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Ready to uncover the secrets of transforming a passion for sport into entrepreneurial success? Meet Jelmer Stegink, a former professional cyclist who traded his wheels for the helm of Innisfil's DMZ Innisfil Business Accelerator. Hear how Jelmer’s journey from sports management to municipal government and launching a thriving cycling event with over 5,000 participants provides invaluable lessons in endurance, discipline, and resilience.

Jelmer draws powerful parallels between professional sports training and the relentless grind of building a startup, offering a fresh perspective on the entrepreneurial journey.

Discover the supportive ecosystem at DMZ Innisfil as Jelmer walks us through their innovative approach to fostering local entrepreneurship. From structured mentorship and grant access to the vital importance of community and peer-to-peer support, Jelmer illustrates how the accelerator helps startups thrive.

Learn about the recent onboarding of a new cohort of 18 diverse business owners, each with tailored objectives, and the transformative power of Stephen Kotler's science of flow in building collaborative environments. Jelmer highlights how setting clear OKRs and fostering a culture of shared knowledge can be a game changer for emerging businesses.

Finally, we zoom in on the critical steps of early validation and customer engagement, revealing how these strategies can make or break a startup. Jelmer shares practical tips on conducting problem and solution interviews, leveraging iterative processes, and continuously gathering feedback through live surveys and pilot programs.

Listen as we explore the broader impact of these practices on the local entrepreneurial ecosystem in Innisfil, from asynchronous online resources and targeted events to innovative virtual webinars.

Whether you're an aspiring founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build a successful business from the ground up.

Check out DMZ Innisfil's Business Accelerator Program here;
https://innisfil.ca/en/business-and-employment/dmz-innisfil.aspx

Find out about the Emerging Entrepreneurs event here;
https://innisfil.ca/en/news/emerging-entrepreneurs-event-targets-those-looking-to-start-a-business.aspx

Register for the Emerging Entrepreneurs event here;
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/emerging-entrepreneurs-tickets-1002587124077

Innisfil Economic Development website;
https://innisfil.ca/en/business-and-employment/economic-development.aspx

Innisfil Economic Development Strategic Plan;
https://innisfil.ca/en/business-and-employment/economic-development-strategic-plan.aspx

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