Supplied by the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation…
Sault Ste. Marie, ON (March 29, 2019) – More programs and services are now available to help local young entrepreneurs succeed. The Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation recently formed a partnership with Ryerson University. Through the alliance, current and aspiring area business owners are able to access the institution’s Entrepreneur Opportunity Network (EON).

EON offers a series of resources to support young entrepreneurs in the province, including online training, virtual incubation with access to mentors, and accelerator programs. In addition, the network’s Knowledge and Opportunities Portal allows entrepreneurs to access relevant start-up information. As well, the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation is able to promote and share local business opportunities across Ontario through the EON portal https://eon.magnet.today.

“We are really excited to partner with the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation and offer new opportunities for young entrepreneurs,” said Cagdas Onen, Project Manager for the EON program at Ryerson University. “Through the EON, we support our partners in developing customized resources that are tailored to their specific needs to foster regional economic development by supporting and empowering local entrepreneurs.”

The Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation will be delivering EON programming through its Millworks – Centre for Entrepreneurship. To learn how you can take advantage of this initiative, contact Harleen Puaar, the centre’s Acting Manager, at 705-251-2500 ext. 1000 or h.puaar@ssmedc.ca. Information is also available on the network website at http://eon.ryerson.ca/.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for local entrepreneurs and our community as a whole,” said Puaar. “Having access to the Entrepreneur Opportunity Network ultimately provides more resources to current and aspiring business owners in Sault Ste. Marie. This initiative augments the programs and services we currently deliver, and I thank Ryerson University for working with us on establishing this strategic partnership.”

Located at the Machine Shop, the Millworks – Centre for Entrepreneurship is operated by the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation. The facility in home to the organization’s enterprise services programs and staff, along with a small business incubator. In 2018, the incubator hosted a total of 11 companies throughout the year. To learn more, visit www.themillworks.ca.

Along with its small business support services, the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation also delivers Invest Sault Ste. Marie, a marketing and investment attraction initiative, along with a Business Retention & Expansion program, which helps local companies grow. The organization also has a Tourism Sault Ste. Marie division that works to draw visitors to the community. For more information, go to www.sault-canada.com.