Spark Centre partnered with international venture building firm, Dream2B, to host six Brazilian companies for a 4-week, intensive soft-landing program at Spark Centre’s office in downtown Oshawa. The program focused on providing these emerging, technology-based companies with the opportunity to learn how to establish a business in Canada. They received in-depth workshops from subject experts on finance, marketing, sales, investment and were provided targeted opportunities to connect with potential customers and Canadian investors.
Midway through the program, the companies set out to Toronto to explore the National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) World Angel Investment Summit – a flagship event that attracts investors and industry leaders from around the world. This year, NACO partnered with Elevate Toronto, a city-wide tech and innovation festival that brings together 10,000 guests and 300 inspiring speakers. This gave the visiting delegation access to premium content and networking with some of Toronto’s elite Angel Investors.
Spark Centre and the founders of Dream2b share a similar passion for creating global entrepreneurship and have partnered to bring this successful program to the Region.
Regina Noppe, Co-Founder & CEO of Dream2B Global Acceleration Program, called upon her experience as a Canadian entrepreneur to build the experience for Brazilian startups. “The partnership with Spark Centre has exceeded our expectations in every way. We are delighted with the strong bonds that have been created for the startups in our Acceleration Program. We can’t wait to keep on growing the connections between Brazil and Canada and take them worldwide.”
Spark Centre President & CEO, Sherry Colbourne is spearheading globalization and cross-country relationships for Durham Region. “Spark Centre is establishing itself as an international hub poised to accept innovations to the eastern Greater Toronto Area (GTA) through collaboration agreements with international knowledge centres around the globe. To date, we have partners in Beijing, Wuxi, Oman, Dubai, Dublin, Brazil and, of course, the US. We are utilizing these global connections to open international markets to the many successful companies that call Durham Region their home.”
Of the six Brazilian companies that completed the 4-week program, 5 of them are actively completing the process of landing and establishing their businesses in Durham Region.
Carlos Petry, Co-Founder and CTO of Eventalis (Menvia) – a platform for professional event management that offers a web and mobile solution – is among those companies. “The soft-landing acceleration program provided by Dream2B and Spark Centre was the catalyst for Menvia to set its feet on Canadian soil. We have been part of previous Spark Centre soft-landing initiatives, but it was this program in particular that helped us build the knowledge and confidence to complete this big step in the company’s growth.”
Durham Region’s connection to Brazil has been an ongoing initiative of the Regional Municipality of Durham’s Economic Development and Tourism team and this program is solidifying the benefits of undertaking such outreach.
Plans for another cohort of companies through Dream2B and Spark Centre’s partnership is set to land in Durham during the Spring of 2019.
