DMZ Caledon
Building the Future of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Caledon
DMZ Caledon is helping shape the next chapter of entrepreneurship and innovation in Caledon by connecting local founders and businesses to world-class mentorship, programming, and growth opportunities.
Delivered through a partnership between the Town of Caledon and DMZ, Toronto Metropolitan University’s globally recognized startup incubator, the program supports entrepreneurs at every stage of growth while strengthening Caledon’s broader innovation ecosystem.
Based out of the Humber River Centre in Bolton, DMZ Caledon provides local businesses and founders with access to startup expertise, mentorship, founder development programming, and valuable industry networks designed to help businesses grow and scale.
A Growing Innovation Ecosystem
Following a successful first year, the Humber River Centre Incubator has officially evolved into DMZ Caledon, reflecting the growth of entrepreneurship and innovation support within the community.
Over the past year:
- 47 local businesses participated in workshops and mentorship opportunities
- 15 startups joined the inaugural incubator cohort
- Caledon founders connected with national and international innovation networks
- Entrepreneurs gained exposure through events such as Elevate Tech Festival and international partnerships, including opportunities connected to JETRO and Japanese startups
DMZ Caledon continues to position Caledon as a growing hub for innovation beyond traditional urban centres.
The applications for the first cohort opened on June 11 and closeed on July 10th. Stay tuned for updated on the 2026 cohort.
The program runs from September until December with approx. 2 -3 hours a week of programming.
No, there is no cost to join the Incubator Program. This initaitve is funded by the Town of Caledon.
Why DMZ Caledon?
Entrepreneurs and businesses can access:
- 1:1 mentorship and coaching
- Founder development programming
- Workshops and expert-led learning sessions
- Networking and ecosystem connections
- Business growth and scaling support
- Access to industry experts and startup resources
Whether you are launching a business, validating an idea, or scaling an existing company, DMZ Caledon helps founders access the tools and support needed to grow.
Meet Our Entrepreneur Coach: Jamelia Allen
Jamelia Allen, MA, is a program and founder development leader specializing in entrepreneurship, workforce development, and innovation ecosystems. She has supported more than 2,000 founders through entrepreneurship programming, workshops, and 1:1 mentorship while leading multiple founder development streams at DMZ.
In 2025, Jamelia led the DMZ Women Innovation Summit, helping drive over $500,000 in investment into women-led businesses across Canada. Her experience spans startup validation, growth strategy, founder coaching, and building connections to mentorship and innovation networks.
DMZ Caledon Incubator Program
Applications are now open for the next cohort of the DMZ Caledon Incubator Program.
The incubator supports entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses through mentorship, structured programming, founder coaching, and ecosystem connections designed to accelerate growth.
As the program enters its second year, there will be an increased focus on supporting businesses and founders developing solutions related to housing, construction, planning, design, and related industries.
Applications close July 10, 2026.
Book 1:1 Mentorship Session
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Incubator Program
Applications are now open
Connect. Learn. Grow
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Founder Success Story
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Founders like Taylor Arrowsmith and Shaina Lindeyer of Blissfully Baked x The Little Almond are already translating program support into measurable business growth.
Through DMZ Caledon, they applied customer discovery strategies to better understand customer behaviour, identify gaps in brand awareness, strengthen financial operations, and support year-over-year revenue growth.
Their story reflects the impact mentorship, founder programming, and ecosystem support can have on local entrepreneurs building businesses in Caledon.
Supporting Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Humber River Centre: A Launchpad for Business Success
This state-of-the-art facility is designed to support entrepreneurs and startups — learn more about what the HRC has to offer:
Get in touch with us
If you have any questions or would like to connect directly, email Amber Pajtasz, Economic Development Officer at amber.pajtasz@caledon.ca to get started.
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