Proud to Work

Kitchener–Waterloo–Cambridge · Ontario

Waterloo Region

Waterloo Region pairs advanced manufacturing and insurance employers with one of Canada's densest technology clusters, fed by the University of Waterloo. Communitech, Velocity and the Accelerator Centre anchor a deep startup support network.

19 resources · Checked September 2026

Programs marked Provincial apply anywhere in Ontario. See Canada-wide programs →

Grants & funding 5

Delivers Ontario innovation programs including Collaborate 2 Commercialize, the Digital Competence Centre and the Ready 4 Market pre-seed fund.

For Ontario SMEs commercializing technology, often with academic partners

Grants and loans covering up to 75 per cent of project costs, to a maximum of $5 million, for firms diversifying away from U.S. trade risk.

For For-profit firms with 3+ years of operations and 5+ employees

Eight-week training and mentorship program with grants of up to $5,000 to start, buy or grow a Waterloo Region business.

For Ontario residents 18+ launching or growing a local business

Startup loans of up to $75,000 paired with two years of mentorship for young entrepreneurs across Canada.

For Entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39, in business up to 24 months

Accelerators & incubators 3

Communitech

Non-profit

Waterloo Region's tech hub, running go-to-market, investment readiness, IP, growth coaching and Fierce Founders programs.

For Tech startups and scaling companies in Waterloo Region

Waterloo incubator running AC:Incubate, AC:Studio, AC:RevLab, AC:Health and an aerospace accelerator with mentorship and workspace.

For Early-stage founders across tech, health and aerospace

Velocity

Non-profit

University of Waterloo incubator providing product mentorship, lab and workshop access, sales training and investor connections.

For Early-stage founders, including students and international teams

Investors 2

Venture Ontario

Provincial

Ontario's venture capital investment agency, investing directly and through funds to help technology companies raise growth capital.

For High-potential Ontario technology companies

Waterloo Region angel group whose members invest in pre-seed to Series A software, hardware, deep tech and medtech companies.

For Canadian startups raising pre-seed through Series A

Government services 3

Invest Ontario

Provincial

Provincial investment agency offering site selection, market intelligence, financing navigation and workforce support to growing companies.

For Companies investing or expanding operations in Ontario

Waterloo EDC

Municipal

Regional economic development corporation offering free site selection, expansion help and government funding navigation.

For Companies locating, relocating or expanding in Waterloo Region

Free one-on-one business consultations, seminars and registration guidance from offices in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge.

For New and growing small businesses in Waterloo Region

Industry & trade 3

Cambridge business association offering advocacy, a member business directory, events and professional development.

For Cambridge-area businesses

Provincial business federation of 143 local chambers, offering policy advocacy, trade support and workforce training programs.

For Ontario businesses and local chambers of commerce

Community 1

Ongoing meetups, workshops and founder gatherings that connect Waterloo Region's technology community year-round.

For Founders, tech workers and ecosystem partners

Workspace & labs 2

University of Waterloo health innovation facility in downtown Kitchener with product development space, coworking and Velocity programming.

For Health technology founders, researchers and students

University of Waterloo research park hosting technology tenants, the Accelerator Centre and lease-ready office and lab space.

For Technology companies and R&D teams locating in Waterloo