Alumni Entrepreneur Toolkit

As a business owner, the right insurance coverage can help you feel confident that the things you have worked your hardest for are protected. With our affinity partner, TD Insurance, you can get a flexible TD Insurance for Business policy customized to the needs of you and your business.

To learn how you could save with group discounts or to get a quote visit tdinsurance.com/durhamcollege.

Marketplace makes it easy to browse and support DC alumni-owned businesses. Download the DC Alumni Connect app to add your business at no cost. While you're there, browse other businesses and check out your Alumni Perks.

Reach the DC community through flexible digital and in-person advertising options. DC alumni receive a discount on select packages. For more information, visit: durhamcollege.ca/about/advertise-with-durham-college.

Angel Investors Durham is a dynamic network of accredited investors dedicated to funding and mentoring early-stage companies with high growth potential. Through our partnership with Angel Investors Durham, the DCAA aims to offer valuable support to alumni who are launching, growing, or scaling their businesses. Contact Sally Hillis, Senior Alumni Development Officer, if you’re interested in attending an Angel Investors Durham meeting. These investment meeting events are designed to spark curiosity in the innovation economy and spur private investing into new and emerging technologies. Space is limited. For more information about Angel Investors Durham, visit angelinvestorsdurham.ca.

CI Ventures partners with founders, domain experts, and business owners to collaboratively design, build, and scale ventures. Alumni can access a free consultation with a CI Ventures Business Analyst to explore new venture ideas or uncover opportunities to grow and innovate within their existing business. Each consultation includes a tailored Venture Snapshot outlining your idea or business opportunity, risks, and recommended next steps. Book your free consultation today: civentures.ca/dcaa.

Hiring? To post your job opportunities on the DC Hired Portal.

1. Visit hired.durhamcollege.ca and create an employer account.
2. After receiving approval, log in and select ‘post a job.’
3. Choose whether the opportunity is for an employee or an independent contractor.
4. Enter the job description, duties, requirements, and application instructions, targeting specific programs if needed.

Employers can manage their postings by extending or expiring them once they are filled, monitoring views, or adding additional opportunities. Employers can also reach out to careerdevelopment@durhamcollege.ca for assistance and additional information.

You can also build your future talent pipeline and support the next generation of industry experts by hiring a co-op student. Work one-on-one with an experienced Industry Liaison who can help guide you in identifying the right program(s) for your recruiting and hiring needs. Visit durhamcollege.ca/programs/co-op or contact co-op@durhamcollege.ca to learn more about the benefits of hiring DC co-op students.

Ready to bring AI into your business but not sure where to start? DC’s AI Hub has created an exclusive Alumni package to help entrepreneurs gain confidence and a clear path to AI adoption. The AI Adoption Starter Pack helps you turn ideas and everyday pain points into practical AI solutions that drive growth and efficiency.

It includes three workshops:

1. AI Foundations: Build practical AI literacy and learn how to use generative AI tools to boost creativity, productivity, and problem-solving.
2. AI Transformation for Business Leaders: Apply proven frameworks to identify AI opportunities, assess risks, measure impact, and lead adoption responsibly across your organization.
3. AI Strategic Roadmap: Work directly with the AI Hub team to assess your data, identify high-value AI use cases, and develop a customized roadmap to guide implementation in as little as four weeks.

This package is available starting January 2026, and DCAA members receive 25% off exclusive pricing. Join the waitlist.

New businesses operate with minimal security controls, leaving systems, data, and customers exposed to ransomware, data breaches, and regulatory violations.​

The Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation offers a comprehensive Cybersecurity Starter Pack designed for startups and emerging businesses. This complete package provides essential security foundations through risk assessment, baseline controls with SOC monitoring, cloud security review, foundational policies, security awareness training, and ongoing advisory support.

What You Get:

• Risk Assessment: Identify vulnerabilities across 5 critical systems
• Baseline Controls: SOC monitoring, firewalls, and secure remote access
• Cloud Security: Audit and secure up to 3 cloud environments
• Security Policies: Essential policies and incident response procedures
• Team Training: Interactive awareness training and phishing simulations
• Ongoing Support: Monthly advisory calls and strategic roadmap

Timeline: 2-6 months for complete implementation

Alumni exclusive: 25% discount on all Starter Pack services

Contact the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation by phone 905-721-2000 ext. 6606 or email at CentreForCybersecurityInnovation@durhamcollege.ca

Executive teams lack the cybersecurity knowledge needed to make informed strategic decisions, leaving organizations vulnerable to threats they don't understand.​

Our Executive Cybersecurity Awareness Workshop is a specialized one-day intensive program designed exclusively for C-suite executives and senior leadership teams. This engaging 6-hour workshop combines business-focused cybersecurity insights with practical applications through tailored tabletop simulations, industry-specific case studies, and interactive cybersecurity gaming scenarios.

What Leaders Learn:

• Threat Landscape: Current risks impacting your industry
• Business Impact: How cyber incidents affect operations and growth
• Strategic Planning: Building cyber-resilient business strategies
• Crisis Management: Leading through security incidents
• Culture Building: Creating organization-wide security awareness

Format: six-hour intensive workshop with tabletop exercises, case studies, and interactive simulations​

Alumni exclusive: 25% discount on executive training programs

Contact the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation by phone 905-721-2000 ext. 6606 or email at CentreForCybersecurityInnovation@durhamcollege.ca

Intellectual property is a critical asset for business growth and competitiveness. In partnership with Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), Durham College offers complimentary IP consultation services tailored to Ontario businesses. Our experts will work with you to assess your IP eligibility and develop a strategic plan to protect, promote, and commercialize your innovations—positioning your business for success on a global stage.

Business eligibility:

• Business and owner are located in Ontario
• Business has a product or service that has a unique feature requiring IP protection

Consultation service includes: 

• IP education and training: Gain the knowledge and tools to understand and navigate the complex world of intellectual property.
• Building tailored IP strategies: Create customized intellectual property plans designed to meet your business's unique needs and goals.
• Commercialization strategies: Obtain guidance on effective go-to market plans for both current and future intellectual property assets.

Learn more about the Intellectual Property Strategy, Development, and Support Program online or by contacting DC_ORSIE@durhamcollege.ca.

Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD),  Durham Region’s Small Business Centre, provides the following services:

• Free one-on-one advisory services for start-ups and growing businesses
• Workshops and training (200+ annually) on marketing, finance, and business planning
• Programs like Starter Company Plus and Summer Company
• Networking opportunities and events such as Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week

For more information, visit bacd.ca.

Durham Region Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade
Durham College is proud to have a strong partnership with the Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade across Durham Region, each with their own offering of member benefits, including networking events and business advocacy. Learn more: Ajax Pickering Board of Trade, Brock Board of Trade, Clarington Pickering Board of Trade, Newcastle & District Board of Trade, North Durham Chamber of Commerce, Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, Whitby Chamber of Commerce