North Forge

“I went in not expecting a whole lot… But with ElevateIP, we were able to get a lot of value”✨ Joel Weber, Founder of Lakewater Nutrient Capture ltd, shares how North Forge’s ElevateIP program went above and beyond to deliver real results. 🚀 🎥 Watch the full story and learn why protecting your innovation is a game-changer. https://lnkd.in/g4vDSgDN #ElevateIP #InnovationProtection #StartupSuccess #NorthForge Communitech #IntelectualProperty #IP #founder #DareToDo North Forge is an ElevateIP Recipient: a national program of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, leading in intellectual property support for startups in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

North Forge is thrilled to unlock new opportunities and insights through our partnership with BetaKit in 2025.

🙏 Thank You, Gabrielle Piché and the Winnipeg Free Press! We’re incredibly grateful to Gabrielle Piché and the Winnipeg Free Press for highlighting the importance of empowering women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs in Manitoba through the article, “WeTech loan program seeks to boost women-led startups,” featured in today’s edition. The story showcases the WeTech Loan Program, a partnership between North Forge and WeMB (Manitoba Women's Enterprise Centre), designed to provide funding and mentorship to women-led tech startups—an essential step toward fostering inclusivity in the tech industry. This initiative reflects our commitment to breaking down barriers and supporting the next generation of innovative leaders. 📖 Read the article in today’s Winnipeg Free Press to learn more about how this program is driving change and creating opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. https://lnkd.in/dZz8STm8 Thank you again to Gabrielle and the Winnipeg Free Press for shining a light on this critical topic! Joelle Foster Nermin Sa'd Marney Stapley Whitney Moir Devon Shewchuk Ashley Somerville Wallis Kiera Fogg Max (Maxine) Kashton, CPA, CMA Carly Edmundson Dan Belhassen Dan Blair Kerry Stevenson Diana Axelrod, CPA, CA, CBV Tracey L. Epp, K.C Chris Schmidt André Brin Paul Keefe Heather Stephens Alanna Keefe Kelsey M. Shaily Nag Andrea Ladouceur Dana Driedger, CM Margaux Miller Jane Helbrecht Grace Gyolai Women's Equity Lab Demetre Balaktsis Paul Card Jenna Hnatishin Karolya Hutniak Vargscarr

Check out this great video from North Forge Founders Program alumni Aryval! Co-founders Jonathan Remis, Daniel Yorsh and Wesley Dyck, launched their MVP in March 2024 and signing their first client in June 2024, Aryval is a SaaS event management platform for private and independent K-12 schools that automates communication, enhances check-in processes, and organizes families for improved ROI tracking.

🚨 Important Notice: Start-up Visa Program Applications North Forge does NOT partner with any third-party agencies or intermediaries for the Start-up Visa program. All applications must be submitted directly by the applicant. Applications submitted through third parties will not be accepted. If you have been contacted by a third party offering to submit an application on your behalf, please be aware that this constitutes fraudulent misrepresentation. Protect yourself by ensuring all communications and submissions are made directly to North Forge.

📣 Exciting day at North Forge! We were thrilled to welcome Minister Mike Moroz, Manitoba’s new Minister of Innovation and New Technology, for an exclusive tour of our state-of-the-art FabLab. During his visit, Minister Moroz explored how North Forge empowers entrepreneurs, makers, and innovators to turn their ideas into reality. Minister Moroz also met some of our talented Founders, who shared their innovative projects and highlighted the support they’ve received from North Forge: ➡️ Christoff Epp, founder of Kona Wood Craft, showcased his stunning creations made in the EcoPoxy Inc. Epoxy/Resin Room, including a custom Elvish-inscribed desk for Board Member Dan Blair. ➡️ Avery-Anne Gervais, founder of Makermind Toys, demonstrated her educational wooden products, including custom Manitoba Métis Federation Michif learning tools. ➡️ Matthew Olson, founder of Prysm Manufacturing and one of the original FabLab volunteers, shared his journey of using FabLab equipment to develop prototypes and drive innovation. ➡️ Rob Ranson, founder of Win-Shield Devices, introduced his life-changing personal protective equipment and devices, emphasizing how North Forge and the FabLab have been pivotal to his success. ➡️ Kerry Stevenson, Board Chair of North Forge and founder of Fabbaloo, guided the Minister through the 3D printing room, showcasing advancements in the additive manufacturing industry. ➡️ Norm Silver, co-founder of QDoc, with Heather Silver, discussed his experience in the North Forge Founder’s Program and his entrepreneurial journey, including participating in the #ElevateIP program. Minister Moroz’s leadership aligns seamlessly with our mission to foster innovation and economic growth here in Manitoba. Together, we’re creating opportunities for businesses to thrive while celebrating the incredible talent in our community. A huge thank you to Minister Moroz for his time, support, and collaborative spirit. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead under his stewardship! Joelle Foster Nermin Sa'd Whitney Moir Marney Stapley Dana Driedger, CM Emelia Nyarku Devon Shewchuk Ashley Somerville Wallis Grace Gyolai Agnes Luo Janean McInnes Lisa Dyck Jeff Stobbe Zach Fleisher Carly Edmundson Dan Belhassen Tracey L. Epp, K.C Chris Schmidt Diana Axelrod, CPA, CA, CBV

