
Early Stage Startup Stream
Last Update: March 30, 2025
ON, Canada
Support for early stage innovation entrepreneurs
Early Stage Startup Stream at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : May 12, 2022
Financing Type
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- Parkdale Centre for Innovation
Status
Open
Overview of the Early Stage Startup Stream program
Participate in webinars, mentorship programs and opportunities to prepare your business in the innovation economy.
Eligible projects & activities
This grant is designed to support early-stage startups as they prepare for various aspects of business growth and development. The projects eligible for this grant focus on crucial areas that foster a startup's initial traction and scalability potential.
- User growth and traction development initiatives, aimed at expanding a startup's customer base.
- Projects focused on team growth, including recruiting and developing talent within the startup.
- Strategies for revenue growth, enhancing a startup's financial performance and sustainability.
- Fundraising activities aimed at acquiring capital to support business operations and expansion.
- Building sustainable business models with potential for scalable market growth.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 12,000
Developing a specialized training program for financial literacy among immigrants
$ 30,000
Enhancing laboratory research capabilities for renewable energy projects
$ 9,000
Launching a community garden initiative to promote sustainable agriculture
$ 18,000
Organizing a mentorship program for young entrepreneurs in the tech industry
$ 8,000
Launching a digital marketing campaign to boost organic reach for a local bakery
$ 15,000
Developing a new software solution to improve inventory management for small retailers
Eligibility criteria of the Early Stage Startup Stream program
Eligibility for participation in the Parkdale Centre programs is determined by specific criteria related to the stage and goals of the startup and the entrepreneur's commitments.
- The applicant must be an entrepreneur who has or is looking to incorporate a new business in Canada.
- The applicant can commit to setting and meeting revenue and growth goals during a 9-18 month program.
- The applicant must have or be willing to build a sustainable business model with potential for scalable market growth.
- The applicant should be willing to execute program requirements, meet milestones, and stay on track with consistent program participation.
Who is eligible?
Entrepreneurs across Canada who meet the following criteria can apply for the Parkdale Centre Winter 2024 Intake:- Entrepreneurs who have a new business or an idea to incorporate a new business in Canada.- Applicants should be capable of setting and meeting revenue and growth goals during a 9 to 18-month program.- Entrepreneurs with a sustainable business model that has potential for scalable market growth.- Individuals willing to execute program requirements, meet milestones, and remain on track with the Parkdale Centre Roadmap.- Participants should resonate with the Centre's focus on data-driven, socially aware, scalable business models and utilize the ecosystem support effectively.- While applicants from anywhere in Canada are welcome, initiatives that make positive impacts on the Parkdale community are prioritized. Overall, the program seeks self-driven, resourceful founders with a proactive approach to solving problems and delivering value to communities.
Eligible expenses
The Parkdale Centre for Innovation grant supports entrepreneurs and businesses in various stages of development. The eligible projects primarily focus on facilitating growth, scalability, and sustainability in business.
- Setting and meeting revenue and growth goals over a specified period.
- Building sustainable business models with scalability potential.
- Executing program requirements and meeting program milestones.
- Engaging in programs that support user growth, traction, and financing.
- Developing and refining data-driven and socially aware business models.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is accessible to entrepreneurs and businesses located throughout Canada. Geographical eligibility includes a focus on projects that positively impact the Parkdale area.
- Entrepreneurs from across Canada.
- Initiatives prioritizing positive impact within the Parkdale area.
Eligibility criteria of the Early Stage Startup Stream program
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Applicants will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Alignment with program objectives and focus areas
- Demonstrated potential for impact and scalability
- Evidence of innovative solutions and sustainable business models
- Ability to execute program requirements and meet milestones
- Commitment to continuous learning and growth within the program
How to apply to the Early Stage Startup Stream program
1
Initial Research
- Visit the Parkdale Centre for Innovation's website to review available programs and determine eligibility.
- Understand the specific goals and commitments required for the program you are interested in.
2
Application Preparation
- Prepare the necessary information and documents to complete your application.
- Draft a clear business roadmap with goals, challenges, and metrics.
- Ensure readiness to commit to program requirements and milestones.
3
Start an Application
- Navigate to the "Start an Application" section on the Parkdale Centre's website.
- Fill out the online application form with accurate and complete information.
4
Submit Application
Submit your completed online application form through the Parkdale Centre's website.
5
Post-Submission
- Await contact from the Parkdale Centre regarding the status of your application.
- Be prepared to revise your application or develop a detailed roadmap for further program participation if invited.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for participants in Parkdale Centre programs:
- Programs provide self-directed roadmaps catered to individual business goals and needs.
- Participants have access to program sessions and ongoing ecosystem support throughout the duration of the program.
- Parkdale Centre encourages the development of socially aware, scalable business models supported through various program phases.
- The centre supports participants with both virtual and physical co-working space options.
- There are specific alumni programs aimed at continued leadership within the ecosystem.
Apply to this program

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