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Media Coverage

Acire Systems Inc. announces availability of ReportAway! for Freshbooks

Solar power success for Ottawa start-up

Candidates test out new voter apps

ICF: Resilience in face of Nortel collapse key to Ottawa's success

IP entrepreneurship in a business ecosystem

STARTUPS TO WATCH 2010: Purple Forge

Ottawa entrepreneur enters Dragons’ Den

Lead To Win: Betting on electronic distribution

Mayor Larry O’Brien Recognizes Carleton President

Smart Phones, new politics

Dragons for a day

Ignore your ecosystem at your own peril

Biz ecosystem need creates opportunities for local firms

Mobile entrepreneur takes prize at Startup Boot Camp

Life after Nortel

Canadian Business. September 28 issue, "Shrinking Legacy" by Andrew Wahl and is focused on Ottawa's continuing tech sector job losses and Lead to Win role in helping entrepreneurs

Nortel isn’t the poster boy for Ottawa’s future

Close to $1 million raised for Lead to Win startups

Carleton course leads to winners in the tech sector

Waterfront Toronto is looking forward to adopting many of the concepts and to introducing Lead to Win in Toronto

Thrive, Don’t Just Survive: CATA Says ‘Lead To Win’ Program, Test-Beds Are Vital for High-Tech Start-Ups: Combine CEO power-boost with incubator that delivers reference accounts!

Tough times, tough class - Led by a 'cranky professor,' the Lead to Win program gives would-be tech entrepreneurs the tools they need.

Lead to Win Reflects a Local Need

City wants to move quickly on programs to boost economic development

City, Carleton bring back entrepreneur program

City partners with Carleton University on successful Lead to Win entrepreneurship program

Carleton University to drive innovation agenda in the Ottawa region through Lead to Win program

LEAD TO WIN: Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Embarks on Program to Generate Investments in the Ottawa Economy

 

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Talent First Network

Talent First Network is sponsored by Carleton University and the Province of Ontario, and is part of Carleton's Technology Innovation Management program.

Lead to Win

Lead to Win is part of Carleton University's Talent First Network program and is focused on driving massive entrepreneurial activity

Technology Innovation Management

TIM is a unique Carleton University program focused on leading the way with industry to solve significant real world problems, engaging with business ecosystems and open source communities.

Business Ecosystems

Targeting the exploitation of emerging Business Ecosystem business models.

Creative Class

Lead to Win offers a means for knowledge workers, the creative class, to build economic growth, create weath and increase their community's quality of life.

Community Driven

Lead to Win is community driven and benefits from past learnings and strong collaboration between the Academic, Private and Public sectors.

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Alumni Businesses

Businesses founded by Lead to Win Alumni include: Liquid Computing, Nakina Systems, Trigence (AppZero), OnConference, BioPeak,  Congruance IT, Totient Networks, Connectme  TV, Purple Forge, Surve, WeyesEyes, Vic's Picks, THANN, Phenomena Tech, TenXC, Mobia Communications, Firesnacks, Timeline Interactive, Memoridia, Babble, MarkOff Security, Polynate, SiliconPhy, Catwalk Networks, Zeebu Mobile, Databridge Digital Management, Clearview Informatics, Zighra, CheckinWiz, Novabrain Technologies, EnTeraSec, MAIKBusiness,  Videotelephony, Ucreate Media, EclipseSource, Select Start Studios, Castel Research, Unitas Communication Solutions, Smart Rotor Systems, Accentway, Shamus, CornerPORTAL, CollectTech,  TransactionEx, The Consumer Garden, Strategic Clean Technology, 3inova Networks,  Acire Systems, Career Seer, InfoGlutton, InsertMercial, Lunarbits, Lunalogic Enterprises, Quizi.ca, RideShark, Synaptic Planet, Techno Develop, TYQuest, B2K, Dual Code, Elisit Solutions,  IMAGO Media, Job Country, Levelware, Locol Solutions, Opus2 Mobile Solutions, Reno Space, Smart Building Technology, Silden Consulting,  Tradomedia, Trustifier, Ucoursepack,  Vindico Systems, Virtuoso Music Technologies, Xcheck Tools, Yuno, Whyz Technologies 


More Info on Phase 3 Companies

Apply to Lead to Win

Please complete the  Lead to Win Application Form (click to download)  and submit it to [email protected]. You will receive an email confirmation of receipt of your application.

