New resource for entrepreneurs in college, university
Dennis Croft, the president and CEO of Spark Centre, has announced plans for the organization to open a new location on the joint Durham College/UOIT campus.
By Joel Wittnebel/The Oshawa Express
Oshawa’s Spark Centre is taking strides to help young entrepreneurs studying at Durham College.
The innovation hub recently announced plans to open a new centre located on the college’s main campus, hoping it will become a key point of contact for young students with start-up dreams in their minds.
According to data from the Spark Centre, 70 per cent of its clientele comes out of Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) on an annual basis.
The centre, which is to be located on the joint Durham College and UOIT north campus, will provide a focal point for both college and university students to connect.
“We’re just absolutely thrilled to have that location,” says Dennis Croft, president and CEO of Spark Centre.
“We have to be near the talent.”
Croft was recently on hand at the Whitby Centennial Building to make the announcement, along with several others including Don Mitchell, the mayor of Whitby; Roger Anderson, Durham’s regional chair; and Don Lovisa, the president of Durham College.
“Over the past number of years, we have continued to invest in new resources and tools beyond the classroom to foster great entrepreneurship in our students,” states Lovisa in a news release.
“Our students have more opportunities than ever before to flex their entrepreneurial side, launch business ideas and ultimately find success.”
Spark Centre also announced its intent to open a satellite investment accelerator location in partnership with 360incentives, to be located in Whitby.