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Accelerate Okanagan — Venture Acceleration Program - BC - Canada

Accelerate Okanagan — Venture Acceleration Program

Last Update: October 27, 2025
BC, Canada
Resources to take a BC business to market

At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • No Condition
Timeline
  • Closing date : September 4, 2024
Financing Type
Partnering and Collaboration
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Funds Providers
Program status
Closed

Overview

Access one-on-one business coaching, entrepreneurial training and resources, and exclusive services as you work through the startup process.

Activities funded

The Venture Acceleration Program is a six-month initiative designed to support entrepreneurs in taking their businesses to market, focusing on mentorship and training. Eligible activities include goal setting, customer discovery, market analysis, team and business model development, launch preparation, and pitching.

  • Building and implementing a goal-setting framework to connect operational plans with the entrepreneur's vision.
  • Setting business hypotheses and creating customer discovery plans.
  • Analyzing customer discovery results and introduction to positioning statements.
  • Market segmentation, identifying ideal customers, and competitive analysis.
  • Assessment of team capabilities and development of financial feasibility models.
  • Finalizing pricing, marketing, and sales plans in preparation for launch.
  • Improving business pitches to effectively describe and promote the business.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 20,000
Conduct market research for a new organic food business
$ 30,000
Develop a prototype for an eco-friendly packaging solution
$ 30,000
Developing an innovative app for local restaurant recommendations
$ 50,000
Launching a sustainable fashion line targeting eco-conscious consumers

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Venture Acceleration Program is determined by the readiness and commitment of the entrepreneur and their business status.

  • Applicants should be committed entrepreneurs ready to take their business to market.
  • The program requires participants who are open to mentorship and training.

Who is eligible?

The Venture Acceleration Program (VAP) is designed for committed entrepreneurs who are ready to take their business to market. This program is ideal for entrepreneurs seeking mentorship, training, and an opportunity to build networks in a cohort model, as they navigate through the startup process. It is suitable for those who want to enhance their business skills in goal setting, customer discovery, market analysis, team development, and pitching. Participants must be willing to engage in a virtual learning environment due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.

Eligible expenses

The program involves a detailed framework encouraging entrepreneurs to set achievable goals, validate their business ideas, and prepare for a successful launch. Participants will develop vital skills through a series of structured activities that emphasize market understanding, team building, and effective pitching.

  • Build and implement a goal-setting framework aligned with operational plans and vision.
  • Transform business hypotheses into customer-validated facts through customer discovery plans.
  • Analyze customer discovery outcomes and refine market positioning.
  • Conduct market segmentation and competitive analysis to define an MVP.
  • Develop a financial feasibility model and assess team capabilities.
  • Create a release strategy and prepare for market launch.
  • Enhance business pitching skills for effective presentations.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection criteria for the Venture Acceleration Program (VAP) are not explicitly stated in the provided context. Specific criteria and assigned point scores were not detailed in the available information.

How to apply

1

Review Program Details

  • Study the program's objectives, curriculum, and timeline to ensure alignment with your business goals.
  • Assess the commitment required to participate in the six-month program.
2

Prepare Application Materials

  • Collect information about your startup, including vision, mission, and business objectives.
  • Prepare details about your team, including roles, expertise, and contact information.
  • Draft descriptions of your product or service and its market potential.
3

Complete Application Form

  • Access the application form via the Innovate BC or Accelerate Okanagan website.
  • Fill out all required fields, ensuring accurate and comprehensive responses.
4

Submission

  • Submit the completed application form through the designated online portal before September 4.
  • Verify receipt of your application by looking for a confirmation message or email.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for the Venture Acceleration Program:

  • The program is facilitated virtually due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, ensuring accessibility regardless of location.
  • Participants will engage in a cohort model, fostering lifelong relationships and collaborative learning with peers.
  • Each month of the program focuses on specific themes, including goal setting, customer discovery, market analysis, team development, launch preparation, and pitching skills.
  • Personalized, one-on-one mentorship is provided alongside group activities for comprehensive support.
  • Entrepreneurs will have access to a network of mentors and potentially beneficial contacts within the Innovate BC and Accelerate Okanagan ecosystems.
Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Accelerate Okanagan — Venture Acceleration Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Accelerate Okanagan — Venture Acceleration Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Accelerate Okanagan — Venture Acceleration Program?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Accelerate Okanagan — Venture Acceleration Program?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Accelerate Okanagan — Venture Acceleration Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Accelerate Okanagan — Venture Acceleration Program?

Who is eligible for the Accelerate Okanagan — Venture Acceleration Program program?

Who can I contact for more information about the Accelerate Okanagan — Venture Acceleration Program?

Where is the Accelerate Okanagan — Venture Acceleration Program available?

Are startups eligible for the Accelerate Okanagan — Venture Acceleration Program program?

Apply to this program

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