*** Exciting Event Recap! *** On December 4, 2024, as part of North Forge's #ElevateIP program, Nermin Sa'd, our Director for Programming and Global Initiatives, in collaboration with Dan Patriarca from Fillmore Riley LLP, delivered a comprehensive presentation on Intellectual Property (#IP) Ownership to innovative Indigenous-owned businesses participating in the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) Greg Yuel Fellowship Program. This event was a fantastic opportunity to share crucial insights on intellectual property, empowering these businesses with the knowledge to protect and leverage their innovations effectively. A special thank you to our partners at Fillmore Riley LLP for their invaluable expertise and support. Together, we are fostering a stronger, more informed entrepreneurial community. The session aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge on protecting and leveraging their intellectual property. It underscored the critical role of #IP in fostering innovation and protecting businesses' creative and commercial interests while highlighting the need for tailored legal advice to navigate the complexities of IP law effectively. Some participants identified their IP needs and were encouraged to apply for the #ElevateIP program to receive support in addressing those needs. Stay tuned for more updates and events! #ElevateIP #Innovation #IntellectualProperty #Entrepreneurship #IndigenousBusiness #NorthForge #FillmoreRiley #SIIT https://lnkd.in/g7gS-Dqc

✨ WiLab Members – This One’s for You! ✨ Join us for an exclusive WiLab Lunch & Learn, co-hosted with Pop Colab! 🎉 🌟 Topic: Rethinking Your Relationship With Time 🎙️ Guest Speaker: Dawna Atamanchuk, PCC, from Change Innovators 📅 When: December 11th, 12:00 - 1:30 PM This session is designed exclusively for WiLab members to help you transform how you view and manage time. 🕒 Learn actionable strategies to leverage your brain’s natural strengths, empowering you to boost productivity and take control of your day. 💡 Not a WiLab member yet? Join for FREE today to access events like this and connect with an incredible community of women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs! 🌟 Only a few spaces left for this session 🔗 DM us to join WiLab and reserve your spot now! #NorthForge #ManitobaBusiness #smallbusinessowner #smallbusiness #daretodo Donavan Robinson Grace Gyolai Change Innovators Dawna Atamanchuk, MA, PCC

📢 Calling all visionaries, changemakers, and storytellers! TEDxWinnipeg has announced that applications for 2025 speakers are now open! 🌟 Have an idea worth spreading? A story that can inspire? A unique perspective that challenges the norm? This is your chance to take the stage and share it with the world. They’re looking for thought leaders and innovators from all fields to join their lineup and ignite curiosity, spark conversations, and create impact. 🗓️ Application deadline: December 28, 2024 🔗 Apply now: Link below #TEDxWinnipeg #IdeasWorthSpreading #Innovation #Storytelling

🚀 Curious about North Forge? Join us in 30 minutes for an Information Session hosted by Dana Driedger, CM, Director of Marketing and Strategic Initiatives at North Forge! 🗓 When: Today, December 3, 2024 🕑 Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CST 📍 Where: Zoom Don’t miss this opportunity to see how North Forge can help bring your entrepreneurial vision to life! 🌟 👉 RSVP and join us here: https://lnkd.in/eXy7hj7u #NorthForge #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Startups #FabLab #Mentorship