The DMZ partners with UBI Global to select world’s top incubators – News and Events

Changing lives

In terms of what sets the DMZ apart, Snobar says there are three key facets that make the DMZ a global standout.

The first is a commitment to changing entrepreneurs’ lives. For instance, the DMZ has helped more than 776 startups raise $1.95 billion in capital and create 4,890+ jobs. 

Global footprint

The second is its global network: The DMZ is not only located in the heart of downtown Toronto, its connections span the globe, connecting founders to a worldwide network of thriving incubators and accelerators. 

With operations in more than 10 countries, DMZ founders can also be found in roughly 40 countries, and 1,000+ startups have received DMZ support globally. 

Empowering women, Black founders, newcomers

Recognizing the many barriers to accessing entrepreneurship opportunities faced by marginalized communities, including women, members of the Black community, and newcomers to Canada, diversity programming is also an important facet of the DMZ.

This can be seen through its Black Innovation Connections Program – which helped Agbonlahor achieve her dreams – the Women Founders Program, and the Newcomer Entrepreneurship Program.

The Black Innovation Connections Program – the first of its kind in Canada – provides Black-owned tech startups with the strengthening support of a top university-based incubator network, as well as programming, mentorship, events and connections to industry, capital and an alumni network, to support their success and growth.

Meanwhile, those in the Women Founders Program receive additional opportunities and specialized support to help them build and grow – on top of the standard programming that all founders receive. 

For instance, recently, the DMZ hosted its inaugural Women Founders Summit in partnership with angel investor group, The Firehood, which saw over $100K in investment prizes distributed to women tech founders and recognized the second annual DMZ Women of the Year award winners.

Now in its second cohort, the Newcomer Entrepreneurship Program is a fully subsidized 10-week bootcamp that helps newcomers to Ontario develop capacity on business fundamentals of starting a company within Canada. This program, which concludes with a demo day awarding founders in the cohort with four $5,000 grant prizes, is subsidized by the Future Skills Centre and a media sponsored by Canadian Business.

Having experienced and benefited from many of the DMZ’s supports above firsthand, Agbonlahor says, “It was the best experience ever.”

She adds, “With most of the mentors that we had, it felt like whatever it was we were telling them, they’ve already walked in those shoes. They could tell you exactly what you should be doing.”

Zone Learning at TMU

The DMZ is part of TMU’s extensive Zone Learning network, which gives students and community members the opportunity to apply their degree coursework to real world startups, causes, companies, projects or ventures. Find out more about Zone Learning.