Founders Week YQG (beta) has ended

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Founders Week YQG (beta)

A free, week-long virtual event to celebrate, educate and connect Windsor-Essex’s startup community.

9:00am EST

Founders Week YQG Kickoff with Special Guest Minister Nina Tangri

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Join us as we kick off the first-ever Founder Week YQG and Global Entrepreneurship Week with special guest Minister Nina Tangri, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Mississauga-Streetsville and Ontario’s Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction . Learn about her efforts in spearheading initiatives for job creation and mentorship across Ontario and how entrepreneurs can access government support.

Speakers

Wen Teoh

Director, EPICentre, University of Windsor

Wen is the Director of EPICentre (the Entrepreneurship, Practice and Innovation Centre) at the University of Windsor. Wen joined EPICentre in 2014 as a founding member and the Venture Start Director. She has twenty years of experience in IT, project management and entrepreneurship... Read More →

Yvonne Pilon

President / CEO, WEtech Alliance

Yvonne Pilon is the President and CEO of WEtech Alliance, 1 of 17 Regional Innovation Centres funded by the Province of Ontario. At the age of 24, she founded her first tech venture, AD2IT, and by the age of 29, she became the youngest female to lead a Regional Innovation Centre... Read More →

Shriaa Sheth

Manager of Programs & Events, WEtech Alliance

Shriaa has worked for the past 5 years as a passionate event planner helping non-profit organizations, and corporations reach their fundraising and event planning goals. She has a MBA from University of Windsor, and a Bachelors in Communications from Rutgers University. After living... Read More →

Nina Tangri

Associate Minister, Small Business and Red Tape Reduction

Nina Tangri is the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Mississauga-Streetsville and Ontario’s Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction.Nina is an entrepreneur and small business owner with over 30 years’ experience in financial management. Before entering... Read More →

Monday November 8, 2021 9:00am - 9:45am EST
Zoom Webinar

10:00am EST

What Businesses Need To Know About Cybersecurity & Law

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In this session Myra Tawfik and Jade Buchanan will explain the importance of Cybersecurity and how to effectively use to protect your business. Without adequate cybersecurity, any business can face a large range of potentially catastrophic consequences. Businesses that are believed to have not done enough to protect customer information could face legal repercussions for a data breach. Attendees will learn about how to protect their business and find the right legal advice when you need it!

Speakers

Layan Barakat

Marketing Coordinator, EPICentre

Marketing professional with experience in public relations, social media marketing, event planning and fundraising.Community-minded content creator with marketing strategies that have reached approximately 1.5 million viewers globally

Jade Buchanan

Partner, McCarthy Tetrault

Myra Tawfik

Don Rodzik Family Chair in Law and Entrepreneurship, University of Windsor, Faculty of Law

I am the Don Rodzik Family Chair in Law and Entrepreneurship and a Distinguished University Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Windsor. My area of expertise is intellectual property law, including capacity-building in IP and data literacy. I have founded and led IP clinical... Read More →

Monday November 8, 2021 10:00am - 11:00am EST
Zoom Webinar

12:00pm EST

Fireside Chat with Founder, Kat Pasquach of Culture Shock Bead Co.

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Founders Week YQG welcomes Kat Pasquach , Founder of Culture Shock Jewelry and Culture Shock Bead Co.

Moderated by: Sarah Haefling , Founder and Host of the Made It Happen Podcast

Join us as we sit down, connect & reflect with founders who are changing their industry and creating an impact on their communities. We’ll dive into their story together – exploring what drove them to start their business, discuss any trials & tribulations they’ve faced along the way, and how they hope to positively impact the industry they are in.

About Culture Shock Bead Co: Culture Shock Bead Co is an Indigenous owned Crystal and Bead shop. They carry Preciosa Czech seed beads, Miyuki delicas, Resin and Acrylic gems & cabs, vinyl & Pellon for beading, thread, needles, glue and more! Their crystals are a carefully curated selection of gemstones and rocks from all over the world. Based in Windsor, Ontario their new storefront is located at 238 Erie St W. They are a small but growing shop that is working to bring in new products regularly. To see what's new - Follow them on social media!

Speakers

Shriaa Sheth

Manager of Programs & Events, WEtech Alliance

Shriaa has worked for the past 5 years as a passionate event planner helping non-profit organizations, and corporations reach their fundraising and event planning goals. She has a MBA from University of Windsor, and a Bachelors in Communications from Rutgers University. After living... Read More →

Sarah Haefling

Founder, Made It Happen Podcast

Sarah Haefling is a 25-year-old entrepreneur who at the age of 24, started her own podcast, 'Made it Happen,' to highlight the voices of female entrepreneurs. Since launching in May of 2020, the podcast has grown to have thousands of downloads, many incredible sponsorships & partnerships... Read More →

Kat Pasquach

Founder, Culture Shock Bead Co.