When completing the application form please be concise - point form responses are OK. If you are not able to provide a response for some of the questions, please leave the box empty. 

If you have problems or questions related to your application for Lead to Win, please contact us at [email protected]

Qualified applicants will be contacted by email.

All application submissions are kept confidential.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE LEAD TO WIN APPLICATION FORM [.txt format] or [.doc format]

Testimonials from Alumni

Lead to Win 2002 and 2009 alumni strongly endorse the program!

     


If you are serious about starting a profitable tech-based business in Canada's Capital Region during the current economic situation, we invite you to apply to Lead to Win (LTW).

Ontario’s Talent First Network is pleased to announce the launch of the Lead To Win  program for talented individuals or teams who want to launch a new technology-based business in Canada's Capital Region. The program is based upon a program of the same name that was delivered during the last economic downturn in 2002. Over half of the participants in the 2002 Lead to Win program created a new business in Canada’s Capital Region.  These new businesses collectively created over 300 jobs and attracted over $90M in investment. 
 
"Lead to Win is a great initiative for our region and we are pleased to support the program,” stated Larry O'Brien, Mayor of the City of Ottawa. There is a proven recipe here. This is precisely the sort of innovative action that takes the current economic situation and turns it into a compelling opportunity for growth."

  Tony

Professor Tony Bailetti of Carleton University stated “We have a real opportunity to drive massive innovation in Canada’s Capital Region. Lead to Win will equip the next wave of technology entrepreneurs to launch new businesses that target the right market spaces. We did this in 2002 and we are going to do it again.” 
 
David Vicary, founder of Weyes Eyes and previously President and founder of Nakina Systems was also a 2002 Lead to Win participant. Vicary stated “The Lead to Win program was developed to help entrepreneurs in tough times. The lessons learned in Lead to Win were critical to my success in founding and growing Nakina Systems.”
 
The program is intended for talented individuals who want to launch a new technology business. The program is free to qualified applicants. Applications are currently being solicited for the program. Space is limited and interested individuals are encouraged to apply online at www.leadtowin.ca.
 
Lead to Win strategic associates include the City of Ottawa, Talent First Network, Carleton University, the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce,  Developpment economique - CLD Gatineau , Arrow Electronics, OCRI, onconference, and NRC-IRAP.   Lead to Win associates include alumni from the 2002 Lead To Win program, local businesses, and faculty members and graduate students of Carleton University’s Technology Innovation Management program (http://www.carleton.ca/tim).

 

Contact:

Tony Bailetti at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 613 829 8885

 

Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Participants

 

My business idea is not fully developed, can I apply?

Absolutely!

I have never launched or ran a business before, can I apply?

if you have the desire to launch a new tech business - Absolutely!  

I don't have an idea - but I really, really want to launch a new tech business, can I apply?

Absolutely - we can help you identify an idea!

I was laid off awhile ago and have been working to get a business going, can I apply?

Absolutely - we can help you refine your idea!

My business idea involves building hardware, can I apply?

Absolutely - hardware, software, open source, services, process - any technology!

I have teamed up with another person on my business idea - can we apply as a team?

Absolutely!

I am currently employed but expect to be laid off very soon - can I apply?

Absolutely!

I am underemployed (e.g. working part-time, a tech worker working in a non-tech job due to lack of tech work) - can I apply?

Absolutely!

Video Messages from Dr Tony Bailetti and Jerry Everett
CTV News Coverage

Watch online the April 26th edition of CTV Ottawa TECH NOW with Paul Brent for a special report on Lead to Win!

CBC Radio Coverage
CBC radio interviewed two Lead to Win Alumni, Jerry Everett, founder of onconference and Brian Hurley founder of Liquid Computing, about their experiences with the 2002 Lead to Win program.  Click on the icon below to listen!

Free Services for Lead to Win Participants
Versature is offering their Virtual PBX service to all participants of the 2009 LTW program, free for 1 year.  

All participants new companies will receive membership in the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, free for 1 year.

All participants new companies will receive membership in OCRI, free for 1 year.

