Entrepreneurial Spirit & Passion

At the GB Accelerator, we're passionate about advancing high-growth companies in the Georgian Bay area. We know that building a successful business takes more than just capital - it takes ideas, momentum, and a supportive community. That's why we're here since 2021 to provide all three. Our network of executives, founders, and seasoned entrepreneurs is dedicated to seeing your business thrive, and we offer navigation and connections that can fast-track your growth.

But we're not just here for the short term - we're committed to supporting our founders for life. As an alumnus of the GB Accelerator, you'll join a community of like-minded business leaders who continue to give back and support the next generation of entrepreneurs and contribute to a strong and sustainable local economy.

Join us and experience the unique energy and momentum that comes with being part of the GB Accelerator. Together, we're building a strong business community and a sustainable local economy, driven by our shared entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the Georgian Bay area.

How We Helped Already

21

Companies advised through accelerator

91

Jobs created by companies
who completed our program

300%

Average revenue increase across companies who completed our program

Meet Our Core Team

  • Peter Heinke

    Peter is a strategic and finance executive with diverse experience in both the public and private arenas and on a national and global level. He has been extremely successful in the launch of numerous startups in the tech and non-tech sectors, providing sound advice for companies scaling from startup to growth-based companies. ⁠⁠

    While working with internationally focused companies, he has lived locally for over 30 years. Passionate about transforming an entrepreneur's ideas into a sound and executable plan, from strategy development to financing to execution, he will be sharing his wealth of knowledge with the next cohort of GB Accelerator attendees. ⁠

  • Alexander Schwertner

    A dynamic product executive, trusted leader, and strategic advisor with over 20 years of experience in B2B/B2C SaaS. He has an impressive track record of creating successful products from ideation to launch, building top-performing teams, and guiding organizations through complex transformations, mergers, and pivots. With his extensive experience on executive teams and boards, he works closely with CEOs to shape company strategy and drive organizational success

  • Emily Knight

    Emily Knight is a Calgary native who has spent her career supporting entrepreneurs and building vibrant communities. Emily’s experience includes running a student incubator and managing the coworking community at the Collingwood Foundry. She is an expert in identifying gaps and creating programming, processes, and partnerships that turn problems into opportunities.

    Emily's own entrepreneurial journey includes founding Feed Your Flat, a venture focused on customized gardening kits to simplify home food cultivation, and most recently, Things My Friends Made, a boutique business consultancy supporting early-stage solopreneurs to bring process and intention into their businesses.

Board of Directors

Georgian Bay Accelerator is a not-for-profit organization with oversight through a Board of Directors. Our Board members are Hannah Parish, Brian Herner (Chair), and Peter Heinke.  

Office Hours

You have questions or ideas you want to bounce off? You are not sure if the program is right for you? Schedule an in-person conversation in Collingwood, or a virtual chat using our contact form.

Every Thursday 12pm to 2pm

Our Partners