Innovation Outposts

Background image provided by Geopogo

Supporting Rural Entrepreneurs and Communities Through Connections, Business Supports, and Programming

Throughout 2022 and 2023, Innovation Outposts powered by Libro Credit Union are being set up across Essex County and Chatham-Kent, using business and community spaces to connect the people behind local startups and businesses. The program will host regular events and support business development through education and better links to other support groups and programs.

The following Innovation Outposts have been selected for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Each location will host events throughout the year.

By the numbers, Innovation Outposts aim to:

• connect more than 250+ entrepreneurs

• support 250+ entrepreneurs with entrepreneurial training

• support 12+ regional businesses annually via space rental, catering, and more

• and host 10 events annually across Essex County and Chatham-Kent

"We want to empower entrepreneurs and their communities by connecting them to each other and to the regional resource network and bridging the rural innovation divide. We believe rural entrepreneurship is a key element to rural revitalization and regional economic impact and prosperity."

Lori Atkinson

Regional Manager - Windsor-Essex, Libro Credit Union

"We realize that our region’s entrepreneurs, particularly those in more rural areas, have access to fewer resources than their peers in urban areas and face greater challenges in starting and scaling their companies. This partnership seeks to provide rural entrepreneurs increased access to entrepreneurial supports and networks and create a sense of place to connect and collide."

Adam Frye

Director of Operations, WEtech Alliance

"This is about creating opportunities to succeed, and making sure people with great ideas can make them work, wherever they are. It’s vital for rural economies to have supports like this, and it aligns well with Libro’s many years working with the rural community, especially in agriculture."

Natalie Close

Regional Manager - Lampton, Kent and Middlesex Counties, Libro Credit Union

Innovation Outpost events

Join us at our upcoming Innovation Outpost events and be sure to follow our Eventbrite page to be notified when additional events are added!

Kingsville Outpost Event

Thursday, August 11 | 6PM

Estate Of Health | 101 Mill Street, Kingsville

Join us, along with Libro Credit Union at Estate of Health: Entrepreneurs wear many HATS. If you have the mind of an entrepreneur, you are well aware of the many hats worn to keep a business venture innovative and successful. The purpose of this event is to celebrate this! Join us dressed in your favourite hat or fascinator to mingle with local entrepreneurs and talent that truly capture the essence of the Kingsville community. This event includes local music, art and poetry, curated hors oeuvres and drink menu with ingredients grown in the area, photo ops and much more!

Chatham Outpost Event

Thursday, September 22nd | 6PM

Turns & Tales | 213 King St W, Chatham

Join us, along with Libro Credit Union in partnership with Chatham-Kent Economic Development for Turns & Tales: Building Social Media Strategy. During this event, we will focus on what works, what doesn’t, tips and tricks, understanding useful metrics, platform selection and much more! Our hope by the end of this event is that entrepreneurs can connect and realize they are not without support and others surrounding them in the digital wilderness that is social media.

i.d.e.a. Fund: Get i.d.e.a. Fund email updates on upcoming information sessions and when the applications open.

Innovation Outposts: Get updates on upcoming Outpost events, resources and supports for entrepreneurs.

WEtech Alliance | Newsletter: Get the latest Tech News, Events, Talent & Tech Jobs in Windsor-Essex & Chatham-Kent with the monthly Tech It Out! Newsletter.