Monday November 8, 2021 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Zoom Webinar

2:00pm EST

Looking to Raise Money? AMA with Investor, Mike Labiak

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If you are currently raising funding for your startup, or are looking to raise funding in the future, then join this online 'Ask me Anything' (AMA) event featuring investor, Mike Labiak. Learn how startup funding works, how investors evaluate pitches, the types of founders investors are looking for, and more. Come with your questions, our investor will be ready to answer them!

Who Should Attend?

Anyone who is thinking about raising money for their startup
Anyone that wants an understanding of how investors evaluate businesses

Speakers

Yvonne Pilon

President / CEO, WEtech Alliance

Yvonne Pilon is the President and CEO of WEtech Alliance, 1 of 17 Regional Innovation Centres funded by the Province of Ontario. At the age of 24, she founded her first tech venture, AD2IT, and by the age of 29, she became the youngest female to lead a Regional Innovation Centre... Read More →

Mike Labiak

Investor

Mike Labiak is a successful entrepreneur, active investor and general partner in ventures that have become listed companies on the TSX Venture Exchange. Mike’s investment portfolio and business interests encompass a wide range of endeavors from healthcare to automotive, energy... Read More →

Monday November 8, 2021 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Zoom Webinar

4:00pm EST

Leveraging an Informed Online Presence to Grow Your Business

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In this session Kevin Gervais and Noah Campbell of Touchless will explain how revolutionary web technology can be used to generate more leads, connect you to customers, make date-informed decisions, and ultimately, grow your business regardless of its age and stage. Attendees will learn from live demos, case studies of how this was achieved for a local business, and a thorough overview of how to utilize small business benefits like Digital Main Street to get started.

Speakers

Shriaa Sheth

Manager of Programs & Events, WEtech Alliance

Shriaa has worked for the past 5 years as a passionate event planner helping non-profit organizations, and corporations reach their fundraising and event planning goals. She has a MBA from University of Windsor, and a Bachelors in Communications from Rutgers University. After living... Read More →

Noah Campbell

Director, Government and Community Innovation, Touchless Inc.

Noah Campbell is a University of Windsor Gold LEAD Medallion Scholar in the Faculty of Science and the winner of the inaugural 2020 APMA Institute for Automotive Cybersecurity Young Cyber Achievement as well as the 2018 WEtech Alliance YQG Young Professional/Student of the Year award.As... Read More →

Kevin Gervais

Founder & CTO, Touchless Inc.

I make things go fast ⚡️. I also work on building a better world for people on the autism spectrum, one digital transformation at a time.Some bg: Tech investor, serial entrepreneur - focus areas are edge computing, headless/JAMstack, GraphQL and Twilio messaging experiences for... Read More →

Monday November 8, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm EST
Zoom Webinar

6:00pm EST

Founders Week YQG (Evening) Open Networking

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New to Windsor-Essex? New (or seasoned) to startups?

Drink coffee, meet other entrepreneurs in the Windsor-Essex startup community and find out how you can plug into the community. No pressure. Just good coffee and good conversations.

Monday November 8, 2021 6:00pm - 7:00pm EST
Remo

7:00pm EST

Trivia Night with Mack Flash Entertainment

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A fun night of trivia as part of #FoundersWeekYQG.

Hosted by Mack Flash, the online quiz is open to founders and Windsor-Essex startup community family and friends.

The action gets underway at 7 p.m. and will consist of several rounds of trivia on a wide range of topics, including a test of your knowledge of famous founders and a round dedicated to Windsor-Essex!

Fun & Freebies

Mack Flash Entertainment

With nearly a decade of experience in developing and hosting quiz nights, François Jacques of Mack Flash is the best choice for your trivia needs. Whether it is in person or virtually, Mack Flash has worked hard to come up with fun and easy ways for you to integrate this entertaining... Read More →

Monday November 8, 2021 7:00pm - 8:30pm EST
Youtube

9:00am EST

Fireside Chat with Founder, Sawyer Telegdy of Shred Shop

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Founders Week YQG welcomes Sawyer Telegdy, Owner/Founder of Shred Shop

Moderated by: Sarah Haefling , Founder and Host of the Made It Happen Podcast

Joins us as we sit down, connect & reflect with founders who are changing their industry and creating an impact on their communities. We’ll dive into their story together – exploring what drove them to start their business, discuss any trials & tribulations they’ve faced along the way, and how they hope to positively impact the industry they are in.

About Shred Shop: Shred Shop is Windsor's first Fitness Boutique owned and operated by women.

