Lead to Win 2009 is based on a similar program that was delivered during the last economic downturn in 2002. Over half of the participants in that program created a new business in Canada’s capital region. These new businesses collectively created over 300 jobs and attracted over $90 million in investment.

“As Carleton’s identity is built on innovation, location, community engagement and solutions to real-world problems, we recognize our responsibility and unique position to be able to help the community at large by participating in this program,” says Roseann O’Reilly Runte, president and vice-chancellor of Carleton University.

The first session of the program will run from May 19 to 21 and June 23 to 25. It will offer technology workers an opportunity to learn all the skills they need to become entrepreneurs in the area. Participants will develop their own venture idea in an applied workshop.

Tony Bailetti, who holds a faculty appointment in both the department of systems and computer Engineering and the Eric Sprott School of Business at Carleton, has been involved with Lead to Win since its inception. He says: “Carleton and the Ottawa community made the 2002 program a success and we are going to do it again. We’re thrilled to make a difference in peoples’ lives by offering them the skills they need to create new businesses that will recharge the local economy, the community and industry.”

The program is free to qualified applicants. Space is limited and interested individuals are encouraged to apply online at www.leadtowin.ca.

Lead to Win associates include alumni from the 2002 Lead To Win program, local businesses, and faculty members and graduate students of Carleton University’s Technology Innovation Management program.