BDC is moving its Kitchener-Waterloo Business Centre to the Catalyst137 hardware hub, putting BDC’s financing and advisory expertise under the same roof as companies based in the building.
BDC is moving from Queen Street to Catalyst137 beginning January 1, 2018, and BDC’s office will include a Business Centre within the 8,200 square feet of space.
“BDC has a long record of providing the expertise and services that high-growth companies need to reach their goals,” said Mary Ann Wenzler-Wiebe, BDC VP for Southwest Ontario. “The opportunity to be part of Catalyst137 couldn’t be more perfect. We look forward to being a resource for the other companies in the building and the wider community.”
Catalyst137 first announced its launch a year ago by Voisin Capital president Frank Voisin and Miovision CEO Kurtis McBride. The goal is to help hardware companies set up shop closer to the downtown core; traditionally, hardware companies had to set up on the outskirts of cities to make space for manufacturing and shipping.
The space — which will provide access to loading bays, 3D printers, laser cutters, and metalworking equipment — is now 70 percent leased.
“The team behind Catalyst137 has always envisioned the project as a one-stop shop featuring space for companies and the services they need to get their products to market,” said McBride. “Whether that’s coffee, food or venture capital, they’ll be able to find it at Catalyst137. Having BDC right there on site will be a huge asset for all the companies in the building.”
Catalyst137 is currently leasing offices ranging from 3,000 to 50,000 square feet. The space is set to open in fall 2017.