Speakers

Sarah Haefling

Founder, Made It Happen Podcast

Sarah Haefling is a 25-year-old entrepreneur who at the age of 24, started her own podcast, 'Made it Happen,' to highlight the voices of female entrepreneurs. Since launching in May of 2020, the podcast has grown to have thousands of downloads, many incredible sponsorships & partnerships... Read More →

Sawyer Telegdy

President, Head Coach, Movement Specialist, Mobility Specialist and Nutritionist, The Shred Shop

Tuesday November 9, 2021 9:00am - 9:45am EST
Zoom Webinar

11:00am EST

Leveraging Branding and Content Across Platforms to Accelerate your Business Growth

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The struggle is real when it comes to creating consistent branding and constant content for your business's social media. Especially when you are the Chief Everything Officer! Learn more about branding and content creation across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and TikTok.

Speakers

Taylor Lanoie

Digital Marketing Strategist, Taylor Lanoie Creative Corporation

Hey, I'm Taylor. Thanks for popping by to have a look at my profile!If you have a question about anything that you see in my session OR maybe just a question about social in general send me a message on Instagram or an email! I'd love to chat!See you on Nov 9th at 11 am!

Layan Barakat

Marketing Coordinator, EPICentre

Marketing professional with experience in public relations, social media marketing, event planning and fundraising.Community-minded content creator with marketing strategies that have reached approximately 1.5 million viewers globally

Mara Belano

Serial Entrepreneur

Mara Belano is a serial entrepreneur and content creator, with thriving businesses in the wedding, e-commerce and digital marketing spaces. Her wedding businesses won The Knot Magazine’s Best of Weddings award in 2019. For her 5-figure e-commerce launches, she attributes a lot of... Read More →

Tuesday November 9, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Zoom Webinar

12:00pm EST

Fireside Chat with Founders, Dr. Derek Anderson of Ignite Health and Jordan Scott of Estate of Health

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Founders Week YQG welcomes Derek Anderson, Founder of Ignite Health and Jordan Scott of Estate of Health

Moderated by: Sue Taylor, Program Manager of Genesis Entrepreneurship Centre

Join us as we sit down, connect & reflect with founders who are changing their industry and creating an impact on their communities. We’ll dive into their story together – exploring what drove them to start their business, discuss any trials & tribulations they’ve faced along the way, and how they hope to positively impact the industry they are in.

About Ignite Health: Ignite Health is a wellness clinic focused on providing you with customized healthcare to suit your lifestyle. Practitioners include: Chiropractors, Registered Massage Therapists, Athletic Therapists, and Fitness Coaches.

About Estate of Heath: Estate of Health is a holistic wellness centre & yoga studio located in Kingsville, Ontario. We are proud to share a piece of Kingsville’s history by turning the King's Estate into a restful healing place for the community. Estate of Health offers a beautiful setting in which to explore your path to wellness and find guidance and support throughout that process. Our centre includes many exceptional features to help you restore, nourish and revitalize the body, mind and spirit. We offer a full yoga & meditation class schedule as well as a plethora of holistic wellness treatments including massage therapy, reiki, holistic health counselling, reflexology, facials, body wraps and scrubs and more! Our outdoor Day Spa featuring a cedar sauna, relaxation lounge, pool & hot tub, as well as our meditative gardens will be available in the summer of 2021! We invite you to take time for wellness.

Speakers

Derek Anderson

Owner/Chiropractor, Ignite Health

My name is Dr. Derek Anderson and I am a chiropractor and owner of Ignite Health. I have been an entrepreneur for 1 year and practicing as an evidenced based chiropractor for 7 years. I have previously worked with the Leamington Flyers Junior B hockey team for 3 years and spent 6... Read More →

Jordan Scott

Founder, Estate of Health

Hi! I'm Jordan, a Holistic Health Practitioner who is passionate about nature, connection and wellness. I've studied many healing arts, and I have my own business which I established recently with the loving support of my parents. I work with several talented and inspiring practitioners... Read More →

Sue Taylor

Program Manager, Genesis Entrepreneurship Centre

Experienced Entrepreneur with a demonstrated history of working in the health and wellness industry. Skilled in Communication, Networking, Conflict Resolution, Decision-Making, Team Building, and Public Speaking. Strong healthcare services professional with an Honours degree in Human... Read More →

Tuesday November 9, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Zoom Webinar

2:00pm EST

Fireside Chat with Founder, Marlee Narain of Miss Buttercups

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Founders Week YQG welcomes Marlee Narain, Founder of Miss Buttercups

Moderated by: Kayla Reid, Coordinator of Entrepreneur & Network Growth at COOK-UP

Joins us as we sit down, connect & reflect with founders who are changing their industry and creating an impact on their communities. We’ll dive into their story together – exploring what drove them to start their business, discuss any trials & tribulations they’ve faced along the way, and how they hope to positively impact the industry they are in.

About Miss Buttercups: Miss Buttercups is a vegan chocolate company that puts people first. Having ethically-sourced products that are good for people and the earth are what's most important. Miss Buttercups started in Toronto and is currently based out of Windsor, where they're looking to expand and get their products in grocery stores To see what's new - Follow them on social media!

