Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre

06/27/2025

The Further Faster Summer 2025 Cohort completed the program this week!

Over the past several weeks, we have had the opportunity to engage with passionate entrepreneurs and learn about their innovative ventures. Their progress throughout this journey has been truly inspiring.

Take your business further, faster. The Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC) supports entrepreneurs in four key areas: training, connections, funding, and mentorship. By integrating these resources, we help entrepreneurs start or grow their business.

Applications are now open for the Fall 2025 Further Faster Cohort, launching this September. Learn more and apply here: https://FFF25.eventbrite.ca

The Further Faster program is made possible with the generous support of Invest Barrie.

06/03/2025

Celebrate entrepreneurship and innovation with the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre

Date: Monday, June 9
Location: Georgian College, Automotive Business School of Canada event space (ABSC), N Building, 3rd Floor, Barrie Campus
Time: 4 p.m.

Start the evening with networking and refreshments, connecting with entrepreneurs, business leaders, mentors, educators, students and community members. Then, celebrate innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurial excellence during the Henry Bernick Awards ceremony, followed by an inspiring keynote address from 3Chelsee Pettit, owner of aaniin retail inc.

About Chelsee Pettit:

CEO | Founder | President | Consultant | Industry Leader in Retail & Indigenous Economic Reclamation

Chelsee Pettit is an Anishinaabe entrepreneur, retail innovator, and industry leader in Indigenous economic reclamation. A proud member of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, she is the Founder, CEO, and President of multiple ventures that prioritize Indigenous ownership, sustainability, and economic sovereignty. Through her work, she has built businesses that empower Indigenous entrepreneurs to access mainstream markets while maintaining full control over their narratives, products, and profits.

05/26/2025

You're invited for an inspiring evening celebrating entrepreneurship with the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC).

Date: Monday, June 9, 2025
Location: Georgian College, Barrie Campus
Time: 4:00 P.M.

Space is limited, register here: https://hbecawards2025.eventbrite.ca to be part of this special event! Come connect, celebrate, and be inspired!

05/20/2025

Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating entrepreneurship with the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC).

Date: Monday, June 9, 2025
Location: Georgian College, Barrie Campus
Time: 4:00 P.M.

Space is limited, register here: https://hbecawards2025.eventbrite.ca to be part of this special event! Come connect, celebrate, and be inspired!

05/15/2025

Yesterday, we welcomed graduates of DMZ Innisfil to Georgian College to share how we can support them through Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

05/09/2025

SAVE THE DATE and join us for an inspiring evening celebrating entrepreneurship with the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC).

Date: Monday, June 9, 2025
Location: Georgian College, Barrie Campus (1 Georgian Dr, Barrie, ON L4M 3X9)
Time: 4:00 P.M.

Space is limited, register here: https://hbecawards2025.eventbrite.ca to be part of this special event! Come connect, celebrate, and be inspired!

04/29/2025

HBEC’s IP Micro-Grant Program is designed to help entrepreneurs develop, protect, and commercialize their intellectual property.

Congratulations to the IP Micro-Grant recipients:

• Resolve Films/Resolve Media
• People of the Prana
• Purchs
• Terranova UAV Inc.
• TOMI - Healthy Milk Alternative For Kids
• Wood and Heart Design co.
• Yhcrana Organics

Connect with HBEC to discover how we can support you in protecting and advancing your intellectual property!

04/28/2025

04/22/2025

Learn more and register here: https://FF-S25.eventbrite.ca

Ready to Take Your Business Further, Faster? The next Further Faster cohort kicks off on Wednesday, May 7!

This dynamic program explores core pillars of building a strong business, making it ideal for entrepreneurs looking to start, grow, or scale their ventures.

Have questions? Reach out to [email protected] for more details.

The Further Faster program is made possible with the generous support of Invest Barrie.

04/11/2025

Our HBEC team had great time at the Gather and Grow event last night!

Gather and Grow is a special network-focused event designed to celebrate the impactful contributions of generous donors who support Georgian awards, scholarships, and bursaries – and the deserving student recipients and their remarkable achievements.

Congratulations to all the students, and thank you to the generous supporters who make these achievements possible!

04/11/2025

Every business—regardless of size or industry—makes Intellectual Property (IP) decisions. Are you managing yours strategically?

Join our exclusive IP Masterclass designed for leaders who oversee strategic management and operations.

✔️ Tailored for active business operators
✔️ Learn how to manage IP assets across all facets of your business
✔️ Choose ONE location to attend (Barrie or Collingwood)
✔️ Application required — limited spots available
✔️ Earn a certificate upon completion

Eligibility | Applicants must demonstrate a basic understanding of IP and be actively managing an operating business.

Take control of your IP! Apply now — https://bit.ly/IPHOLISTIC

Hosted in collaboration with Small Business Enterprise Centre - SBEC & Small Business Centre of Barrie, Simcoe County & Orillia

04/07/2025

Join us in Southampton this Wednesday for an inspiring and practical conversation with Chelsee-Marie Pettit on building a thriving Indigenous-owned business

DATE: April 9, 2025
TIME: 10am - 2:30pm
LOCATION: Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre | 33 Victoria St N, Southampton ON N0H 2L0
COST: $20

Chelsee-Marie Pettit, owner of aaniin retail inc. will share insights and lessons from her experience in growing the widely successful Indigenous retail brand with the mission of supporting Indigenous creators and showcasing their products. All while staying true to 100% Indigenous ownership and building up the Indigenous economy.

This session is open to all entrepreneurs, makers, and creatives looking to gain insights into the retail world. Join us for an honest discussion on what it really takes to grow a business while staying true to your values.

AGENDA:
10:00 – 10:30 am – Coffee & Connect
10: 30 – 12:00 pm – Keynote by Chelsee-Marie Pettit from aaniin retail Inc., Indigenous department store
12:00 – 1:00 – Local entrepreneur Foraged Indigenous-inspired teas by Medsin Cup – Jocelyn Carter
1:00 - 2: 30 – Lunch + Networking

Register here: https://XHERSOUTHAMPTON.eventbrite.ca

The XcelerateHER community connects women entrepreneurs to events, peer groups, mentorship, funding, and support. XcelerateHER is the one degree of separation between the resources and connections you need to scale and
grow your business.

This event is hosted as a collaboration between the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre, Saugeen First Nation #29 Independent Business Association, Bruce County Economic Development and Business to Bruce