Building the Foundation
Established by the City of Toronto and Province of Ontario as one of Canada’s first publicly backed business incubators.
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.
Established by the City of Toronto and Province of Ontario as one of Canada’s first publicly backed business incubators.
Launched Self-Employment Assistance, helping aspiring entrepreneurs build businesses.
Awarded Canadian Incubator of the Year.
Launched Youth-at-Risk Self-Employment, creating pathways to entrepreneurship for underserved young people.
Expanded programming with Summer Camp and Biz Futures.
Named Canada’s Top Incubator for program design and measurable outcomes.
Honoured by the Province for contributions to economic development.
Awarded Incubator of the Year by the Canadian Association of Business Incubation.
Became one of Canada’s first designated Start-Up Visa incubators, supporting international entrepreneurs building businesses in Canada.
Launched Ontario-funded soft-landing support for entrepreneurs of Indian origin entering Canada through the Start-Up Visa program, with 100+ partnership MOUs signed with incubators and partners across India.
Federally funded Land & Expand program launches. TBDC receives CanadianSME Editor's Choice Award 2023. Recognition received by the Prime Minister of Canada’s Office.
Launched a provincially funded pilot to attract European companies, primarily from Central and Eastern Europe, to Ontario.
Launched TBDC’s flagship program - Horizon, attracting an initial 25 European companies, combining market-entry strategy with customer, investor and expert connections.
1990
Building the FoundationEstablished by the City of Toronto and Province of Ontario as one of Canada’s first publicly backed business incubators.
1993
Supporting Self-EmploymentLaunched Self-Employment Assistance, helping aspiring entrepreneurs build businesses.
2003
National RecognitionAwarded Canadian Incubator of the Year.
2004
Opening Doors for YouthLaunched Youth-at-Risk Self-Employment, creating pathways to entrepreneurship for underserved young people.
2006
Broadening Entrepreneur SupportExpanded programming with Summer Camp and Biz Futures.
2008
Incubation ExcellenceNamed Canada’s Top Incubator for program design and measurable outcomes.
2009
Recognized by OntarioHonoured by the Province for contributions to economic development.
2010
National LeadershipAwarded Incubator of the Year by the Canadian Association of Business Incubation.
2013
Welcoming Global EntrepreneursBecame one of Canada’s first designated Start-Up Visa incubators, supporting international entrepreneurs building businesses in Canada.
2020
Strengthening the Canada-India ConnectionLaunched Ontario-funded soft-landing support for entrepreneurs of Indian origin entering Canada through the Start-Up Visa program, with 100+ partnership MOUs signed with incubators and partners across India.
2022
Expanding our Global NetworkConnected more than 600 founders from India, Europe and Southeast Asia through TBDC programs.
2023
L&E and RecognitionFederally funded Land & Expand program launches. TBDC receives CanadianSME Editor's Choice Award 2023. Recognition received by the Prime Minister of Canada’s Office.
2024
Piloting Horizon OntarioLaunched a provincially funded pilot to attract European companies, primarily from Central and Eastern Europe, to Ontario.
2025
Scaling HorizonLaunched TBDC’s flagship program - Horizon, attracting an initial 25 European companies, combining market-entry strategy with customer, investor and expert connections.
2026
Connecting Ontario and Europe