To give Brampton’s entrepreneur community access to specialized entrepreneurial support and incubator services, the Altitude Accelerator and Silicon Peel have launched, RIC@Brampton, in downtown Brampton. Charlene Nadalin, CEO and founder of Amintro Inc., applied to the mentorship program after she was approached by RIC’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence, John MacDonald, a month ago. She is currently the first incubator tenant participating in RIC@Brampton and is elated to announce that Amintro Inc. has found its first home in an office space in Brampton’s city hall.
The idea for Amintro, an online platform and social living solution uniquely designed for North Americans over 50 years-of-age, is inspired by the life of Charlene’s vibrant 70-year-old mother, whom Charlene has observed with awe and reverence. Her mother lives thousands of miles away now and has, as the result of leading such a busy existence, a diminishing group of friends. “I began to question whether this situation was specific to my mom or a much more common reality for maturing adults in North America,” Charlene explains.
For much of 2014, market research has been of Charlene’s primary concern, as she has been striving to validate the concept for Amintro. RIC@Brampton has also matched Charlene with technology expert, who is in the process of elucidating what would be required to develop Amintro and bring it to market. “The Altitude Accelerator has been an amazing resource in the development of Amintro Inc.,” Charlene says, “It has provided me with valuable support, guidance and opportunities to learn, grow and network.”
Charlene is looking to develop and launch a beta of Amintro by the end of January 2015. This will allow the acquisition of user feedback, which will, in turn, inform any necessary changes to the concept or service. Charlene is dedicated to making sure Amintro reflects and addresses all her consumers’ needs.
It is important to note that Charlene’s success thus far is not a result of luck, but of her mantra, “Say yes.” This mentality has afforded her the opportunity to explore every avenue of learning that was presented to her, and such has led her to where she is today.
Amintro Inc. is the realization of Charlene’s lifelong dream. It is an amalgamation of her passion for languages and people, and her entrepreneurial spirit. “I want to make a difference in our society and change the negative perception there is of aging and how we view our elders,” Charlene explains. “I want to help mature adults, whether they be 50 years or 98 years-of-age, to enjoy fulfilling, purposeful and socially active lives.”
Look out for more news about Amintro Inc. and their services at riccentre.ca.
