WEtech supports new entrepreneurs

By MD. NURUZZAMAN

WEtech Alliance is starting an epic journey for local entrepreneurs with more commitment and responsibility.

WEtech is now operating from its new office in the Entrepreneurship Practice and Innovation Centre at the University of Windsor after graduating from the Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator. WEtech has spent five years in the Business Incubator at the Accelerator to strengthen their business foundation.

“Like many startups, WEtech Alliance found its strength and built its network of partnerships at the Downtown Windsor Business Accelerator,” said Yvonne Pilon, president and CEO of WEtech.

Pilon said this is the right time to yield that space to other new entrepreneurs that can benefit and receive support from the Accelerator.

“Our goals with the move are going to be for even further collaboration with our key partners,” said Pilon. “Our biggest support would be the business advisory services and we have entrepreneur residents who have started a successful technology-related company.”

Pilon said WEtech comes together more often with their key partners to work on accelerating the business community forward.

Pilon considers the main core business sectors to be manufacturing, renewable energy, life sciences, ICT and digital and social development.

WEthech provides business advisory services like connection with mentors, business acceleration and connecting to academic insight, research and development of a company profile.

“We love the co-working space, the energy that it brings is a perfect partnership,” said John-Marc Vachon, director of programs and marketing at WEtech. “The beauty is there are so many startup entrepreneurs in Windsor looking for space. We advise our clients with social media strategy and marketing strategy.”

Vachon said they amplify the message of their clients to support the local entrepreneurs to enhance the job market and be successful as local business people.

“We have space for our incubator members, dedicated space for free when they start up the company,” said Wen Teoh, venture start director of the EPI Centre. “We want to help them to grow the business.”

Teoh also said they run several programs like EPIC Discover, RBC EPIC Founders, innovative courses, business counseling, legal consulting and venture competitions to promote young entrepreneurs from the University of Windsor and St.Clair College. They also provide help to develop a business idea and assistance from entrepreneur residents to identify the validation of a business idea.

WEtech provides all the services free of cost including mentorship, market research, education for professional development, national and global networking. They have 150 clients they provide their services to. WEtech is mostly funded by the provincial government.