Early stage start-up companies in Cape Breton will soon have a new a place to call home. Located in the heart of downtown Sydney, Momentum will make it easier for start-ups to access the programs, infrastructure, education, training, mentoring and networking opportunities they need to succeed. The Government of Canada is supporting this initiative because collaboration and coordination of resources are proven strategies that offer significant benefits to growing ecosystems.

Momentum will bring together Cape Breton’s start-ups, innovators and the organizations committed to their success, under one roof. One of the unique features of the project will be a “maker space” containing equipment such as a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, a mill, welding equipment, a high-end 3D printer, an electronics lab, a computer station for computer-aided design (CAD), and other technologies and tools for inventing and prototyping creative ideas.

The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney – Victoria, and Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso, announced the Government of Canada’s support for this project today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). A federal investment of $1,395,500, over a three-year period, is being provided through ACOA’s Business Development Program. The Government of Nova Scotia is supporting the project with a $500,000 investment through Innovacorp.

Momentum will be located at the New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation (NDCSI). This central location will enable Cape Breton University and the Nova Scotia Community College to provide direct representation and offer information, learning, research and other services for start-up businesses. Innovacorp will have a daily presence at Momentum, which will also provide a base for other entrepreneurship organizations that provide services to new ventures. Rural communities across Cape Breton will be served through outreach programs.

Quotes

“Innovation is about turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and start-up companies into global successes. The Government of Canada is pleased to support a centralized hub for entrepreneurial support in Cape Breton as a means of incubating and enriching ideas and bringing them to fruition.”

− The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Science, Innovation and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“Our Government is committed to making the investments needed to stimulate the region’s economy and build on Atlantic Canada’s competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential, growing innovation ecosystem, and skilled workforce. This project will have a significant impact throughout Sydney and all of Cape Breton.”

− The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney – Victoria

“The existing momentum in Cape Breton’s start-up community, coupled with the synergy of the organizations collaborating to cultivate and grow early-stage ventures, is a recipe for success. The Government of Canada is pleased to support the next generation as they help build a more prosperous and innovative Canada by launching and growing their businesses right here at home.”

− Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso  

“Our long-term economic success depends upon creating a culture of innovation and collaboration and we’re building momentum in Cape Breton. This project will bring the island’s startup community together, enhance services and spark innovation. The entrepreneurs that participate in Momentum will create jobs and develop products for world markets. ”

− Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Business and MLA for Glace Bay

“Momentum will build on Cape Breton's impressive start-up ecosystem and help the community grow faster and stronger. This initiative is good news for the Island's technology entrepreneurs and Innovacorp can't wait to help make it happen.”

− Stephen Duff, President and CEO of Innovacorp

Contacts

Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: [email protected]

Dawn House
Client Engagement and Communications
Innovacorp
902.424.8674 x 1189 / 902.456.9705 (cell)
E-mail: [email protected]