You are currently viewing Mississauga entrepreneurs take centre stage at IDEA Mississauga’s Step-Up Program pitch event

Mississauga entrepreneurs take centre stage at IDEA Mississauga’s Step-Up Program pitch event

From medical technology and freight, to food services, water purification, and education, entrepreneurs from a wide range of sectors gathered on June 19 to celebrate innovation and growth at IDEA Mississauga’s highly anticipated Step-Up Program pitch and showcase event.  The event marked the conclusion of the 2024 Step-Up Program, a six-month program designed to support diverse, underrepresented, high-potential businesses overcome barriers and reach new heights to help grow Mississauga’s vibrant economy and encourage the community to choose local talent.

The evening featured pitches from this year’s Step-Up Program cohort who showcased their unique ideas and solutions to a room full of industry leaders, founders, investors, City of Mississauga representatives and other government officials.

Councillor Kovac, whose ward is home to IDEA Mississauga, delivered opening remarks and highlighted that the Step-Up Program is a shining example of Mississauga’s commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity and sustainability. He also emphasized that initiatives like this demonstrate that Mississauga is not just a place to do business, it’s a place to grow and lead.

Councillor Kovac delivering remarks at the Step-Up Program Pitch and Showcase Event.

 

The Honourable Nina Tangri, Federal Associate Minister of Small Business, also joined the event and delivered inspiring remarks on the importance of entrepreneurship and inclusivity in businesses across Ontario. As a former small business owner, Minister Tangri shared words of encouragement and spoke about the role innovation plays in driving economic growth. Minister Tangri also emphasized the value of events like this in showcasing the wealth of ideas and innovations that are ready to be transformed into new products and services that can eventually generate jobs in Mississauga and beyond.

Federal Minister Tangri delivering remarks at the Step-Up Program Pitch and Showcase Event.

The Step-Up Program Pitch and Showcase was a testament to the talent, creativity and hard work of Mississauga’s business community. As one of the several initiatives offered through IDEA Mississauga, the program supports and strengthens the City’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development. IDEA Mississauga is powered by Invest Mississauga, the City’s Economic Development Division. Together, IDEA and Invest Mississauga provide a range of targeted programs and resources to help businesses succeed.

The IDEA Mississauga Step-Up Program team pictured with Councillor Kovac.

Step-Up Program

Since 2020, the IDEA Step-Up Program has been helping innovative and inclusive businesses overcome barriers to growth, access mentorship and investment opportunities, and connect with industry experts. Participants had access to expert-led workshops, peer learning opportunities, mentorship and opportunities to prepare for investors and funding to help them reach their next stage of growth. Since inception, the program has seen huge success. Over the past year, Step-Up Alumni companies have raised more than $8 million in funding and are reporting revenues of $4 million annually, resulting in an additional 270 jobs in the city. Looking to join the next Step-Up Program cohort? Applications will open again in fall of 2025.