The North Forge Startup Program was designed to support and guide entrepreneurs through every step of their business journey. The program provides participants with a network of peers, professionals and subject-matter experts – one of these key contacts is the newest edition to our team, entrepreneur-in-residence, Mike Simpson.

The majority of Mike’s career has been spent in startups or very early emerging small businesses. He has commercialized and launched products, taking them from the “napkin sketch” conceptual stage all the way through to promoting them in the market and getting that first purchase order. “I love the uncertainty and fast-paced nature of the startup scene,” says Simpson. 

Mike started his role as entrepreneur-in-residence in January 2020 and is eager to immerse himself in the North Forge startup culture. “I’m looking forward to the energy and enthusiasm of the founders; the creative business models and cool products I’ll encounter; the opportunity to help navigate and solve challenging problems and the diversity of the work – every person and company is unique and different, which keeps things interesting.” 

Mike will be working exclusively with North Forge Startup Program participants to help them lock down their commercialization strategy and provide targeted feedback. “I hope to help Startup Program participants in whatever stage they are in by leveraging my skills, experiences and lessons learned,” says Simpson. 

Participants can book one-on-one time with Mike on Thursdays and Fridays at the Innovation Hub through his Calendly calendar or by emailing msimpson@67.231.26.222.