Toronto continues to be a hot bead for the next generation of Canadian startups, and many local champions continue to create platforms for entrepreneurs to shine and grow such as DemoCamp, Toronto Board of Trade and Toronto Tech Week.  MaRS has also played a key role as facility to host events, but now is taking a major step forward with a new initiative called Entrepreneurship 101.  The program is a being funded by CIBC with a contribution of up to $500,000 and will be recognized as the presenting donor of its flagship skill-building program.  The free non-credit course is aimed at graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, faculty, technicians and young entrepreneurs active in physical or life sciences and engineering.
“Entrepreneurship 101 isn’t designed to compete with business schools. Instead, it provides academic researchers with a clear look at the elements that go into building a successful company from the ground up,” said course coordinator Dr. Tony Redpath, a physical chemist, who has been both an entrepreneur and venture capitalist, now serving as an advisor to MaRS’ Venture Group.  Â
The first lecture was delivered last night at MaRS and will also be offered via webcast to other centres in Ontario and will explore various topics including financing, defining markets, hiring teams and protecting intellectual property.