Speakers

Marlee Narain

Founder, Miss Buttercups

Wholesome, accessible, sustainable, and nutrient-dense is what I like to see.I'm a full-time entrepreneur with a background in nutrition and fitness and a relentless mindset.In 2019 I graduated from Western University/Brescia University with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Nutrition... Read More →

Kayla Kristen Reid

Coordinator of Entrepreneur & Network Growth, COOK-UP

As Coordinator of Entrepreneur & Network Growth, Kayla's super-skill is knowing how best to support new entrepreneurs and cultivate the right conditions for entrepreneurs to direct their own journey to success.Her wealth of experience, her unyielding drive towards improvement and... Read More →

Tuesday November 9, 2021 2:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Zoom Webinar

4:30pm EST

Fireside Chat with Founder, Connor Presland of Connor's Cookies

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Founders Week YQG welcomes Connor Presland, Founder of Connor's Cookies

Moderated by: Adam Castle, Director of Venture Services, WEtech Alliance

Join us as we sit down, connect & reflect with founders who are changing their industry and creating an impact on their communities. We’ll dive into their story together – exploring what drove them to start their business, discuss any trials & tribulations they’ve faced along the way, and how they hope to positively impact the industry they are in.

About Connor's Cookies: Connor's Cookies was founded by 12-year-old Windsor local Connor Presland. His mission was to bring a smile to friends and family's faces with a homemade sweet treat!

Speakers

Adam Castle

Director of Venture Services, Campaign

I've spent my entire life thinking about how to make an impact on my community. In grade school, I started the first peer teacher-student lead mediation group in our district to help solve schoolyard problems and build bridges towards compromise (Is my inner nerd showing yet? haha)In... Read More →

Connor Presland

Founder, Connor's Cookies

Connor's Cookies was founded by 12-year-old Windsor local Connor Presland. His mission was to bring a smile to friends and family's faces with a homemade sweet treat!Connor has always loved being in the kitchen, whether it was helping with cooking, baking, or merely doing science... Read More →

Tuesday November 9, 2021 4:30pm - 5:00pm EST
Zoom Webinar

7:00pm EST

It's a Party on Clubhouse | Windsor-Essex Entrepreneurs with Jakub Koter and Jeff and Christie Denomme

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If you’ve got clubhouse, join Founders Jakub Koter and Jeff and Christie Denomme on Tuesday, October 19th at 7PM as they talk about founder-life, marketing and branding, and more. Let’s talk about elevating Windsor-Essex’s startup scene.

Speakers

Jakub Koter

Co-Founder, Red Piston, Inc.

Jeff Denomme

Owner, Halo heats

Christie Denomme

Co-Founder, Halo Heats

Tuesday November 9, 2021 7:00pm - 8:00pm EST
Clubhouse

8:00am EST

Morning Yoga with The Shala Yoga & Meditation Studio

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Greet the day and start it right! Join Ashley in this Founders Week YQG yoga session. We'll get the energy moving and invite the sunshine in with Sun Salutations followed by stretches and meditations to keep the energy going all day. Modifications will offered. This class is ALL LEVELS and great for beginners. Challenge yourself to show up and notice the difference in mind, body and spirit.

Speakers

Ashley Waugh

Founder, The Shala

Hey, I’m Ashley: a yoga teacher, respiratory therapist, and founder of The Shala. I started practicing yoga at about six years old when my mom gave me my first children’s yoga picture book. My practice came and went over the years, until I discovered the Ashtanga yoga method during... Read More →

Fun & Freebies

The Shala Yoga & Meditation Studio

Śāla (शाल) is a Sanskrit word referring to the “sal tree,” a species of tree commonly referred to in English as “shala tree.” The literal translation of Śāla is “being in a house” or “at home.” Embracing both the botanical element of the word and the idea... Read More →

Wednesday November 10, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am EST

Health & Wellness

9:00am EST

Fireside Chat with Founder, Surria Fadel of Cedar Valley Selections

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Founders Week YQG welcomes Surria Fadel, Co-Founder of Cedar Valley Selections

Moderated by: Jordynne Ropat, Founder of Plant Joy

Join us as we sit down, connect & reflect with founders who are changing their industry and creating an impact on their communities. We’ll dive into their story together – exploring what drove them to start their business, discuss any trials & tribulations they’ve faced along the way, and how they hope to positively impact the industry they are in.

About Cedar Valley Selections: Cedar Valley Selections began with the creation of Canada’s FIRST bottled Fattoush Salad Dressing. Following over a year of product development, testing, and sampling, Cedar Valley Selections’ Signature Fattoush Dressing was ready. After just selling to family and friends, the Founders approached their first local deli in Belle River, ON and had finally brought Canada its very first bottled Fattoush Dressing.

Speakers

Surria Fadel

Partner, Cedar Valley Selections Inc.

