When Steer co-founder Tyler Squibb and his team launched their AI platform in 2024, they were trying to solve a human problem: how to help people build more meaningful professional relationships. But as they worked on the tech, they realized they had a logistical problem of their own: to help others connect, they first needed to find the right environment for their own team to thrive.
Everything changed when they joined the Centre for Entrepreneurship (CfE) co-working space at the Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus (SRIC).
An Ecosystem Built for Founders
Steer’s Head of Growth and University of Toronto (U of T) Arts & Science (A&S) alumna, Alyah Afzal, first discovered the CfE co-working membership through the U of T Entrepreneurship website. Having previously worked nearby and attended events within SRIC, she was already familiar with the high caliber of programming and the community the ecosystem offered.
“Once we realized the CfE was based inside the Schwartz Reisman building, it was a natural next step to explore the membership,” says Tyler.
A Shift in Momentum
“Joining the CfE was the single biggest turning point for Steer,” Tyler reflects. “Before arriving, our progress was slow. Having a dedicated space and the energy of the ecosystem allowed us to completely transform our product.”
That change in environment led to a massive spike in productivity. The team ended up rebuilding their initial product to be significantly better, hitting milestones in a single month that they previously thought would take six.
For Steer, the "perks" of the space were practical. Because the team often puts in 12-hour days—sometimes staying until 2 AM—the 24/7 access and the coffee weren't just nice-to-haves; they were the tools that let them work on their own terms.
Professionalism and Credibility
As the team began scaling, they started meeting with more investors and partners. They realized they needed a space that matched the work they were doing.
“We needed a place where we could operate as a team in a professional environment,” Tyler explains. “Clients and investors are always impressed by the building. Using the boardrooms for meetings creates the professionalism we require. I even hosted my podcast, Coffee Chats by Steer, in one of the meeting spaces”
Tyler also noted that being tied to U of T and the CfE helped their reputation externally, playing a key role in their acceptance into other accelerator programs.
More Than Just a Desk
While the physical office was important, the team found that the real value was in the community itself. The space is filled with a unique mix of people at all stages, from founders building rockets to those scaling legal tech startups.
“One of the best parts is being surrounded by other founders and industry professionals,” Tyler reflects. “It’s genuinely motivating. Learning from people who are facing the same challenges as you is immensely beneficial.”
That support extends to the CfE staff, who have become an essential part of Steer’s day-to-day operations. “Everyone is incredibly nice, especially Trevor Stiner, the Front Desk & Administrative Coordinator,” says Tyler. “Whatever technical support I needed, Pius Santiago, the Prototyping Lab Lead, consistently went out of his way to provide it.”
This hands-on support even helped with the company’s branding; Alyah spent time in the makerspace learning how to use the heat press to create branded shirts. “Pius was a huge help in teaching us how to use the equipment—we’ll definitely be making more swag soon,” Tyler says.
Meaningful Connection and Steer’s Vision
For Tyler and the Steer team, the CfE has become a headquarters where they can truly focus and collaborate.
“In business, the most important thing is the relationships you create, and the CfE is a place to nurture those connections,” Tyler says. “It’s an environment where people genuinely support you and help you move forward.”
That same philosophy is at the heart of Steer. As an app designed to help you build real relationships, Steer finds the right people, crafts meaningful messages, and remembers the details that matter. It allows you to connect thoughtfully and build relationships that last—ensuring that whether at work or in life, you have the support that brings meaning and opportunity. You can learn more about Steer on their website.
Join the Community
The CfE co-working membership is open to all A&S students, staff, faculty, and alumni. It offers 24/7 access, professional meeting rooms, and prototyping labs and makerspaces.
Membership applications for the Winter 2026 term are now open. If you’re looking for a professional home to build your startup, you can find more information and apply through the Centre for Entrepreneurship website.