LAB B—Brampton’s first co-working space—just launched the city’s first startup incubator focused on helping new businesses and entrepreneurs get started.
The launch of the incubator is timely, given Brampton is looking to grow as part of the Kitchener-Waterloo-Toronto innovation corridor. This new space will be a key part of nurturing innovation in the city and in solidifying Brampton’s place in the corridor.
“Our mission is to build Brampton’s startup ecosystem by giving startups and local talent the resources, networks, and tools they need to create great companies and jobs,” says LAB B’s Executive Director and Cofounder Harpreet Zingh.
LAB B’s incubator will provide support services, including business model identification, prototype development, branding creation, and coworking space. Entrepreneurs will benefit from customized learning opportunities, get to know a bunch of mentors, and grow their network in the shared working space.
To assist startups even further, there will be programs, workshops, and classes in all kinds of areas: intellectual property, due diligence, managing cash flow, operations, and fundraising, among other things.
LAB B has already helped a number of startups launch their ideas. Companies like Study Inc, a digital education platform, and Gimme360°, a virtual reality marketplace, got up and running with LAB B’s help. Gimme360° has gone on to be featured on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, The Huffington Post, and Fast Company.
The location in downtown Brampton has been a vibrant hub for young people, meetups, and events since it opened in 2015. In that time LAB B has engaged over 5,500 young people in skills development programming, supported 31 startups, and held over 150 events. The space is home to freelancers, creatives and business founders looking for a productive place to work and meet like-minded people.
Applications for startups “solving real problems,” and “making innovative uses of technology” will be accepted on LAB B’s website on a rolling basis.
This piece co-authored with Bramptonist’s Sarina Grewal.
