still able to gain prizes, awards, and funding for my business?
Yes! All of the resources in FlintHub, other than the academic credit, are open and available to all participants!
I don’t have a business/business idea, can I still participate in FlintHub?
Yes! We will work with anyone who is interested in entrepreneurship. Whether you are just curious about entrepreneurship, have a business idea already, or are even already in operations - this program is for you! We offer a tailored experience to each participant through our 1-1 supports.
Who provides 1-1 support?
Elders, our Entrepreneur in Residence, the Program Director, the Program Manager, and the Program Coordinator are all here to work directly with you. We also provide networking opportunities to connect with industry experts and encourage you to stay in touch with them.
How do I get started?
Get StartedContact Kara Thorvaldson to learn more.