Partner/Product Development Entrepreneur in Retail Food Industry. Proud to be Canada's First Retail Fattoush Dressing Producer.Experience in Health/Wellness and Fitness Industry as a Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor and Therapeutic Healing (Fascial Release Therapy, Needless Acupuncture... Read More →

Jordynne Ropat

Founder, Plant Joy

success during its beginnings in 2018 due to the entrepreneurial spirit of its founder and operator Jordynne Ropat. After going vegan in 2015 while away at school, Jordynne returned home to Windsor following the completion of her masters to only realize her vegan treat options were... Read More →

Wednesday November 10, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am EST
TBA

12:00pm EST

Fireside Chat with Founder, Hash Aboulhosn of Edison Financial

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Founders Week YQG welcomes Hash Aboulhosn, President and Founder of Edison Financial

Moderated by: Bekim Merdita, VP, Sales and Business Development, Edison Financial

Joins us as we sit down, connect & reflect with founders who are changing their industry and creating an impact on their communities. We’ll dive into their story together – exploring what drove them to start their business, discuss any trials & tribulations they’ve faced along the way, and how they hope to positively impact the industry they are in.

About Edison Financial: Edison Financial, located in Windsor, Ontario is part of the Rocket Family of Companies, with a technology approach to mortgages, real estate, auto, media, and more. Our flagship business, known as Quicken Loans/Rocket Mortgage, was founded by Dan Gilbert in 1985. Since then, Rocket Mortgage has revolutionized the mortgage industry – twice – making them the industry leader in the US.

Speakers

Hashem Aboulhosn

President and Co-Founder, Edison Financial

Hash started his career in investment banking with RBC Capital Markets. From there he moved into venture capital where he was first exposed to technology and startups in general. In the mortgage industry since 2014, he co-founded a private mortgage lender called Neighbourhood Holdings... Read More →

Bekim Merdita

Vice President, Sales & Business Development, Edison Financial

Mortgage industry leader with experience in business to consumer sales, business to business sales, lead acquisition, marketing, fintech, business development, and relationship management. Bekim has lead teams in the U.S. as well as Canada.

Wednesday November 10, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Zoom Webinar

1:00pm EST

Ask us Anything: IP Strategy presented by OCI & CIPO

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IP is a valuable business asset that gives you edge over the competition, and help build a reputation and goodwill with your partners and clients! Learn about tools and information you need to better acquire, manage, and leverage your IP assets!

Speakers

Andreas Waller

Business Development & Commercialization, Ontario Centre of Innovation

Multi-lingual business leader and partnership facilitator advising CEOs internationally. Held leadership roles in Canada, United States, Sweden and Germany. Currently leads market development and technology partnerships for global corporations and SMEs. A recognized business leader... Read More →

Dumitru Olariu

Intellectual Property Advisor, Canadian Intellectual Property Office

Dumitru Olariu has a Master of Science in electrical engineering and a Master of Business Administration. He has worked with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) as a patent examiner, then as an IP advisor based first in Montreal, then in Vancouver and now in Toronto... Read More →

Sponsors & Partners

Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) is a special operating agency of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. We deliver intellectual property (IP) services in Canada and educate Canadians on how to use IP more effectively... Read More →

Ontario Centre of Innovation

Wednesday November 10, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Zoom Webinar

3:00pm EST

Leveraging the Windsor-Essex Entrepreneurship Support Ecosystem

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It starts with an idea. You see an opportunity in your community but are not sure how to turn this opportunity into a business. Perhaps you have a side hustle or hobby that you want to grow into a full-time endeavor. How do you start? What do you need to get started? How do you grow your idea? How will you fund it?

Windsor-Essex is home to several organizations, programs, and supports to assist people interested in starting their own business. These include community partners, business supports, and incubator programs.

Why you should attend?

Learn about the tools and resources available to you in our ecosystem
Learn how we can help you start, grow, and scale your business!

Sponsors & Partners

EPICentre

The Entrepreneurship, Practice and Innovation Centre (EPICentre) is the hub for all entrepreneurial endeavours on the University of Windsor campus. From extra-curricular activities in our entrepreneurship centre to hands-on workshops in our makerspace, students from all disciplines... Read More →

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre

The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (SBEC), a division of Invest WindsorEssex, provides entrepreneurs and existing small business owners with the training and support necessary to start and grow their businesses in Windsor and Essex County – from ideation and concept, through... Read More →

St. Clair College Genesis Entrepreneurship & Innovation Centre

The Genesis Entrepreneurship Centre, located at the Main Campus SC128 (right by Tim Horton’s) is the gateway to entrepreneurship and professional development at St. Clair College. It is a hub that connects students, alumni, faculty and the community. The Genesis Centre provides... Read More →

WEtech Alliance

WEtech Alliance

WEtech Alliance is one of seventeen Regional Innovation Centres, funded by the Province of Ontario, serving the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions. We provide entrepreneurs with business services, training, mentorship and strategic connections to help bring new ideas to market... Read More →

Workforce WindsorEssex

Workforce WindsorEssex is a workforce and community development board whose mission is to lead regional employment and community planning for the development of a strong and sustainable workforce.

