If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of starting your own business, this episode of The Unsure Entrepreneur is a must-listen.
I get the opportunity to talk with Cassie Conte, Program Manager at Brock LINC, to discuss the resources and programs that Brock University offers to budding entrepreneurs.
Whether you’re a student, alumni, or just a member of the community, Brock LINC provides a welcoming space where ideas can blossom into fully-fledged businesses.
Cassie kicks off the conversation by explaining how Brock LINC is more than just a program—it’s a hub that nurtures innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. “We focus a lot on the early stage,” she says, “Students come to us with great ideas, but they don’t always know what to do next. We help them figure that out.”
One of the standout offerings is the NAVIGATE program, which helps early-stage entrepreneurs check their concept before diving head-first into business. “The NAVIGATE program is all about helping people validate their business idea,” Cassie notes. “We focus on value propositions, customer segments, and getting that all-important product-market fit.”
Brock alumni pitch on the TV show Dragon's Den.
I really enjoyed learning about a few of the businesses that have emerged from Brock LINC. One recent Brock alumni who pitched on Dragon’s Den is developing safety wear for workers at heights—a jacket where workers can wear their harness underneath, which is essential in Canada with our cold weather. "Another company we’re working with helps nurses find employment—it’s for recent nursing graduates or nurses looking for different employment opportunities. We have a lot of cool businesses coming out of Brock LINC," says Cassie.
What’s unique about Brock LINC is its emphasis on mentorship. According to Cassie, mentors are the “secret sauce” that helps the program thrive. Whether it’s recent graduates who’ve been through the same process or seasoned professionals, these mentors offer invaluable guidance. Cassie shares, “Sometimes, hearing it from a mentor can be more impactful than just learning it in a class.”
Three key takeaways from the episode:
Don’t skip the critical step of customer discovery. As Cassie points out, “It’s better to figure out early if there’s a market for your product.”
Mentors provide not just guidance but also encouragement and honest feedback that can be crucial for new entrepreneurs.
Even if you decide that entrepreneurship isn’t for you, the skills you develop—like risk-taking, communication, and problem-solving—are transferable to any career.
"You’ve just got to go do it."
As the episode wraps up, I ask Cassie for her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. Her response is both simple and powerful: “Find that problem you want to solve, and then go solve it. And sometimes, you’ve just got to go do it.”
If you’re intrigued by what Brock LINC has to offer or just want some solid advice on how to navigate the early stages of entrepreneurship, this episode provides plenty of food for thought.
[Photo credit: Cassie Conte]
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