The Town of Innisfil, in partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University's DMZ, has launched the DMZ Innisfil Business Accelerator, a program designed to support local business growth. This initiative is open to entrepreneurs and established business owners throughout Innisfil and Simcoe County who are seeking to expand their operations. The program caters to a wide range of businesses, including local brick-and-mortar stores, online enterprises, and tech startups, providing them with expert mentorship and coaching to navigate the challenges and opportunities of scaling their ventures.
Program Details
• Program Duration: The Winter 2026 cohort runs for 3.5 months, from March 3rd to June 15th.
• Custom Growth Plan: Participants work 1:1 with coaches and mentors to develop and execute a customized plan focused on achieving key growth goals, such as increasing sales outreach, enhancing marketing, or optimizing operations.
• Coaching and Mentorship: Includes up to 15 hours of dedicated coaching and mentorship.
• Exclusive Access: Provides access to DMZ All Access workshops, networking events, co-working space, and meeting rooms at the DMZ Innisfil hub.
• Partner Perks: Offers access to DMZ perks, which include over $300,000 in discounts and partner deals.
Eligibility Requirements
• Cost: The program is provided at no cost to business owners who meet the specified requirements, though the application process is competitive.
• Geographic Focus: Founders must live within, or operate their businesses primarily within, the County of Simcoe. Priority will be given to founders who live in Innisfil, rent or own commercial/industrial space in Innisfil, employ Innisfil residents, or have made a significant investment in the Town.
• Business Stage: Applicants must have a growth-focused business that demonstrates signs of traction.
• Founder Commitment: Founders are required to commit a minimum of 10 hours per week to working on their business's growth throughout the cohort.
Application and Key Dates
• Intake Period: Applications are open for the Winter 2026 cohort.
• Application Deadline: The submission deadline is Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
• Cohort Schedule: The program will run from March 3rd, 2026, to June 15th, 2026.
• Virtual Information Session: An information session for prospective applicants will be held virtually on Wednesday, January 21st, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Hosted through the Innisfil Economic Development Office, the DMZ Innisfil programs offer a structured path for local entrepreneurs to achieve their business objectives. Interested founders in Innisfil and Simcoe County are encouraged to learn more about the accelerator and incubator programs and to submit their applications for consideration.