Running for 56 hours, the Startup Weekend supported the entrepreneurs to connect with each other to discuss and develop industry ideas relating to new products or services, create business relationships and networking possibilities, and then work together to present the new concepts to a panel of judges.
The event also gave a chance for entrepreneurs who already have established businesses to present to the judges. Ameel Mohammed, a second year entrepreneur student attending the Seneca campus, commented:
“It’s been an amazing three days. Everyone’s so open, collaborative and sharing. We get lots of feedback. It’s like hitting the fast forward button for all of us.”
The event included speakers, mentors and coaches who offered advice and critiques on the participants’ business ideas. There was also an opportunity for the entrepreneurs to connect with already established business partners if their designs looked promising, according to sources. This event is a great chance for ideas to develop into start-ups, according to Stuart Murray, a professional lawyer who helped facilitate the York Region event.
NextGen Diagnostics earned first place with its concept of test strips for allergies. Posture Tec, a product offering aid in improving posture, came in second.
Printing companies can work hand in hand with events like these, offering flyer printing to spread word of the event in the community.