Canadian-Based Accelerator to Partner with WIN in 2024

In another significant win for the BCW’s Westchester Innovation Network (WIN), the Georgian Bay Accelerator (GBA) will partner with WIN in 2024 to match Canadian innovators with U.S.A. businesses and institutions. The first Georgian Bay-WIN collaboration will pair The Active Reader, an early childhood literacy web platform, with the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester in White Plains.

“We’re passionate about advancing high-growth companies in the Georgian Bay area, and we know that building a successful business takes more than just capital—it takes ideas, momentum, and a supportive community. That’s why a partnership with WIN gives our accelerator’s participants and alumni companies the essential community support that they need to advance their business goals in a North American marketplace,” said Peter Heinke, Managing Director of the Georgian Bay Accelerator.

The Collingwood, Ontario-based GBA prepares Georgian Bay businesses for global success with world-class mentorship and connections, matching young companies with seasoned business and sector executives and founders that can fast-track growth. WIN’s goal is driving economic development, innovation, and growth in Westchester County.

“As WIN enters its third year, we are very excited about bringing a new group of innovators to Westchester County, where they will have the opportunity to test their products and services in real-world situations that will give the innovators valuable feedback as they refine and scale their concepts,” said BCW President and CEO Marsha Gordon.

Rebecca McAllister & Robyn Keystone founded The Active Reader, which is based on scientifically proven literacy-teaching methods consisting of easy-to-adopt exercises, multi-sensory activities and daily routines. “Since graduating from the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Center’s (SBEC) Starter Company Program and entering the GBA, we have had the privilege of working with a wide range of mentors that have empowered us as entrepreneurs and helped us rethink and build The Active Reader so that we can grow on a global level. This match with the YMCA and WIN will help us reach that global stage,” said Keystone.

The YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester will welcome The Active Reader to its Early Learning Center to test the platform with preschoolers. “Working with the WIN innovators has allowed the YMCA’s staff to learn about new technologies and consider how we can incorporate these innovations into the work we do,” said Cynthia Delfino, President & CEO of the YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester.

This partnership wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Laura Allan, Director Innovation & Entrepreneurship of Wilfrid Laurier University, who has supported the Georgian Bay Accelerator on its path to success and has been active in supporting WLU based entrepreneurs with the WIN program.

To learn more about becoming an Innovation Partner or joining the WIN program, visit https://thebcw.org/westchester-innovation-network/