Mississauga launches big virtual effort to give businesses a big boost

Mississauga entrepreneurs, start-up companies and other businesses are expected to reap the benefits of a new virtual tool launched today (Feb. 28).

The City of Mississauga’s new Virtual Innovation Hub is a key component of another new, broader business initiative also officially launched Monday.

IDEA Mississauga was introduced as the new identity for the city’s innovation district as City officials say they’re looking to advance Mississauga’s position as “a global leader” in innovation.

Mayor Bonnie Crombie, City councillors and Mississauga’s Economic Development Office (EDO) officially launched IDEA Mississauga today

City officials say IDEA Mississauga does not represent one specific location in Mississauga; “rather, it represents the city’s entire ecosystem made up of industry, government, education and providers of space and programs that support innovation.”

IDEA Mississauga, officials continue, “will grow and expand to service local entrepreneurs and enhance the services and initiatives” in the realm of entrepreneurship and innovation.

“With our diverse and growing economy and our location in the heart of the Toronto-Waterloo Innovation Corridor, Mississauga has built an incredibly strong innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Crombie. “What’s so exciting about the launch of IDEA Mississauga is that it brings all of our innovation resources and assets together, making it much easier for entrepreneurs, start-ups and scale-ups to get the support they need to grow and thrive in our city.”

Huge day for the future of innovation in our City with the official launch of @IDEAmississauga, which puts front and centre everything that we have to offer entrepreneurs, start-ups, scale-ups & established businesses to ensure they grow & thrive.

More ➡️ https://t.co/1nrPNaKOhr pic.twitter.com/J3D6CaYi3A

— Bonnie Crombie 🇨🇦 (@BonnieCrombie) February 28, 2022

The Virtual Innovation Hub will showcase innovation activity and assets within IDEA Mississauga, the City says.

In essence, it is a place for entrepreneurs, innovators and scale-up companies to connect with IDEA Mississauga and become part of a leading innovation community and access regional supports and resources to start and grow their business, City officials say.

The site features a number of tools/assets that can help make the start-up and scale-up journey much easier, officials note.

Businesses can navigate the site to find:

• a concierge tool that generates a customized list of resources catered to unique business needs
• an innovative asset map that contains over 135 industry, government, education and services providers that are oriented around the growth of start-ups and innovative entrepreneurs
• business experts and mentors
• training webinars and networking opportunities
• innovation news and success story spotlights

“We are committed to supporting our business community, and we’re excited to take the next step in advancing our innovation ecosystem,” said EDO director Bonnie Brown. “With the launch of IDEA Mississauga, we will leverage our partnerships and continue to collaborate and create a community that brings together all innovative connections and assets, from government to entrepreneurs to industry. IDEA Mississauga brings together a rich network of mentorship, partners, talent and connections to test, scale and commercialize solutions to global challenges.”