Free Business Plan Bootcamp opens applications for BWG entrepreneurs

Eight-week YSpace program offers practical workshops, personalized mentorship and local business connections at no cost

Applications are now open for Business Plan Bootcamp, a free eight-week entrepreneurship program offered by YSpace York-Simcoe at York University in partnership with the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.

Running from Oct. 13 to Dec. 7, 2026, the program is designed for people developing a business idea as well as established business owners preparing for their next stage of growth.

Participants will work toward one practical goal over the eight weeks. Depending on the needs of the business, that could include completing a business plan, developing a growth strategy, reviewing a pricing model, strengthening operations, or improving the business’s digital presence.

“Business owners are often balancing their ideas and growth plans with the day-to-day demands of running a business,” said Dean Gillis, Economic Development Officer, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury. “This program gives local entrepreneurs access to the structure, expertise and connections they need to move an important business goal forward.”

Practical support tailored to each business

Business Plan Bootcamp combines self-paced learning with personalized support and opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs.

Each participant will receive eight hours of one-on-one guidance from a local mentor whose experience aligns with the goals and challenges identified in the participant’s application.

Mentors bring expertise in areas including sales, marketing, branding, business strategy, pricing, operations, automation, digital transformation, product development, and retail growth.

Participants will also meet with a YSpace program officer every two weeks to review their progress, discuss obstacles, and identify their next steps. Two in-person peer sessions will give members of the cohort an opportunity to exchange ideas, share lessons, and build relationships with other business owners in the region.

“This program is built around action,” said Stephanie Simpson, Program Officer, York University’s YSpace. “Participants begin with a goal that matters to their business, then receive the education, mentorship and accountability to complete it. The focus is not simply on finishing a course. It is on creating something they can put to work.”

Eight weeks of business education

Weekly on-demand workshops will cover:

·         Business model innovation

·         Market research and competitive analysis

·         Customer personas and value propositions

·         Business plan development

·         Financial modelling and pricing

·         Digital marketing and brand presence

·         Legal foundations and funding readiness

·         Sales, operations and 90-day planning

Workshop recordings will be released through an online course platform so participants can complete them on their own schedules. Participants should expect to dedicate approximately five to 10 hours each week to the program and their chosen business goal.

Who can apply

Business Plan Bootcamp is open to entrepreneurs aged 18 and older in Bradford West Gwillimbury, Georgina, East Gwillimbury, the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation and the surrounding area.

The program welcomes applicants at two stages:

Idea stage: Individuals exploring a concept, testing a side project, or preparing to launch a business.

Existing business: Owners of home-based, service-based, professional-service, or brick-and-mortar businesses who are ready to strengthen or grow their operations.

Applications close Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026.

Interested entrepreneurs can apply at:

https://www.yorku.ca/yspace/hubs/yspaceyorksimcoe/

Applicants are also encouraged to complete a free one-on-one Idea Consultation before applying. More information about YSpace York-Simcoe and its entrepreneurship programming is available at yorku.ca/yspace/hubs/yspaceyorksimcoe.

The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury’s participation in the program is supported in part by the County of Simcoe Entrepreneurial Innovation Fund.

About YSpace

YSpace is York University’s pan-university entrepreneurship and innovation hub, supporting startups and entrepreneurs across sectors and communities. Its programming includes support for scaling technology companies, growing agri-food businesses, and diversity-focused initiatives for women-led and Black-led businesses

Media contact

Stephanie Simpson

Program Officer, YSpace York-Simcoe

stephsim@yorku.ca