Empowering your business journey to success

Building your business doesn’t happen overnight. With Innovation Factory, you can put your business on the path to success. You will boost your business know-how through one-on-one business advisory services, hands-on workshops and comprehensive training programs.

Whether you need help with sales and marketing, fundraising, growing your team or protecting your innovation, apply to become a client for free, and let’s grow your business together.

Innovation Factory provides programs and services for startups and growing businesses

Services that guide your business through every stage of growth

We understand your business is unique and evolving. Our commercialization experts will support your business to not only thrive but scale — turning innovative ideas into viable products.

How we can help you in the Idea Stage

You’re getting started with your idea and figuring out what’s next. At iF, you can take advantage of our advisory services, attend training sessions and workshops, and access industry knowledge across all sectors.

How we can help you in the Idea Stage

  • Limited business advisory services
  • iF’s courses, webinars, and workshops
  • Networking opportunities with investors, experts and peers
  • Drop-in office space
  • Problem identification support
  • Early-stage prototyping direction

How we can help you in the Discovery Stage?

While you’re in the discovery stage defining your business model and getting to work, you will be matched with an Innovation Advisor to guide you along the way. You can also participate in informative workshops and training sessions, and access industry knowledge and strategic connections.

Services available to you

  • Business advisory services
  • iF’s courses, webinars, and workshops 
  • Networking opportunities with investors, experts and peers
  • Drop-in office space
  • Early-stage prototyping direction
  • Referrals to programs
  • Customer discovery support
  • Business model canvas guidance

How we can help you in the Validation Stage

Your business has some traction and you’re validating it’s got the potential to go global — your Innovation Advisor is here to help, offering exclusive access to specialized programs and making key strategic connections. You will also be eligible to apply for iF’s signature pitch competitions.

Services available to you

  • Business advisory services
  • Networking opportunities with investors, experts and peers
  • Strategic referrals, expert advisors, and mentors
  • Pitch development and competition opportunities
  • Sales and market training
  • Product and market validation support
  • Exclusive funding opportunities

How we can help you in the Efficiency Stage

While you’re making your business more efficient, you will be able to access market intelligence, investor readiness training, time with our Expert Advisors and mentors, all of iF’s specialized programs and services, and more.

Services available to you

  • Business advisory services
  • Networking opportunities with investors, experts and peers
  • Strategic referrals, expert advisors, and mentors
  • Pitch development and competition opportunities
  • Talent acquisition guidance
  • Investor-readiness training and support
  • Financial modeling support
  • Early-stage fundraising direction

How we can help you in the Scale Stage

Your business is going places and you are ready for new opportunities — your Innovation Advisor will empower your venture to grow by making strategic and investor referrals, providing access to market intelligence and research, and navigational support for government resources and funding.

Services available to you

  • Business advisory services
  • Networking opportunities with investors, experts and peers
  • Strategic referrals, expert advisors, and mentors
  • Talent acquisition guidance
  • Growth coaching
  • Value-added resources
  • Later-stage fundraising guidance
  • International market direction

40k+ hours of support

We put in the time to help your business get to where it’s going. Our venture growth advisors understand the challenges you face and are here to guide you through them all.

10k+ connections made

We open doors and connect your business to new strategic partners, opportunities, investors, and more. Your next partner could be one handshake away.

Programs and more

Workshops

From marketing and sales to business planning and more, we have workshops to help you roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Funding & Investment

Are you ready for investment? We can help you understand what type of investment is right for you and what you need to prepare.

IP Programming

Is your business protected and ready to scale? Our programs and partners will guide you through important legal strategies for your business.

Academy at iF

On-demand and online. Academy at iF is expertly crafted for growing businesses and offers essential insights and training across key topics.

Pitch Competitions

Are you ready to pitch your innovation? Our signature pitch competitions provide training, expert advice, and a chance to win cash and prizes.

Peer Networks

Expand your network and gain some fresh perspectives. Be part of our dynamic peer groups and connect with other forward-thinkers just like you.

Resources to grow your business

As an iF client, you’ll have access to our exclusive resources, opportunities and service providers — everything from funding and investment opportunities to business development tools, support with commercialization, intellectual property guidance, and HR and talent acquisition support. Take a peek at our Resources and Opportunities library and discover the wealth of possibilities for your start-up.

A woman entrepreneur taking a call while looking at her computer. Innovation Factory Resources to help you grow your business.
Innovation Factory entrepreneurs get in a modern office space speaking with a mentor about the business advisory services offered by the accelerator.

Innovation in action

In our case studies, we shine a spotlight on some real iF clients, offering a brief look into their innovation and growth journey. Learn about their transformative ideas, the challenges they faced, and how our resources empowered them to continue to grow and scale their start-up.

Take a glimpse into what you too can achieve with the right tools and guidance as a client of Innovation Factory.

Insights from an innovator

Remy Warren, Founder & CEO of MoxyPatch™, shares how Innovation Factory helped her business go from idea to market.

Bring your business to Canada with the Start-up Visa Program

Canada’s Start-up Visa Program offers Canadian Permanent Residence to immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build a business in Canada. Runway by Innovation Factory is an accelerator program dedicated to evaluating, choosing, and assisting your international start-up throughout the Start-up Visa Program journey. Once on board, start-ups are provided with tailored services and resources, enabling them to successfully establish their business in Canada.

An iF expert advisor provides feedback to a diverse group of entrepreneurs. The Runway accelerator program provides mentorship, business advisory services, support and access to an innovation ecosystem for startups and growing businesses looking to expand in Canada via application to Canada's Start-Up Visa program.
A woman entrepreneur has a casual one-on-one in-person meeting with an iF Venture Growth Innovation Advisor. Check out our frequently asked questions or get in touch with a member of Innovation Factory to learn about our business advisory services and programs.

Still have questions? We have answers

We understand that you may still have some questions about working with Innovation Factory. Be sure to check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) where you’ll find helpful information addressing some of our most common inquiries.

No question is too big or too small! If you’d like more personalized support, we invite you to reach out to us by sending an email.

News and updates from Innovation Factory

Synapse Life Science Pitch Competition

Get tickets for the 2024 Synapse Competition!

Innovation Factory’s Synapse Competition is Ontario’s premier life science pitch competition, dedicated to fostering innovation in the life science sector.

Why you should attend:

  • Meet the finalists at the 11th annual Synapse Competition showcase!
  • Discover emerging life science innovations
  • Network with industry leaders and a thriving life science ecosystem.

March 20, 2024 | 4:00pm – 8:00pm EDT