If you've got a tech startup—or are thinking of starting on—here's a quick guide to some of the services available and some groups that you might want to join:
- WatStart: We hold various get-togethers through the year for startup entrepreneurs and people thinking about creating a startup. Meetings are always informal—a chance to meet with your peers and learn from each other in an interactive setting, usually with guest resources that have expertise in areas important to tech startups.
- Communitech's entrepreneur services: Provides free business advisory services, including referrals to other service providers, business plan reviews and other assistance with attracting investors, feedback on marketing and general business strategy, and information about other programs and organizations serving the startup market. Includes the executive-in-residence program, through which startup founders work with experienced tech company executives. Current executives are Carol Leaman, former CEO of RSS Solutions, and Ron Neumann, former CEO of SlipStream. For more information, contact Gary Will.
- ViaTech: ViaTech is a group of people with experience working with startup and early-stage companies that get together once a month with one or two companies to provide whatever feedback they can. The group includes people from IRAP, Tech Capital, RBC, Deloitte, Gowlings, Industry Canada, Communitech, a market research firm, and a communications company. For 90 minutes, they're all yours to get as much feedback as you can on whatever issues you want to discuss. It's free and confidential, and no one is allowed to solicit your business. You may get some ideas out of the meeting, and at the very least there would be another 10 or so well-placed people in the community who would come away knowing more about your company. You can discuss whatever business issues you want, or try out a presentation to potential investors. For more information, contact Gary Will.
- StartupCampWaterloo: An unconference-style interactive event, scheduled to run three times a year, where you can meet other startup founders and get feedback from them on your business ideas. See the website for information on upcoming events.
- Communitech: Outside of its entrepreneur services (see above), Communitech runs events through the year for a tech business audience. Includes Entrepreneur Week in the fall and the Tech Leadership Conference in the spring, where selected startups are showcased in a tradeshow-style exhibit.
- Accelerator Centre: Home to nearly 20 startup and early-stage companies. Located on the University of Waterloo Research & Technology Park. Provides office space, mentoring, shared meeting rooms, and reception and bookkeeping services, along with networking opportunities and education programs. For more information, contact Tom Corr, CEO.