Wednesday November 10, 2021 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Zoom Webinar

6:00pm EST

Founders Week YQG Town Hall

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Join us for a dynamic Founders Week YQG Town Hall facilitated by WEtech Alliance, Libro Credit Union and special guests. Come together with entrepreneurs, innovators, leaders and ecosystem partners from across Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent to develop action plans and accelerate the growth of entrepreneurship in #YQG, #CKONT and Canada.

Here’s your chance to talk about your journey as an entrepreneur in Windsor-Essex. We want to learn about the ups and downs, and get to know what your experience is like.

Speakers

Adam Frye

Director of Operations, WEtech Alliance

I design custom Innovation Frameworks for large enterprises that focus on activating their frontline staff members and turning them into internal engines of innovation. In doing so we are able to generate a scalable Innovation system that can quickly identify inefficiencies, opportunities... Read More →

Wednesday November 10, 2021 6:00pm - 8:00pm EST
Zoom Meeting

8:00am EST

Jump Start Your Morning with Muna Skips

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Jump rope is a super fun and innovative way to get into fitness and it may be the thing you were looking for this whole time. Join Muna Fadel, an online jump rope transformation coach that teaches people how to develop healthier, life changing habits through the power of jump rope, in fun morning session to get you moving!

Speakers

Muna Fadel

Founder, Muna Skips

COMING SOON!

Thursday November 11, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am EST
Zoom Webinar

Health & Wellness

9:00am EST

Pause for Reflection & Remembrance

W.E. remember those who fought for us.

Founders Week YQG Day 4 will include a pause for Reflection & Remembrance from 9am-1pm in observance of Remembrance Day.

Check out Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island's 2021 Windsor-Essex Remembrance Day Guide for a list of parades, services and events taking place in Windsor-Essex, Lest We Forget.

Thursday November 11, 2021 9:00am - 1:00pm EST

1:00pm EST

Coping with Stress: Strategies from Entrepreneurs

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Learn from entrepreneurs and professionals about how they manage their day-to -day stress! This panel discussion bring together unique perspectives of entrepreneurs to share resources to help you business and mental health!

Speakers

Adam Castle

Director of Venture Services, Campaign

I've spent my entire life thinking about how to make an impact on my community. In grade school, I started the first peer teacher-student lead mediation group in our district to help solve schoolyard problems and build bridges towards compromise (Is my inner nerd showing yet? haha)In... Read More →

Thursday November 11, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Zoom Webinar

2:00pm EST

Fireside Chat with Founder, Jeff Musson of Coding for Veterans

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Founders Week YQG welcomes Jeff Musson Founder, Coding for Veterans and North of 41

Moderated by: Yvonne Pilon, President/CEO, WEtech Alliance

Join us as we sit down, connect & reflect with founders who are changing their industry and creating an impact on their communities. We’ll dive into their story together – exploring what drove them to start their business, discuss any trials & tribulations they’ve faced along the way, and how they hope to positively impact the industry they are in.

About Coding for Veterans: The goal of the Coding for Veterans program is to provide a pathway that will assist with the retraining and reskilling of workers in Canada’s economy to fill job openings in the tech sector. All course work is delivered 100% online and with professors through our post-secondary school partners. The program is open to military veterans and family members along with reservists and current serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Speakers

Yvonne Pilon

President / CEO, WEtech Alliance

Yvonne Pilon is the President and CEO of WEtech Alliance, 1 of 17 Regional Innovation Centres funded by the Province of Ontario. At the age of 24, she founded her first tech venture, AD2IT, and by the age of 29, she became the youngest female to lead a Regional Innovation Centre... Read More →

Jeff Musson

Founder, Coding for Veterans

Jeff is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 10 years experience in achieving corporate goals. As President of Dynamitenetwork.com, a leading software development company, specializing in the area of enterprise and B to B software, Jeff has been responsible for leading the Dynamite... Read More →

Thursday November 11, 2021 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Zoom Webinar

4:00pm EST

Fireside Chat with Founder, Pina Ciotoli of WindsorEats

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Founders Week YQG welcomes Pina Ciotoli of WindsorEats

Moderated by: Harley Gillis, Founder of Screen to Table

Join us as we sit down, connect & reflect with founders who are changing their industry and creating an impact on their communities. We’ll dive into their story together – exploring what drove them to start their business, discuss any trials & tribulations they’ve faced along the way, and how they hope to positively impact the industry they are in.

