Chris Eben turned an event to help entreprneurs start businesses into a business in itself. The founder of Startup Weekend Toronto has been in the startup and tech space most of his career. After spending some time in Silicon Valley during the first internet boom in the late 90s, he now works with startups, building web and mobile solutions for them. A few years ago, he got involved with non-profit organization Startup Weekend. The global, grassroots movement headquartered in Seattle, Washington, has spawned 200 startup weekend events around the world. Eben founded Startup Weekend Toronto, making Toronto the first Canadian city to host a Startup Weekend—now, there are 25 other Canadian cities participating.

Eben says what makes the weekend worthwhile is the chance to get much-needed feedback on ideas, and coaching for those who have yet to nail their pitch. He admits that he was surprised to see real, viable businesses come out of the weekend.

The organization has gained momentum thanks, in part, to people like Eben running events in their own cities. Startup Weekend now has a staff of about 30 people. They've received funding from the Kauffman Foundation, sponsorships from Coca-Cola, the Gates Foundtation, Microsoft and others and are now looking at global partnerships.

At the core of the event's success is the need for brutally honest feedback and, at times, coaching, for new startup ideas. "Too many people go out with an idea and they never properly validate it," says Eben.