Northstar Startups

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Canada
Scarborough, ON
Northstar Startups

Mission: To help members of our community achieve personal economic security through entrepreneurship

10/14/2026

Why start a business? Because you get to choose who you help and what you build. 💡

In Part 2 of our conversation with Taina Suomela, owner of Leslieville Digital, she shares why entrepreneurship is the best way to build a work life you love: you can pick the audiences you want to help and support, and you can build a career that is fulfilling and focused on the things you care about.

Who would you love to help with your business? Tell us in the comments!

Northstar Startups is a free business incubator in Scarborough, supporting entrepreneurs across Toronto and the GTA with business training, 1-on-1 mentorship, and launch support. Apply to our next cohort at northstarstartups.com or through the link in our bio 📲

10/09/2026

What's one lesson every entrepreneur should learn? Focus on what you love to do. 💡

Taina Suomela, owner of Leslieville Digital, shares her advice for new business owners: with so many ideas, inputs, and opinions coming your way, stay focused on what gives you energy, the people you want to help, and the change you want to create, even if it's in a little corner of your world.

Taina recently led our incubator entrepreneurs through a workshop on understanding their ideal customer. Stay tuned for Part 2!

What do you love to do that could become a business? Tell us in the comments!

Northstar Startups is a free business incubator in Scarborough, supporting entrepreneurs across Toronto and the GTA with business training, 1-on-1 mentorship, and launch support. Apply to our next cohort at northstarstartups.com

10/07/2026

Happy Small Business Month!

October is all about celebrating the dedicated founders who turn their everyday skills into the local services we rely on, from commercial cleaning and catering to digital marketing, tutoring, and green care.

Starting a business takes courage, consistency, and commitment. At Northstar Startups, we’re proud to walk alongside local entrepreneurs by providing the free foundational training, 1-on-1 mentorship, and startup launch funding they need to build sustainable careers on their own terms.

How to support local this month:
🔹 Choose a local service entrepreneur for your home or business needs.
🔹 Share, like, and comment on local founders' posts! 📲
🔹 Tag your favorite Scarborough or GTA small business in the comments below! 👇

10/02/2026

Our entrepreneurs had their monthly workshop where they learned how to understand their ideal customer.

Hosted at Merge Spaces, a modern and beautifully designed coworking and event space, Taina Suomela, owner of Leslieville Digital, took the entrepreneurs through various activities to help them identify the ideal customer and learn the difference between an ideal customer profile and a persona.

Do you know your ideal customer profile? Let us know in the comments!

Whether you’re starting up your own business or want to support your local community, visit northstarstartups.com

10/01/2026

Introducing Northstar Startups’ Entrepreneurial Council📣

Here at Northstar Startups, our goal is to support the entrepreneurs with their needs to grow their businesses. With the creation of this entrepreneurial council, the entrepreneurs are provided an accessible way to express their needs. The mentors and leadership team now have a way to hear the needs of the entrepreneurs, allowing us to better support them.

Let’s welcome our council members, Latonia, Martin and Shannon!👏

09/29/2026

ICYMI👀

The She and Success Business Magazine Podcast episode featuring Northstar Startup’s co-founder, Janice Waugh is now LIVE.

Hosted by Kripa Anand, they discussed a variety of topics surrounding entrepreneurship, mentorship, and community. Turning talent into opportunity, opportunities that come with self-employment, the entrepreneurial mindset and the importance and value of mentorship.

Watch the full podcast episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V61l9mwLodI

09/24/2026

Who is your business really for? 🎯

Having a great skill or service is only half the equation. The real magic happens when you connect with the exact people who need it most!

On October 1, our incubator entrepreneurs are diving into a practical workshop: "Understanding Your Ideal Customer." with Taina Suomela💡With 25+ years of marketing experience, Taina will help small business owners solve the marketing problems holding them back, build the right foundation to fuel their growth, and build a successful business they love.

Here at Northstar Startups, we don't just teach theory; we give local entrepreneurs the exact tools, mentorship, and support they need to build sustainable service businesses on their own terms.

Be a part of our next incubator cohort. Apply today!

09/22/2026

When Danelle joined Northstar Startups, she had a clear goal: turn her talents and passion in marketing into a sustainable, independent career.

For Danelle, the standout highlight of the incubator wasn't just the business templates or launch support, it was the 1-on-1 relational mentorship. Having a dedicated mentor to help refine pricing, map out a 1-page business plan, and offer steady encouragement built the exact clarity and confidence needed to grow.

Does this sound like something YOU can benefit from? 🔗 Tap the link to join today!

northstarstartups.com

09/17/2026

3 Myths About Starting a Business (And What Actually Works) 💡✨

Thinking about turning a skill into a business, but feeling held back by common assumptions? You're not alone.

Inside the Northstar incubator, we help you break past these hurdles with free foundational business training, direct 1-on-1 mentorship, and launch support to help you build a business on your own terms.

🔗 Ready to take that first step? Learn more at northstarstartups.com

09/15/2026

That first paying client is a HUGE milestone.

The path from a great idea to your first real sale can feel intimidating, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Here at Northstar Startups, we’re with you every step of the way, helping you turn your existing talents into a sustainable local service business.
Taking that first step is what creates the clarity and confidence you need to grow.

Ready to get off the sidelines and land your first clients? We’re having a virtual info session TONIGHT at 7 PM. You still have time to register!

🔗 https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/N73Tc8BPTI6du6ThR2EYhg?fbclid=IwY2xjawUWL81wZG9mA2V4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMU9tU2ZzcUdGa1Rvdk1aNDFzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81MTQ3NzE1NjkyMjgwNjEAAR7Ena76yl3mZEME7aHY9ypV_SG9vNfxJh5mkc5rQad3twZb04QWi8NecIV6Fw_aem_cgm4na4D6PvTWy2I94XLMw #/registration

P.S. Save this post to remind yourself to take action today, or share it with an aspiring business owner in Scarborough! 📲

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Scarborough
Scarborough, ON

Website

https://northstarstartups.com/

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