About WindsorEats:

Speakers

Pina Ciotoli

Co-Founder, WindsorEats

Co-owner of WindsorEat and co-founder/creator of Windsor Craft Beer Festival. Leading culinary tourism event and experience developer in Windsor and Essex County.Specialize in the marketing of culinary and tourism establishments including and coaching tourism operators in the development... Read More →

Harley Gillis

Creative Lead

Thursday November 11, 2021 4:00pm - 5:00pm EST
Zoom Webinar

6:30pm EST

Paint Night with Julie's Paint Party

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Join Julie's Paint Party on Facebook Live for an hour where Founders and Friends (and kids) will get the chance to paint or colour a special "Poppy Scene" to mark Remembrance Day. Make sure to bring along the supply list. Please note, it does not need to be paint. You can use coloured pencils or crayons as well.

Supply list:

Black, White and Red paint. Or grey, black and red coloured pencils!
Canvas, mixed media paper or watercolour paper will work best! Any size!

Speakers

Julie Robinson

Founder, Julie's Paint Party

Hello Friend!I'm Julie, and painting is my most favourite thing to do in the whole world! I've done a whole bunch of different things in my career, but hosting paint parties has been the most rewarding endeavour of them all! I've outlined a bit of my life for you to get a glimpse... Read More →

Fun & Freebies

Julie's Paint Party

I love to PAINT and I love to PARTY! What a Wicked Combo! I have over 20 years experience doing both, so join me for an incredibly fun painting event today!

Thursday November 11, 2021 6:30pm - 7:30pm EST
Facebook Live

8:00am EST

Founders Week YQG (Morning) Open Networking

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New to Windsor-Essex? New (or seasoned) to startups?

Drink coffee, meet other entrepreneurs in the Windsor-Essex startup community and find out how you can plug into the community. No pressure. Just good coffee and good conversations.

Special Guest(s): TBD

Want a FREE coffee/tea? Check out the Fun & Freebies tab to learn more!

Friday November 12, 2021 8:00am - 9:00am EST
Remo

11:00am EST

Ask Me Anything: Designing Your Funding Roadmap: Debt, Equity and Bootstrapping

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As an entrepreneur, it's critical to be intentional about your funding roadmap. How quickly do you aim to grow? What are the business's cash flow needs? Who should be around the table? These are all important questions to answer when deciding whether to grow your business with debt, equity, organically with cash flows from sales, or a mix of all of the above. Join Mallory McKewen from BDC as she answers your questions and discusses these following topics.

Session Moderated by: Janelle Abela, Business Advisor at WEtech Alliance

Speakers

Mallory McKewen

Development Banker, BDC, Canada's Bank for Entrepreneurs

Having been a founder myself, I respect and understand the dedication, risk, and perseverance that goes into entrepreneurship. In my role at BDC, I aim to work collaboratively with entrepreneurs to provide the financing and advice that they need to scale their businesses.If you are... Read More →

Friday November 12, 2021 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Zoom Webinar

12:00pm EST

Windsor Pizza 🍕! Fireside Chat with Founder and Producer, George Kalivas

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Does Windsor deserve to be mentioned among great pizza cities like New York and Chicago? George Kalivas believes so, to such an extent that he wrote and produced a new documentary - The Pizza City You've Never Heard Of - all about our enduring pride in our local pie.

Join us for a (virtual) fireside chat with Executive Producer George Kalivas as he discusses the inspiration behind entering the world of film and upcoming documentary releases. We’ll also talk about George's entrepreneurial journey as a filmmaker. He’ll be sharing different tips as well as resources for aspiring filmmakers and entrepreneurs!

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE: http://www.pizzadocumentary.com/

Session Giveaway: One lucky session attendee will win a Windsor Pizza T-Shirt, the official t-shirt from the upcoming documentary, The Pizza City You've Never Heard Of and large Windsor pizza of their choice.

Speakers

Yvonne Pilon

President / CEO, WEtech Alliance

Yvonne Pilon is the President and CEO of WEtech Alliance, 1 of 17 Regional Innovation Centres funded by the Province of Ontario. At the age of 24, she founded her first tech venture, AD2IT, and by the age of 29, she became the youngest female to lead a Regional Innovation Centre... Read More →

George Kalivas

The Pizza City You've Never Heard Of

George Kalivas is a Toronto-based Marketing Manager and Content Producer, working in the Canadian Music Industry.He was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario by his Greek Parents, before relocating to New York City and then Toronto to continue a career in fostering Canada’s up-and-coming... Read More →

Friday November 12, 2021 12:00pm - 12:30pm EST
Zoom Webinar

1:00pm EST

From Freelancer to Small Business Owner: Hiring Your First Employee

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Your business is growing, and it's finally time to take the step and hire your first employee. Join Jennifer Charron, Founder of Logic Executive Search, as she shares what you need to know (and do) when making your first hire.

Speakers

Jennifer Charron

President, Logic Executive Search & Workplace Solutions

Jennifer Charron possesses over 10 years of experience in human resources and recruitment. The majority of her experience has been cultivated in the professional search areas and corporate recruiting. Jennifer brings a wealth of experience in the recruitment of Management, Technical... Read More →

Friday November 12, 2021 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Zoom Webinar

3:00pm EST

Machine Learning Meets Bioart

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Join us and the INCUBATOR art lab for a special Machine Learning meets Bioart "Just for Fun" session.

