New Centre “Ignites” Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Algonquin College
Posted on Thursday, February 11th, 2016
We’re open for business, and students are all fired up about it.
At today’s launch event for Algonquin College’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the centre’s official name – IgniteAC – was formally unveiled, and students were introduced to the resources designed to help them launch their businesses during their studies.
“We believe that college is the best place to start your business, and in the coming years you will hear us talking more about how we are building that entrepreneurial culture internally with our students and employees,” said Cheryl Jensen, President, Algonquin College. “Algonquin College has long been known within the college sector as an innovator, and by opening this centre we are placing more tools in our toolbelt and better equipping our students and graduates for success.”
The centre, located in room C151, is open to students and employees of the College. It offers office and meeting space, and connections to a variety of College entrepreneurship resources including events, education, and programming (like the upcoming SUMMIT Summer Intensive entrepreneurship ‘boot camp’ this summer).
The centre complements existing entrepreneurship support offerings within the College, including Applied Research – a business incubation service uniting innovators, students, and faculty mentors to tackle business challenges.
The Algonquin Students’ Association’s Executive-in-Residence, Andrew Foti, also supports students working out of this space and guides students through the many community resources outlined at www.algonquinsa.com/entrepreneurship
In addition to the centre’s opening, guests were treated to a surprise announcement – a business launch! Initial PR, a public relations firm headed up by four Algonquin College students, officially unveiled itself to the world. Company president Bryant McNamara spoke to his classmates’ burning desire to start their own business.
“We are honoured to be a part of this new facility, as this is precisely what we need at this time to make sure that we succeed in our career and in the economy of today,” said McNamara. “This economy is one that requires entrepreneurship to grow, and Algonquin has heard that call. IgniteAC will be a valuable resource, supporting us as we blaze our own trail into the working world.”
The College’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship forms one part of the Capital Entrepreneurs program, a joint venture with Carleton University, the University of Ottawa, and La Cité collegiale, which is supported by the Ontario government through the Campus Linked Accelerators program.
- Posted in
- Academic Success Employee Success
- Tags:
- Entrepreneurship, Ignite AC
March 21st, 2016 at 2:21 pm
Hello,
I am in the process of starting a social enterprise that will reduce fuel consumption by inflating tires. We plan on employing youth and selling carbon offsets.
Can the centre help with my project? I have walked into the centre a few times and have not been able to find anyone. So I am not totally sure of what the centre does.
Thanks,
May 19th, 2016 at 10:06 am
Hi there! You can find all the info you need by following this link http://www.algonquinsa.com/services/entrepreneurship/ best of luck!
March 29th, 2016 at 3:57 pm
Dear Ignite
Currently I am Architectural technician student, I have a entrepreneurship idea that I want to explore in terms of feasibility but also to engage Interior design students as collaborative partnership
Do I need to make an appointment? How this opportunity works?
Best regards
May 19th, 2016 at 10:06 am
Hi there! You can find all the info you need by following this link http://www.algonquinsa.com/services/entrepreneurship/ best of luck!