YSpace York-Simcoe
YSpace York-Simcoe is the regional entrepreneurship Hub supporting local businesses in the York-Simcoe area, Town of Georgina, East Gwillimbury, Bradford-West Gwillimbury, and extended neighbouring municipalities in partnership with York University’s YSpace. The partnership uses existing facilities and programs to create a collaborative ecosystem, offering free training, mentorship, and co-working spaces for entrepreneurs at all stages.
What to expect
Community
YSpace York-Simcoe gives you access to an inclusive community of entrepreneurs and mentors who span across many backgrounds, industries, and specializations.
Entrepreneurship Education
Through our curated workshops, you will get the get the foundational knowledge you need to build a robust business from a validated idea.
Growth frameworks
Receive individualized guidance by working with dedicated mentors who provide strategic & tactical guidance to help you acquire new customers or reach untapped markets.
Milestone driven
Each pillar of support is designed to help you define and work towards key milestones — from building a business plan to projecting performance.
Select your region to explore programs available to you
Where are you located?
Programs in Town of Georgina & East Gwillimbury
Access tailored resources, mentorship, and connections to help you start and grow your business in Georgina and East Gwillimbury.
Idea Consultations
Free one-on-one consultation services that connect local small businesses with YSpace’s entrepreneurship team to understand how our entrepreneurial ecosystem can help your idea come to life. Idea consultations are the first step to becoming a YSpace participant. As a participant, you will receive a defined roadmap aligned to your unique needs and gain access to all other YSpace programs and support, such as mentorship, workshops facilitated by industry leaders, resources, networking opportunities and much more!
Format: Online and in-person.
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs 18+ who reside in the northern York Region, primarily in East Gwillimbury, Georgina, the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nations and the surrounding area.
Digital Skills for Business
This free, enhanced workshop series is designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners strengthen their online presence and close the digital skills gap.
Digital Skills 2026 expands hands-on learning opportunities and introduces timely topics like AI marketing, advanced SEO, analytics and content creation — all led by industry experts with practical, real-world insights you can apply immediately.
- In-person workshops in Georgina and East Gwillimbury
- Virtual sessions for flexible learning
- Hands-on Canva and content creation intensives
- Delivered in partnership with YSpace at York University
Whether you’re launching a new venture or growing an existing one, this 8-week program provides the tools, confidence and skills to succeed in today’s digital-first business environment.
Peer-to-peer
The Peer-to-Peer program is where fast-growth technology company leaders, entrepreneurs and executives can come together for in-person sessions to exchange information that will help them expand their businesses. Participants generate lasting relationships through meeting regularly to network, learn, and lead their organizations to achieve even greater business success.
Format: In person on the last Thursday of every month.
Eligibility: This program is for YSpace participants.
Not a participant? Book an Idea Consultation with us to get started!
Mentor Match
Seeking mentorship from experienced business experts to kickstart or enhance your small business venture? Explore our Mentor Match program and get paired with mentor(s) who align with your entrepreneurial goals.
Get ready to take your business journey to the next level with personalized guidance and insights!
Eligibility: This program is for YSpace participants.
Not a participant? Book an Idea Consultation with us to get started!
Have you already completed an Idea Consultation? Email us at yspace@yorku.ca to get started.
Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR)
The EIR Program connects local YSpace participants with seasoned entrepreneurs who have diverse industry expertise. Our experienced mentors will work closely with you, providing personalized guidance and support to help grow your business and drive its success.
Eligibility: This program is for YSpace participants.
To be considered for the EIR Program, applicants must have completed an intensive YSpace program such as Business Plan Bootcamp or equivalent. We believe that this prerequisite provides a solid foundation for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to take their business to the next level.
Not a participant? Book an Idea Consultation with us to get started!
Weekly Entrepreneur Networking Sessions
All business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to join us on Thursdays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at 1 Market St. in Sutton to network and collaborate with other entrepreneurs and enjoy local refreshments. No registration required.
Programs in Bradford and West Gwillimbury
Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale, find the resources, mentorship, and connections you need to grow your business in Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Idea Consultations
Free one-on-one consultation services that connect local small businesses with YSpace’s entrepreneurship team to understand how our entrepreneurial ecosystem can help your idea come to life.
As a participant, you will receive a defined roadmap aligned to your unique needs.
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs 18+ who reside or operate in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Business Owner Networking Events
TA networking opportunity for business owners at various stages to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals, business mentors, and strategic service providers.
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs 18+ who reside or operate in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Local Business Showcase Events
Unique opportunities for local businesses to gain visibility in the BWG community
Eligibility: Entrepreneurs 18+ who reside or operate in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.
Hear from our founder
“The support I’ve been getting from YSpace is so great that I feel like I’m literally being led by the hand to get to where I need, and it can’t get better than that… I feel very fortunate to be in a community where people feel so strongly about helping each other.”
Jacinta, owner of Jacinta Healing Arts and YSpace participant.
Our team
David Kwok
Director, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Karina Scott
YSpace Northern York Region Associate
Nafis Ahmed
Associate Director of Entrepreneurship
Stephanie Simpson
YSpace Northern York Region Coordinator
Connect with us
Phone: 905-955-8295
Address: 1 Market St., Sutton, ON L0E 1R0
Stephanie Simpson, YSpace Northern York Region Coordinator stephsim@yorku.ca
OUR PARTNERS AND FUNDERS
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YSpace is committed to working with emerging technology, agrifood, products and services. Get in touch today to find out how you can become a part of our community.
Contact us
For more information, please contact us at
yspace@yorku.ca
416-736-2100 ext. 44940
