About Launch Kawartha
A CENTRE FOR INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURS
Designed by Kawartha Lakes CFDC (“KLCFDC”) and internally funded by our affiliate, Invest Kawartha, Launch Kawartha is eastern Ontario’s newest innovation and entrepreneurship centre housing business partners and service providers in the local entrepreneurial and economic development ecosystem.
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Innovate.
Take your business idea to the next level in our new innovative entrepreneurship centre, designed to help you grow your business. Whether you need access to funding, marketing, technology, or mentorship, you will find it here.
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Incubate.
Centrally located in the heart of downtown Lindsay, Launch Kawartha provides free services and fully furnished incubation workspaces for up to 20 new entrepreneurs, with direct access to Launch partners and services.
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Inspire.
Be a part of something BIG! Launch Kawartha facilitates and hosts business development and information events, including fireside chats, virtual and in-person training sessions, workshops, seminars and more.
Meet the Team
Discover the dynamic individuals behind our collective commitment to fostering economic development and innovation in Kawartha Lakes. Working in collaboration with the Innovation Cluster, our team runs innovative programs, delivers expert business advisory services, and provides unwavering support to small businesses and entrepreneurs in our region. We are dedicated to driving positive change and growth in our local community.
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Executive DirectorVince Killen is currently the Executive Director of Kawartha Lakes Community Futures (KLCFDC), and the CEO of Invest Kawartha headquartered at Launch Kawartha in historic downtown Lindsay, Ontario. Vince joined these great organizations in February 2020, after serving several years as Executive Director at Community Futures Eastern Ontario, an NGO representing the network of 15 CFDCs in Eastern Ontario.
Prior to this, he launched and managed the highly successful Southern Ontario Fund for Investment and Innovation (SOFII) Invest Fund, during his tenure he grew this innovative lending program to $50MM with a focus on early-stage companies developing scalable innovative and disruptive technologies across Southern Ontario.
Most recently Vince implemented his vision for eastern Ontario’s newest Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre with the opening of Launch Kawartha in downtown Lindsay, ON. www.launchkawartha.ca
At Launch Kawartha he leads and supports a dynamic Team of professionals who provide innovative lending solutions, business advisory and counselling services and incubation and acceleration programs to early stage start-ups and small-medium-sized enterprises. In his role he also provides leadership in the design, implementation and delivery of multiple strategic economic development projects in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
A lifelong learner, Vince attended Trent University, George Brown College and most recently completed courses in Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy, at MIT’s Sloan School of Management.
Born and raised in Peterborough, Vince has always given back to the community and volunteers his time on several NFP Boards and Committees, including BGC Kawarthas, Junior Achievement, Community Foundations Kawartha Lakes and is a proud member of 100 Men Kawartha Lakes.
He is an outdoor enthusiast, enjoys hiking and kayaking, and spending time with the love of his life Lyndsey and their special dog Finnegan!
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Business Advisor and Program ManagerDavid Cowdery adds 6 years of business coaching in the entrepreneurial accelerator space to an award-winning, international commercial directing and producing career. His passion for designing and delivering winning pitches, for brands such as HP, P&G, Kelloggs, and Canadian Tire is an invaluable asset to those striving for more positive pitching outcomes.
David's experience spans a broad range of industries, beyond the arts, and serves as an invaluable asset to those seeking to add value to their businesses. David is the founder of Nine Hundred Pictures Inc., a boutique corporate video production company, and is currently represented by MOWAD Pictures in Toronto for commercial work.
His experience spans beyond the entertainment industry into the start-up ecosystem as a co-founder of Fixtimate (an early stage platform app in the automotive space). David excels at helping businesses formulate problem definitions and translate their value propositions into a variety of communication channels.