Why re-launch the program now?
In Ottawa-Gatineau technology jobs have been evaporating at an alarming rate -  in just the last 12 months,  the region has lost 8,800 tech jobs.  This represents greater then a 14% loss.  Further, Ottawa-Gatineau has lost almost 30% of its regional tech jobs compared to 2000.   Ottawa-Gatineau tech jobs peaked at 74,000 in 2000 and are now down to 53, 800 as of March 2009.

Stats Canada has published that during the 2002 bubble burst - 4 out of 5 laid off tech workers did not find work in high tech, and 2 of 5 left the City of Ottawa.

For Ottawa-Gatineau, what is at risk issue is the loss of tech capability in Ottawa-Gatineau and the associated economic impact for the region.

LTW is focused on launching new technology businesses to retain and create new tech jobs.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS!

Lead to Win is a volunteer-based organization.  Volunteers are needed in a variety of areas. 

Help your community grow - volunteer!  Canadian volunteers engage in activities that are of benefit not only to charitable organizations, individuals, and society as a whole, but also to volunteers themselves, according to data from the National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating (NSGVP):

  • Three-quarters of volunteers (76%) reported gaining interpersonal skills such as understanding people better, motivating others, and dealing with difficult situations.
  • Two-thirds of volunteers (66%) said they developed communication skills in public speaking, writing, conducting meetings, and public relations.
  • More than half of unemployed volunteers (54%) believed that volunteering would increase their chances of finding a job.
  • 12% of volunteers stated that their volunteer activities had helped them obtain employment.
  • More than half (64%) reported an increase in their knowledge

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Dr Bailetti (contact information above).

Lead to Win 2009 Sessions are Running!

Lead to Win Strategic Associates gather for a group photo at Carleton University on May 19th for the kick-off of the 2009 Lead to Win program.  Front row (left to right): Llynne Plante (NRC-IRAP), Dr Rosanne Runte (Carleton University), Erin Kelly (Ottawa Chamber of Commerce).  Back row (left to right): Claude Haw (OCRI),  Ian Duff (City of Ottawa), Guy Ragault (Arrow Electronics), Jerry Everett (onconference). Missing from photo: Yannick Bouchard (CLD - Gatineau), Dr Tony Bailetti (Talent First Network).

Some of the Lead to Win 2002 Alumni joined Dr Bailetti on May 19th to help kick-off the 2009 program.  Front row (left to right) - Chuck Colford, Rob Dickson, Dr Tony Bailetti, Jerry Everett.  Back row (left to right) - Serge Lafontaine, Gord Miller, Brian Hurley, John Craig, David Vicary.

The Entreprenuerial Effect

 
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Free Program?

This program is free - no strings attached, no small print, no surprises.  The only expectation and requirement for being accepted to the program is that - you are highly motivated;  you want to create your own tech busineess; and you are able to commit to the program. 

Past program participants  have come from a wide range of backgrounds, including - sales, business development, product managers, design engineers, systems analysts, and management. 

Why Participate?

There are no guarantees in life.  You get back what you put in.  The Lead to Win program will provide you with the knowledge and support to go after realizing your dream.   The program includes - helping you build a support network of like-minded peers, equipping you with knowedge, and linking you to opportunities.  

Out of the 29 participants in 2002 - over half launched a new business.  Collectively those businesses created over 300 new jobs and attracted over $90M in investment.

Out of the 61 participants so far in 2009 - over 60% have launched a new business.

What is Involved?

Lead To Win has three phases. In the first phase, applicants to the program are interviewed and selected based on their ideas, experience, motivation and commitment. In the second phase, the participants learn, through practical examples, the theory of business ecosystems, the principles of sound management specific to their entrepreneurial endeavor, and the key factors that contribute to the ultimate success of a fledgling technology company (see materials from the May-June session).  Upon completion of this second phase, participants will be able to launch their new technology businesses in Ottawa.  In the third phase, Lead To Win connects participants to strategic customers, revenue opportunities, and individuals, companies and organizations that can provide requisite resources, including capital.

Supporters of Lead to Win

STRATEGIC ASSOCIATES

                           

         

    

ASSOCIATES

         

   

       

Congruance IT  

       

               

     

      

 

                   

                    

             

                      

 

      

Linking Teams

Links teams to opportunities and channels.

Facilitating Teams

Facilitates the formation of multi-location, international teams.

Equipping Teams

Equips teams to exploit the new creativity economy.

Supporting Teams

Supports teams' rapid start-up, operations and execution

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