Startup Zone: helping entrepreneurs start and grow on PEI

by Heidi Riley

The Startup Zone accelerates new startups or existing businesses by connecting them with the space, resources and supports they need to grow.

Nooshin Abedi is the Administrative and Community Coordinator and Business Developer for the Startup Zone. She graduated from UPEI, where she studied Psychology and Business Administration.

She is the owner of a small business named Pathcan. The business, which consisted of Nooshin and her team, was one of the winning teams at the first UPEI Panther Pitch competition in 2021, which was sponsored by the family of Harry W. MacLauchlan. Since 2021, Nooshin has been a member of Startup Zone, growing her own business as an entrepreneur, and began working with the organization in 2022.

“If you have an entrepreneur mindset and an innovative idea and don’t know how to get started, I invite you to drop by the Startup Zone for a chat,” says Nooshin. “We understand business problems and challenges and we can find resources that will help.

“Startup Zone is a great place to build your own career and your own business and give opportunities to others. The people here are all high achievers, and they are honest and respectful with each other. We help each other to make sure all are supported, because their success is our success.”

Hiring needs

The team at Startup Zone includes a CEO, an Entrepreneur in Residence, and Nooshin’s role. “There will soon be a Marketing/Operations position and an Administrative Assistant position opening up for the summer to work with the Young Millionaires Program.

“We also invite entrepreneurs with a business background to visit the Startup Zone and share their experience as mentors for others.”

The Startup Zone offers free workshops open to the general public to help business owners

Currently, Startup Zone accepts applications on an on-going basis for their Start and Grow Residency programs. Both programs are non-sector specific and accept companies with innovative business ideas and high growth potential.