About Us

What We Do

Support startups

With one-on-one business analysis and mentorship.

Connect students and youth

With investors, industry professionals, and other stakeholders.

Create and host

Entrepreneurial-focused workshops, pitch competitions, retail opportunities, and networking events.

Integrate Entrepreneurial Activities

Into the local community ecosystem.

Provide co-working space

And meeting rooms for all of our clients.

Run the LeapIN Business Accelerator

Providing seed funding, mentorship, programming, and co-working space.

Our History

LEAP Junction was established in 2014 as part of the campus-linked accelerator program, which distributed $20 million in funding across Ontario post-secondary institutions. This investment aimed to foster entrepreneurial skills in students and facilitate the transfer of academic knowledge to the marketplace.

Initially a collaborative initiative with Western University and supported by the Ontario Government, LEAP Junction was operated under the stewardship of both Fanshawe College and the Ontario Centres of Excellence until 2019. At this point, LEAP Junction transitioned to a permanent service within the student services department, fully financed through student service fees and Fanshawe College.

Over the past decade, we've evolved into a thriving entrepreneurial hub within Fanshawe College, nurturing an innovative culture and serving as a launch pad for entrepreneurial dreams and aspirations.

How We Work

Exploration Phase

Helping curious students explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path.

Ideation Phase

Supporting the development and validation of business concepts.

Launch Phase

Providing critical resources and guidance for business startups.

Growth Phase

Offering advanced support for scaling established ventures.

Who We Help

A person with glasses gestures with open hands while surrounded by others.

A classroom setting with tables and blue chairs, a projector screen displaying a video call, and a whiteboard with notes.

"What kind of businesses do you work with?" We get this question a lot. Think of LEAP Junction as the entrepreneurial Swiss Army knife for start-ups.

We're a mixed-use, early-stage business incubator, which is just a fancy way of saying we're here for all sorts of businesses, no matter the industry. We specialize in the exciting, messy early days where it's all about shaping your big idea into something real.

Two people sit at a table, one in a green shirt and the other in a grey hoodie, engaged in conversation.

Our Impact

K+

Supported Entrepreneurs

100

Student-led Businesses Launched

600

K+

Provided in Funding

Business Survival Rate After 2 Years

Our Team

Leadership

Kelsey Currie

Manager | Co-operative Education and Entrepreneurial Services

With experience spanning youth programming, healthcare, education, and research, Kelsey excels at bringing entrepreneurs together and ensuring resources are available to support students and staff.

Education: Dual Bachelor's degrees, Post-graduate certificate in Community & Social Services Management, Master's in Adult Education.

Outside the Office: Travelling, hiking, cooking, and board member for Better Business Bureau of Southwestern Ontario

Advisors

Dave Ouellette

Business Advisor

David Ouellette is a startup coach, business strategist, and entrepreneurial educator who helps first-time founders turn passion into purpose, and purpose into progress. With a diverse background in business management, marketing, systems thinking, and real-world entrepreneurship, David brings over 15 years of experience across sectors, from launching action sports camps to scaling retail and service startups, to designing transformative accelerator programs for student entrepreneurs.

Education: BHK (H) Sport Management and Leadership - University of Windsor, Computer Systems Technology Diploma - St. Clair College, Marketing Management Diploma - Fanshawe College.

Outside the Office: Outdoor adventures, Snowboarding or Wakeboarding, and hanging with dogs.

Nick Hlymbicky

Business Advisor

Nick brings valuable experience from the non-profit sector, assisting persons with disabilities in finding employment and exploring entrepreneurship, with a particular interest in social impact ventures.

Education: BA(H) in Psychology and Criminology and MA in Sociology.

Outside the Office: Hockey, volleyball, hiking, and music enthusiast.

Outreach & Support

Jenny Baxter

Relations Representative

With over 7 years of experience in event planning and communications, Jenny coordinates all LEAP Junction events and ensures the community knows about them.

Specialty: Promotional and retail opportunities for LEAP Junction clients.

Outside the Office: Community events, TV binge-watching, and adventures with her tiny dog.

Be Part of Our Community

Whether you have a business idea you're eager to explore or simply want to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, LEAP Junction is here to support your journey. Visit us at our campus location (F1012) or reach out online to take your first step into entrepreneurship.

Explore Programs

Explore Events & Community

Find us on Campus

Leap Junction

Location

1001 Fanshawe College Blvd.,

London, Ontario

N5Y 5R6

Room F1043

View Campus Map

Operating Hours

Mon - Fri | 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Contact Information

Phone

519-452-4430 ext. 16190

leapjunction@fanshawec.ca