Participants will be invited to learn how to create their own machine-learning generated creature using web-based AI programs. In the workshop Nate Talbot will teach you how to assemble a dataset of images, how to train an AI on those images, and how to make a completed artwork out of the results. As machine learning becomes more accessible and advanced it will change the way we think about life, as well as art. Will bioart processes show us a way forward?

About INCUBATOR art lab: INCUBATOR art lab at the Intersection of Art, Science and Ecology is a physical and theoretical hub, a new art/science laboratory at The University of Windsor. Founded in 2009, it functions both as an apparatus in which environmental conditions can be controlled towards the assisted growth of life, but also as a site supporting the development of new ideas and artistic practices.

Speakers

Nate Talbot

MFA Student, University of Windsor

Nate is a 2nd year MFA student at UWindsor specializing in 3D rendering, 3D scanning, VR model design, machine learning, and holography. With a background in philosophy focusing on aesthetics and post-structuralism Nate seeks to examine the confluence between technologically-produced... Read More →

Friday November 12, 2021 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Zoom Webinar

about Nate is a 2nd year MFA student at UWindsor specializing in 3D rendering, 3D scanning, VR model design, machine learning, and holography. With a background in philosophy focusing on aesthetics and post-structuralism Nate seeks to examine the confluence between technologically-produced simulations and real biological structures. Through the use of new technologies he seeks to deconstruct the artist's role as a medium between nature and the simulacrum.

6:00pm EST

Failure Night | I Got Knocked Down But I Got Up Again

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Unlike THE “f-word”, we don’t believe that “failure” is a dirty word. In fact, we think that it should be celebrated. That’s why we’ve invited a group of founders to share their stories of failure in one of Founders Week YQG’s signature events.

Virtual attendees can grab a beer (or mocktail) and tune in from the comfort of their home or office to hear from 5-7 regional Founders and Entrepreneurs as they get real about their mistakes, failures and success. We’re also creating an animated GIF that can be shared on social media to encourage even more people to share their failures, and most importantly, what they learned from them.

Failure Night will be Moderated by Founder and Podcast Host, Linden Crain and broadcasted LIVE from River Bookshop in beautiful Amherstburg, ON.

What other companies celebrate failures ? Here's just a few.

Intuit: “We celebrate failure” Accounting software company Intuit gives a special award for the Best Failure and holds “failure parties”. “At Intuit we celebrate failure”, explains co-founder Scott Cook, “because every failure teaches something important that can be the seed for the next great idea.”

Google: “reward failure” In his new book Work Rules!, Google’s Head of People Operations Laszlo Bock states “it’s also important to reward failure” so as to encourage risk-taking. Bock gives the example of Google Wave, an online platform launched in 2010 and closed a year later. “They took a massive, calculated risk. And failed. So we rewarded them.”

Tata: “Failure is a gold mine” Rajan Tata, founder and chairman of Indian conglomerate Tata created a prize for the Best Failed Idea, as he neared retirement. The aim is to spark innovation and keep the company from avoiding risks.

(Source: https://www.happy.co.uk/blogs/8-companies-that-celebrate-mistakes/)

Speakers

Claudius Thomas

Founder, Turaco Web International Group Inc.

Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Claudius grew up in London England. A computer engineer by trade, Claudius has worked as an entrepreneur since 1991 providing information Systems and technology solutions. His work has given him the opportunity to travel extensively taking in places... Read More →

Carina Biacchi

Co-founder & CEO, Ortaliza Urban Farms

Adam Frye

Director of Operations, WEtech Alliance

I design custom Innovation Frameworks for large enterprises that focus on activating their frontline staff members and turning them into internal engines of innovation. In doing so we are able to generate a scalable Innovation system that can quickly identify inefficiencies, opportunities... Read More →

Linden Crain

Founder & Host, Coffee with Crainer Podcast

Richard Peddie

Co-Owner, River Bookshop

AN ACTIVE RETIREMENTI am currently enjoying an active retirement after 41 years in consumer products, facility management, broadcast, and sports & entertainment. Twenty-eight of those years I served as president of 6 companies. Helping grow such iconic brands as Colgate, Kool Aid... Read More →

Frank Abbruzzese

Founder & CEO, AlphaKOR Group

What it's like being an Entrepreneur and Mentor in the Tech Sector.Networking and making new connections.

Marla Coffin

President & CEO at MARDA Management and Huron Shores PM, MARDA Management

Friday November 12, 2021 6:00pm - 8:00pm EST
Zoom Webinar

3:00pm EST

RBC EPIC BMCC Final Pitch Competition

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Saturday November 13, 2021 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Zoom Webinar