Landing-Pad Accelerator Program

Description

The Landing-Pad Accelerator Program for Newcomer and Female Entrepreneurs in EN3 is a four-year initiative (2024 – 2028) designed to support 80 newcomer startups establishing in eastern Ontario, including 24 female-founded ventures. The program aims to foster the creation of 80 jobs, support the development of 80 IP assets, and deliver millions in direct investment to eastern Ontario.

Strengthening eastern Ontario’s Energy, Environment and Engineering (EN3) sector with dedicated support for newcomer founders, female founders, and in-demand talent. This cohort-based initiative enhances and empowers the network of support and resources available to startups, and promotes the continued inclusion and investment in female-led startups.

Program Offerings

• Team of up to two (2) dedicated advisors (Entrepreneurs in Residence) working with founder(s)
  and leadership team.
• A customized action plan to meet the acceleration/growth needs of the company.
• Access to masterclasses.
• Access to support networks in eastern Ontario and beyond through the eastern Ontario Innovation Corridor (EOIC) initiative.
• Leadership and development coaching for the company’s founder(s) and leadership team.
• Access to targeted workshops – customer acquisition/retention, developing your hiring strategy, capital acquisition/management.
• Access to exclusive perks through Spark Centre and Launch Lab.
• Membership to PARO Centre for Women Enterprise for Female Founders.
• Support in protecting IP assets including nomination to various IP funding opportunities (based on
  eligibility).
• Curated industry knowledge-sharing and networking events across eastern Ontario.
• Accelerator grant of $10,000 with $10,000 co-investment awarded upon completing
  the program to help drive growth.
• Access to non-collateral loans of up to $10,000 from Rise Helps.
• Access to non-collateral loans of up to $50,000 for female founders from PARO.

Program Eligibility

• Must be a female-led business OR a newcomer to Canada (PR less than 5 years).
• Must be coachable and willing to commit to requirements of the program.
• Must register as a Spark Centre or Launch Lab client.
• Located in or desire to locate within eastern Ontario (residence and/or business operations).
• Less than 500 employees (for businesses).
• Demonstrated traction (for businesses).
• Filling talent needs in crucial sectors (for talent).
• A program entry fee of $2,500.
• Each founder must commit to reciprocating 20 hours of advisory/mentorship to other founders in the future.