SPICE

SPICE (Seniorpreneur Program 4 Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship) is a pilot project designed for people aged 55+ who want to explore entrepreneurship as a next career option or as a way of turning spare time and energy into a business. Do you want to try out and implement a great business idea, transform a hobby into a business, or explore businesses and franchises for sale? If you have initiative, experience and wisdom, but need the entrepreneurial skills to expand it into a business, SPICE is the program for you.

Boot Camp

4-Day Entrepreneurship Boot Camp (55+)

Idea Validation & Mentorship

1:1 Coaching and Peer Mentorship

SPICE Electives

Grand Finale + Pitch Competition

Durham Region's Business Incubator for Seniorpreneurs

The art of starting a business you love at 55+

Thanks to the Durham Catholic District School Board and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Community Innovation Lab launched the Co-iLab Hub, home to SPICE, an entrepreneurship program for people aged 55+. Sign up to stay up-to-date on professional webinars and workshops, book space for meetings and events, and connect with a business advisor – or volunteer! There’s no fee to participate*, and as a SPICE member, your needs will inform the schedule of events at the Co-iLab Hub.

* 20 spots per boot camp (3 boot camps: Winter 2019, Spring 2019 and Summer 2019) are subsidized thanks to funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Subsidized spots are for individuals aged 55+ who reside, or plan to operate their business in, Durham Region.

SPICE in the News

SPICE program profiled on CBC National – September 2019

Seniorpreneurs part of a quickly growing group of older Canadians who are choosing to work beyond the traditional retirement age of 65. In this news story covered by Jacqueline Hansen, CBC National explores how older Canadians reinvent themselves as Seniorpreneurs. Supporting this shift is Community Innovation Lab’s SPICE (Seniorpreneur Program 4 Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship), a program designed for entrepreneurs aged 55+ who can learn how to start, launch, and grow their own businesses.

To read the full story, click here.

2018-2019 Pilot Program

SPICE is a pilot project of Community Innovation Lab and funded in part by the Ontario Trillium Foundation – which means that we can offer you high-quality workshops, professional space for meetings and events, and access to a business advisor – all at no cost*. Questions? Contact us to learn more.