Updated FAQs about BioLinc

1. Where is BioLinc located?

Brock’s business incubator BioLinc (Cairns 209), is located in the Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex (CFHBC) on Brock University’s main campus. The CFHBC advances Canada’s science and technology infrastructure and houses world-class work by researchers in areas like cancer, infectious diseases, biotechnology and green chemistry. With BioLinc located in the CFHBC, BioLinc’s residents will be able to capitalize on the innovative research and knowledge transfer that happens in the complex.

2. Does BioLinc only support Bioscience Companies?

NO, BioLinc supports all entrepreneurs. BioLinc supports youth and student entrepreneurs from all sectors and BioLinc also has a focus on start-ups in the Biosciences, Healthcare and Life Sciences.  BioLinc’s location in the Cairns Complex is a strategic decision designed to promote, create and support collaboration among the residents and some of Canada’s leading thought leaders. Collaborative teams of Brock’s faculty, researchers, staff, students and alumni, plus representatives from private industry are available to support and work with residents to accelerate the launch of any startup ventures.

3. How does BioLinc support student entrepreneurs?

BioLinc offers resident companies a range of supportive services to assist them through the critical start-up phase, including:

  • Office and lab space with flexible lease arrangements
  • Shared use of office equipment
  • Direct business assistance, counseling and training through Brock’s Goodman School of Business and Innovate Niagara
  • Professional networking opportunities
  • Support developing and writing business plans

4. How do I contact BioLinc?

You can either email biolinc@bocku.ca or drop by Cairns 209 for a tour anytime between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

5. What time does the Cairns building/BioLinc open/close?

BioLinc residents and student entrepreneurs can be given access to BioLinc to use the facility 24/7. BioLinc is staffed from Monday-Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm but BioLinc residents can access the facility 24/7.

6. How do I book a meeting/event room?

If you would like reserve any room BioLinc email biolinc@brocku.ca

7. What is the Kick-Starting Entrepreneurship Program?

The Kick-Starting Entrepreneurship program is a new program at BioLinc at Brock University that is designed to help youth, ages 18-29, explore their business ideas and advance their early stage entrepreneurial aspirations. The Kick-Starting Entrepreneurship program provides youth with free access to the following:

  • Two multi-day entrepreneurial “boot camp” training sessions
  • Connections to the right resources
  • A monthly training event or seminar to develop your skills and knowledge about entrepreneurship
  • Get matched with a mentor
  • Meet and network with other entrepreneurs

More information can be found from: https://brocku.ca/biolinc/KSE/about

8. What is Blueprint?

Blueprint is an exciting entrepreneurial business competition designed to kick-start the business ventures of Brock students and alumni. Whether you are currently operating a business, in the startup stage, or even if you just have a great idea, Blueprint provides you with the opportunity to receive expert advice, mentorship, and the funding you need to help your business grow.

More information can be found from: https://brocku.ca/biolinc/blueprint

9. What is the Deborah Rosati Entrepreneurship Award?

If you’re a current student at Brock University, you can now start and run your own business for a work term or the summer and earn up to $10,000 to help to grow Niagara’s economy.

The Deborah E. Rosati Entrepreneurship Award takes the risk out of meeting your financial obligations while allowing you to pursue an entrepreneurial work term of starting and running your own business. The award is given to two students annually and each student will receive $10,000 to work on their business venture for a semester.  More information can be found from: https://brocku.ca/biolinc/biolinc-student-entrepreneurs/entrepreneurship-co-op

10. How do I book a meeting with the BioLinc Manager or BioLinc Coordinator?

Booking a meeting to discuss your business is just as easy as booking a room. You may either email Dan Lynch, Manager of BioLinc at dlynch2@brocku.ca or BioLinc Coordinator, Cassie Price at cprice2@brocku.ca to request a meeting. This would be to ask questions, seek guidance, or request information that would be beneficial to your business.

11. What is Innovate Niagara and how can they help me?

Innovate Niagara is the regional innovation centre for the Niagara region. Innovate Niagara is another support service available in the Niagara region to help you with your business. BioLinc is part of Innovate Niagara’s network of incubators. If you would like to further read up on Innovate Niagara you can find more information on their website: https://innovateniagara.com/

12. What is Beverage Driven Innovation?

Beverage Driven Innovation is our fancy way of saying ‘coffee’.  At BioLinc ‘beverage driven innovation’ is a great way meet new entrepreneurs and network with people working with BioLinc.

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