The Government of Prince Edward Island is partnering with Holland College to offer a business incubator program for students interested in starting their own business.

The new LaunchPad PEI space at Holland College provides a professional setting for start-up companies and includes office furniture and access to communications technologies. The services of professional mentors, managed by the program advisor, will also be available to participating companies.
 
Hon. Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning, said LaunchPad offers programs and services to support new companies through the early stages of opening a business.

“The Government of Prince Edward Island is committed to supporting young entrepreneurs,” said Minister Campbell. “This new partnership with Holland College presents a great opportunity for students to continue their education while pursuing their dreams in business. The objective of the LaunchPad program is to help new
entrepreneurs by accelerating business success.”

Companies accepted into the program will be offered office space in the Holland College Launchpad incubator facility, similar to the Atlantic Technology Centre in Charlottetown and Holman Building in Summerside.

Dr. Brian McMillan, president of Holland College, said Launchpad will benefit student entrepreneurs at Holland College.

“The new Launchpad facility is a natural fit for Holland College,” said Dr. McMillan. “The incubator program and office space will help young entrepreneurs through the challenging start-up phase. Students will also benefit from the advice and support of instructors from the Business Studies program at the college.”

The Government of Prince Edward Island is contributing up to $12,000 to cover the costs of maintaining the LaunchPad office space at Holland College. Student entrepreneurs will also benefit from business mentoring available at the school.

In this picture: (L-R) Holland College Graphic Design graduates Kyle Weeks and Robyn Murphy discuss their businesses, started in the college's new business incubator facility, with Hon. Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning, and Dr. Brian McMillan, President of Holland College. The new LaunchPad facility is located on the Charlottetown Centre campus.