ssmic

1. www.ssmic.com

2. Located in new Essar Convergence Centre building • at Algoma University • National Research Council IRAP Office on-site • SSMARtInnovation Awards • Youth Outreach • Entrepreneur Training

3. A non-profit organization driving growth in the science and technology sectors of the Algoma region. Business Support Services Market Development Projects Business Incubation

4. What is the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC)? • Established in 1999 to function as a catalyst for economic development and diversification in the information technology and knowledge-based sectors • Focused on four core areas: • operating a business incubator to encourage the establishment and growth of business start‐ups • providing support services to businesses in the technology and science community • supporting the establishment and enhancement of advanced research projects in the region • undertaking strategic market development projects such as the highly successful GIS project. • Operates an award‐winning GIS department that has been recognized internationally for its unique community information utility model and advanced work in the health and human services sector.

5. Community Geomatics Centre In 2000, SSMIC formed the Community Geomatics Centre (CGC) to assist the City of Sault Ste. Marie and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in developing an award-winning Integrated Geomatics Model. The CGC is committed to developing and supporting community partnerships, data sharing, and GIS. The CGC has developed and maintains one of the world’s most comprehensive community-based GIS solutions, connecting more than 60 partners and thousands of layers of data from various sectors. CGC has won many awards including the URISA Best Public Sector GIS in Ontario and most recently the URISA Innovation in GIS Award.

6. Community GeomaticsCentre • Municipal • Engineering • Public Works • Planning • Parks and Recreation • Transportation • Land Administration • Utilities • Electric • Water • Wastewater • Telecom Economic Development Emergency Management Health Care Public Care Social Services/Social Development Early Childhood Development Natural Resources Renewable Energy First Nations

7. Community Geomatics Centre • Unique in Canada • Award winning • Growth mode – 20+ staff • Driving tangible benefits to the region

8. Bio-Sciences • Rural Agri-Innovation Network • Invasive Species Research Institute • Water Research and river sediment analysis

9. The Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) is a project of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre and NORDIK Institute, with collaboration and support from local associations, producers, businesses, municipalities, and funding organizations. RAIN focuses on business growth and improved capacity for producers of rural based crops, commodities, value-added products and services in the Algoma region.

10. The 3-year pilot project will work alongside local collaborators to: • Build relationshipsthrough networking, collaboration and priority setting to reinforce involvement from the agricultural community • Build capacity of local producers and businesses in agriculture and food through practical workshops, sharing information, and assisting with market development • Undertake research, tailored to the needs of local producers by conducting crop trials, fostering innovation and sharing research that improves the sector

11. Health Informatics • Leverage national reputation of Group Health Centre • Algoma University • Health Informatics Institute • ESRI Canada Health Informatics Research Chair • Collaborations developing with numerous health organizations across Ontario and internationally

12. Game and App Technology • Algoma Games for Health • Protolaunch • Algoma University gaming degrees • Sault College Game Art program • Digital Games Business Incubator Network

13. Business Incubation The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) Business Incubator is a facility designed specifically for supporting technology and science companies looking to develop and grow their business. The Business Incubator offers a turnkey environment for clients in a professional facility at affordable monthly rates. A business support team, along with a community of mentors, provide incubator clients with professional guidance. Interested candidates are welcome to review the Entrance Process to determine if the Business Incubator is a viable solution in growing their business.

14. Facility and Services of the Business Incubator • Increased access to business mentoring and services • Three types of incubator space available includingoffice suite, workstation, and “virtual” workstation. • Complete office infrastructure, including telephones at each work station, with two phones per office suite and internet connectionat each workstation (included in monthly fees) • Clerical Support and a receptionist are available to handle incoming customer inquiries.

15. Business Support Services Market Information. Through our strategic partners, we provide entrepreneurs access to premium market research resources and services at no cost. Capital and Funding. With the support of our funding partners, we administer our own funding programs to support innovations in science and technology. We also work with clients to help determine their capital needs and assist them to access both our government and non-government funding opportunities. Networking and Connections. We are a members of the Ontario Excellence Network (ONE), a collaborative network of organizations across Ontario designed to help entrepreneurs commercialize their ideas. Potential Opportunities. We assist clients with science and technology ideas to develop and commercialize their innovations and turn technology ideas into successful and viable business opportunities.

16. Business Support Services • Access to small support programs: • Innovation Accelerator Program (FedNor – 15% admin fee to SSMIC) • Small Firm Assistance Program (IRAP – 10% admin fee to SSMIC) • Professional Service Program (PSP – 10% admin fee to SSMIC) • Small projects, quick turnaround

17. Innovator Accelerator Program (IAP) • Program Objective • To assist new business startups and existing small medium enterprises in Northern Ontario who are developing innovation in the science and technology sector with the initial commercialization steps required to accelerate product introduction and marketplace positioning, with potential in revenue generation and job creation.

18. Innovator Accelerator Program (IAP) • Examples of Industry Sectors: • Advanced Health Technologies • Digital Media and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) • Green Energy Technologies • Environmental – Clean Technologies • Environmental – Water Technologies • Agriculture • Forestry • Materials and Advanced Manufacturing • Nanotechnology • Financial Services

19. Innovator Accelerator Program (IAP) • Eligible Activities under the IAP: • Contracted expertise for training in sales, global markets, management, investment or any other business growth • Trade shows and related travel • Test-marketing • Product testing • Product shipping • Branding materials • E-commerce and promotions

20. Innovator Accelerator Program (IAP) • Eligible Activities under the IAP: • Planning and development costs • Business Planning • Market Research • Export development • Feasibility analysis • Productivity research • Certifications • In-market licenses • Intellectual Property (IP) protection and • Research or market entry fees

21. Innovator Accelerator Program (IAP) • Maximum Funding Amount • Up to $5,000.00 per company in assistance may be provided towards approved costs under the eligible activities (preferably one activity per application). • Contributory Requirements • Applicants will be required to pay an administrative fee in the amount of 15% of the total funds requested. Contribution must be received before any payments are paid to contractors • Payments will be made directly to contractors upon completion of project.

22. SSMIC services for any business • Knowledge transfer workshops and seminars that have been done in the past: • Developing a Winning Business Model by Brian Silverman, September 2012 • Trends in IT – Mobile Apps & HTML 5, January 2013 • CleanTech Biofuels Workshop, February 2013 • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Web Marketing, February 2013

23. SSMIC services for any business • Resources: • Business plan templates • Links to funding agencies • Links to other great sites for business advice • Opportunities for collaboration (Market Development Projects)

24. Company Example #1 • Individual developed two potentially patentable products that had commercial potential • Supported going through the process of incorporation • Provided access to expert patent lawyers in Ontario • Sought funding to support the patent search • Completed initial patent search, which recommended seeking a patent • Accessed 6 market intelligence reports valued at about $28k • Frost and Sullivan, BCC Research, MarketResearch.com

25. Company Example #2 • Company developed unique product for treating invasive species in trees – effective twice as long with less impact on soil versus competitors • Accessed 8 market intelligence reports valued at almost $27k • Prepared market summary and opportunities report, with specific recommendations for the company • Identified public funds to support in R&D (matching $) • Connected to experts to solve a technical issue with their product in a cost effective way

26. For more information Visit: www.ssmic.com Subscribe: Eye on Innovation Newsletter FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/ssmic TWITTER http://www.twitter.com/ssmicnews

27. Contact Information Gerry Bugyra Business Development Manager Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre Tel: 705-942-7927 ext. 3129 Cell: 705-542-3497 Fax: 705-942-6169 Email: gbugyra@ssmic.com