Invest Ottawa Accelerator Program

Eligibility for the IO Accelerator Program is determined by specific requirements related to the stage of the tech startup and its market engagement.

• The startup must have developed a minimum viable product (MVP).
• The startup must demonstrate customer traction, such as revenue or pilots with customers.
• The startup must have less than $2 million in annual revenue.
• The founders must be ready to invest time in a high-touch, milestone-driven program.

Who is eligible?

Tech startups in the early stages of success are eligible to apply for the IO Accelerator program. The program is best suited for companies that have developed a minimum viable product (MVP), can demonstrate customer traction with revenue or pilots, have less than $2M in annual revenue, and are ready to commit time to a high-touch, milestone-driven program designed to promote scalable growth.

Eligible expenses

The projects and activities eligible for the IO Accelerator Program focus on accelerating growth for early-stage startups that exhibit potential for scalability and market fit. The program is designed to enhance key business functions and foster strategic market entry.

• Guidance on achieving product-market fit through expert advisory support.
• Facilitation of connections with angel investors and venture capitalists to secure funding.
• Navigation of funding programs to scale business operations.
• Access to desk rental space at Studio7 in Bayview Yards for strategic networking and operational convenience.
• Access to discounts on essential business software to reduce operational costs.
• Provision of curated market insights and research to inform growth strategies.

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:

• Having developed a minimum viable product (MVP)
• Demonstrating customer traction (revenue or pilots with customers)
• Having less than $2M in annual revenue
• Being ready to invest time in following a high-touch, milestone-driven program

Other notable benefits and insights for participants in the IO Accelerator Program include:

• The program not only offers guidance on securing funding but also simplifies the process of connecting with potential investors and venture capitalists.
• Participants gain access to exclusive market insights, enabling more informed strategic decisions and identification of new opportunities.
• There is an optional opportunity to rent desk space at Bayview Yards, providing a professional and collaborative working environment.
• Participants benefit from discounts on various business essential SaaS tools aiding in diverse areas such as legal, finance, marketing, and project management.