The Genesis Centre, located at Memorial University, is an award-winning business incubator for technology startups. It is one of the top ranked incubators in Canada, and was named Canadian Incubator of the Year in 2011.
In a nutshell, the Genesis Centre helps to accelerate startup companies through all stages of idea development, by connecting startup clients with top mentors and advisors, and providing  assistance with marketing, funding, and office space.
This week, the Genesis Centre announced it has been selected to join the Microsoft BizSpark Program as a network partner. The BizSpark Program is a global program designed to accelerate the success of early stage startup companies by connecting them to network partners.
BizSpark creates an ongoing, mutually beneficial relationship between Microsoft Corp., startups, and network partners. “The BizSpark offering at the Genesis Centre will provide startups with valuable resources as they navigate exciting but challenging ventures,” said Greg Hood, chief executive officer, Genesis Group.
“The Genesis Centre is committed to working together with BizSpark to deliver access to networks that can offer guidance and support that will lead new startups toward success.”
The BizSpark Program is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurialism by offering startups the support they need most at a time when it may be least affordable and accessible – during a company’s first three years, with no upfront costs and minimal requirements.
BizSpark provides fast and easy access to Microsoft’s current full-featured development tools and platform technologies, as well as production licences to bring innovative products to market. To be eligible for the Microsoft BizSpark Program, a company must be actively engaged in development of a software-based product or service that is a core piece of their business model, have been in business less than three years at the time of enrolment, and have less than USD$1 million in annual revenue.