Durham Region develops its first technology accelerator

TORONTO – 1855 Whitby is the first and only innovation accelerator in the Durham Region and officially opened its doors on April 11, 2019. 1855 Whitby is located in the old Provincial Land Registry Office downtown Whitby, a historical building dating back to 1873.

The new accelerator plays a pivotal role in helping to grow high potential technology companies to commercialization, creating more local jobs and economic prosperity for Whitby and the Durham Region. The growth objectives of companies are achieved through the provision of a collaborative environment, tailored programming, and ongoing mentorship.

Professional services provider BDO is the official naming partner of 1855 Whitby‘s facility, 1855 BDO Accelerator, in support of the programming that is delivered.

“Living and being actively involved in the Durham Region, while working closely with scaling technology companies, aligns with BDO’s mandate to support the communities we work and live in, this also provides opportunity for us to share our expertise while impacting economic growth,” said Brion Hendry, GTA Technology and Life Sciences Leader, BDO.

Stephanie Mann, CEO, 1855 Whitby, said that BDO was a strategic choice because of BDO’s “12-year track record of supporting and managing the growth of scale-stage companies, specifically in the evolving tech sector. This vast and hands-on knowledge adds significant value to the companies in our fold.”