Town partners with Toronto Metropolitan University's DMZ to bring business incubator to Caledon

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Caledon, ON (March 14, 2025) – The Town of Caledon has entered into a strategic partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) DMZ to launch the Humber River Centre Business Incubator powered by DMZ. This multi-year initiative is designed to enhance innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and support local economic vitality through targeted programming, mentorship, and resource development.

As part of this collaboration, DMZ – one of the world’s top-ranked university-based business incubators – will leverage its extensive expertise to design and implement an incubator program tailored to the unique economic landscape of Caledon. This initiative will provide local entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses with access to:

  • Incubator Programming: Customized workshops, training sessions, and one-on-one mentorship from industry experts.
  • Training and Evaluation: Comprehensive support in business development, digital transformation, and operational efficiency.
  • Networking and Events: Opportunities to connect with investors, business leaders, and government stakeholders.
  • Digital Services and Marketing Support: Access to tools and resources that enhance brand visibility and business scalability.

The Humber River Centre Business Incubator powered by DMZ will be held at the state-of-the-art Humber River Centre — a business and community hub in the heart of downtown Bolton. The program will offer a mix of in-person and digital programming to ensure broad accessibility for all participants. Over the next three years, the initiative aims to incubate up to 45 startups, host over 350 workshops and events, and establish strategic partnerships to enhance investment opportunities and business expansion.

In addition to incubator programming, the Town’s new partnership with DMZ will establish post-secondary connections in the community to support youth entrepreneurship, key sector innovation, and attraction pathways for international talent.

This partnership builds on the success of the award-winning Humber River Centre and aligns with the Town’s broader economic development strategy to attract and retain talent, drive innovation, and create a thriving business ecosystem.

To learn more about the Humber River Centre and the Business Incubator, visit caledonbusiness.ca/HRC.

Quotes:

“The Town of Caledon is committed to fostering innovation and economic development within our community. By partnering with TMU’s DMZ, we are providing our local entrepreneurs and attracting new investment with world-class resources and opportunities that will drive sustainable business growth and job creation.”

- Mayor Annette Groves, Town of Caledon

“This strategic partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University’s DMZ to launch the Business Incubator powered by DMZ located at the Humber River Centre marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to fostering innovation, and supporting entrepreneurship within our community,” said Nathan Hyde, CAO. “By working alongside DMZ, one of the world’s top-ranked business incubators, we are offering local entrepreneurs and small businesses access to unparalleled resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Through this initiative, we are not only encouraging the growth of our local economy but also positioning Caledon as a hub for innovation and job creation.”

- Nathan Hyde, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Caledon

“We’re honoured to partner with the Town of Caledon to bring world-class entrepreneurial support right to the heart of this community. The future of Canada’s startup economy isn’t just in big cities—it’s in the drive, grit and ideas coming out of towns like Caledon. When we invest in local entrepreneurs, we unlock new engines of innovation and economic growth. This partnership is about meeting entrepreneurs where they are and building pathways for bold ideas to thrive—right in their own backyard.”

- Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures

Media contact:
Communications
 905.584.2272 | communications@caledon.ca
www.caledon.ca | @TownofCaledon

About Caledon

Caledon is home to close to 80,000 residents and 4,000 businesses and is well-known for its natural attractions, rural charm and vital role in the economic engine of the Greater Toronto Area. It will soon be one of Ontario’s fastest growing communities as it prepares to become a city of 300,000 residents and 125,000 jobs by 2051. Under its current strategic plan, Caledon’s priorities remain environmental leadership, community vitality and livability, enhanced transportation and mobility, and service excellence and accountability. For more information, visit Caledon.ca or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.