Foundation
Incorporated in Toronto as one of Canada’s first publicly backed startup incubators. Founded by the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario.
We build with global founders creating momentum with the right connections: experienced mentors, institutional investors, and strategic partners who drive real market outcomes.
We build with global founders creating momentum with the right connections: experienced mentors, institutional investors, and strategic partners who drive real market outcomes.
We are a non-profit established in 1990 by the City of Toronto, sharpening global founders and ambitious European companies with guidance and the clarity to expand fast.
For 36 years, we’ve made the connections that move businesses forward across North America.
Precision outcomes. Strategic access. Lasting momentum. We know what accelerates founders who move fast.
Whether scaleup, startup, self-starter, or skilled trades, we know what moves you forward.
Precision outcomes. Strategic access. Lasting momentum. We know what accelerates founders who move fast.
TBDC is proud to partner with private and public businesses, investors, trade organizations, and governments in our mission to activate Ontario’s economic engine and build what companies need to thrive.
Since 1990, TBDC has connected Ontario’s public institutions, research networks, and global founders. We translate government mandate into market momentum.
We collaborate with domestic and international venture capital to connect global founders with capital that counts and plug stakeholders into high-growth companies that move markets.
36
years of
government-backed
programming
Direct partnerships with 3 levels of government
36
years of government -backed programming
Direct partnerships with 3 levels of government:
TBDC is backed by federal, provincial, and municipal governments as the proven partner for job creation, entrepreneurship, regional growth, and global competitiveness.
TBDC connects investors to VC-backed and seed-stage founders with proven traction entering or scaling North America. Tech, AI, advanced manufacturing, fintech, and emerging sectors. Pipeline vetted and de-risked.
Corporate partners source innovation and talent through TBDC’s vetted founder network. Access to emerging companies and proven founders before market visibility.
TBDC programs influence immigration policy, economic development, and workforce strategy. Media partners access emerging founders, government leaders, and sector experts at scale.
The katana is one blade, perfected through intentional design without excess. We help you build companies with clarity and structure – sharpened for your market to scale with precision.
The guiding principle:
Build with purpose. Lead with clarity. Structure for scale.
The katana is one blade, perfected through intentional design without excess. We help you build companies with clarity and structure – sharpened for your market to scale with precision.
Our programs forge deep connections with proven operators, enterprise buyers, institutional investors, and government partners.
Our guiding principle: Build with purpose. Lead with clarity. Structure for scale.
TBDC Timeline 1990 – 2025
36 years is more than a number.
It’s our track record: tested strategies, steady values and growing connections. Ontario’s trusted partner.
Incorporated in Toronto as one of Canada’s first publicly backed startup incubators. Founded by the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario.
Launched our Self-employment Assistance program.
Awarded Canadian Incubator of the Year.
Launched Youth-At-Risk Self-employment program.
Launched two new programs: Summer Company and Biz Futures.
Named Canada’s Top Incubator for measurable outcomes and program design.
Awarded Recognition for Economic Contribution by the Province of Ontario.
Awarded Canada's Incubator of the Year by CABI.
Hundreds of global founders supported through the Startup Visa program. 10,000+ founders across 70+ countries. Two unicorn alumni.
Connected 600+ founders from India, CEE, Europe and Southeast Asia across our programs.
Ontario's only province-wide, government-designated incubator since 1990. Driving real momentum for global founders expanding into North America and Canadian founders scaling globally.
1990
FoundationIncorporated in Toronto as one of Canada’s first publicly backed startup incubators. Founded by the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario.
1993
Program LaunchLaunched our Self-employment Assistance program.
2003
Incubator of the YearAwarded Canadian Incubator of the Year.
2004
Youth Opportunity ProgramLaunched Youth-At-Risk Self-employment program.
2006
Expanding Our ProgramsLaunched two new programs: Summer Company and Biz Futures.
2008
Canada's Top IncubatorNamed Canada’s Top Incubator for measurable outcomes and program design.
2009
Provincial RecognitionAwarded Recognition for Economic Contribution by the Province of Ontario.
2010
National Incubator RecognitionAwarded Canada's Incubator of the Year by CABI.
2012-22
Government-Authorized IncubatorHundreds of global founders supported through the Startup Visa program. 10,000+ founders across 70+ countries. Two unicorn alumni.
2022
Global Founder NetworkConnected 600+ founders from India, CEE, Europe and Southeast Asia across our programs.
2023
Multiple Milestones Reached2025
Province-Wide ReachOntario's only province-wide, government-designated incubator since 1990. Driving real momentum for global founders expanding into North America and Canadian founders scaling globally.