MARKHAM, November 19, 2003 – The Town of Markham and founding partner York University are helping small and medium-sized businesses maintain their leading edge with the opening of the new Innovation Synergy Centre in Markham (ISCM) on Thursday November 20 at 3:30 p.m.
“Many innovative companies grow based on their exploitation of a compelling new idea or technological advance. Entrepreneurs who start these firms often possess excellent technical capabilities or brilliance in their field. However, in this very busy and fast-paced business climate, they sometimes need help to leverage this technology and knowledge into successful world-class businesses,” says Markham Mayor Don Cousens.
Other initial partners in the not-for-profit ISCM are the National Research Council Canada (NRC) and RBC Royal Bank. The ISCM is a business advisory ‘hub’ involving the Town, York University, industry, education providers and government. It provides an expanding pool of mentors and advisors who provide appropriate resources when approached by companies that need help. “To be effective in the global economy, as entrepreneurs grow their businesses, they may need assistance with expertise in areas such as marketing, finance or human resources,” says Mayor Cousens, “and the ISCM is now there to help.”
ISCM founding partner York University welcomed the chance to play a leadership role in this exciting initiative. Speaking on behalf of York, Vice-President of Research and Innovation Stan Shapson says “York views the ISCM as an important opportunity to focus its strong research outreach strategies. York University is now acknowledged as one of Canada’s fastest growing research universities. York’s attention to expanding and exchanging knowledge through interdisciplinary and collaborative research in the major fields of business, science and technology, and social science is a valuable asset for SMEs. The ISCM now becomes a single contact point for York’s value-added research services.”
Founding sponsor RBC Royal Bank brings business banking expertise to ISCM and the clients it will serve. “As a company that has always taken a leadership role in supporting Canada’s knowledge-based economy, RBC Financial Group is very proud to be part of this initiative,” says Russ Cook, RBC Royal Bank’s Vice President of Knowledge Based Industries Ontario. “The ISCM presents an exciting door to the future for the Town of Markham and this province and a bold response to the challenge of building a knowledge-based economy.”
The Innovation Synergy Centre in Markham delivers access to business expertise not generally available to growing organizations. ISCM will identify a client’s needs and then – through its resources – arrange to link the business with a choice of expertise and resources to meet the needs. NRC – National Research Council Canada – brings synergy with other government cluster development initiatives, government programs and technology transfer projects.
ISCM helps accelerate the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises with 10 to 50 employees. Overall ISCM, through its location at 1380 Rodick Road, Markham, delivers:
· Management advice and business mentoring
· Linkage to financial resources
· Consultation on the preparation of investment submissions
· Links to government programs such as research & development and export resources
· Referrals to York University, business networks such as the York Technology Association, the Canadian Technology Network and the Association of Ontario Medical Manufacturers and Seneca College and Competitive intelligence.
“Through business expertise, the Innovation Synergy Centre in Markham accelerates the development of value-added solutions and prosperity to growing companies,” says Mayor Cousens.
Innovation Synergy Centre in Markham
Official Opening
Thursday November 20, 2003
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Remarks at 4 p.m.
1380 Rodick Road, Markham
(north of Highway #7, just east of Warden Avenue)
Participants Include:
Markham Mayor Don Cousens
York University
RBC Royal Bank
National Research Council Canada
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
-30-
For more information, please visit: www.iscm.ca, or contact:
|
Ken Turriff Media Relations York University 416-736-2100, ext. 22086 |
Marjorie Rebane Corporate Communications Town of Markham 905-479-7754
|
YU/138/03
