NBIF Startup Investment Fund

The NBIF Startup Investment Fund provides financial support through equity investment to facilitate the growth and development of innovative businesses. The investment terms are structured to help New Brunswick startups demonstrate their commercial viability and prepare for future funding rounds.

• Investments are made through preferred shares, common shares, or convertible debentures.
• Maximum funding amount of $200,000 in pre-seed equity.
• The funding should be directed towards refining and commercializing technology, products, or services.
• Access to additional resources such as AWS credits, strategic partnerships, and sales and marketing support.
• Continuous support and guidance through an extensive network and potential governance involvement including a board seat.

Eligibility for the Startup Investment Fund is defined by several criteria related to the applicant's business and planned use of the funds.

• The company must be based in New Brunswick.
• The investment is intended for developing innovations and their commercialization specifically from New Brunswick.
• The company should demonstrate commercial viability through traction such as early adopters, revenue, or additional funding.
• A strong management team and co-founders must be present and based in New Brunswick.
• The business must have a Minimum Viable Product, or a novel concept or business model.
• The company should target a large and globally relevant addressable market, with market validation from customers.
• The company should have potential for rapid scaling.
• Intellectual Property potential is advantageous, though not required.
• Applicants need a minimum 12-18 months of financial runway.
• Three-year financial projections are required, with monthly details for the first year and quarterly for the subsequent two years.

Who is eligible?

This grant is dedicated to early-stage companies in New Brunswick who have a focus on innovation and commercial viability. To secure pre-seed equity investment, projects must demonstrate significant potential and meet specific criteria.

• Potential to scale rapidly.
• Possibility for Intellectual Property development (note: not mandatory).
• Presence of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
• Novelty in concept or uniqueness in the business model.
• A large, addressable and target market with globally relevant market validation from customers.
• Possession of a strong team, including co-founders and a well-rounded management team based in New Brunswick.
• Domain or technical expertise in the relevant market space.
• Financial runway plans covering a minimum of 12-18 months.
• Three-year financial projections with monthly details for the first year and quarterly details for the following two years.

Eligible expenses

The Startup Investment Fund (SIF) supports the growth and commercialization of innovative products and technologies in New Brunswick. The eligible projects focus on refining business models, developing minimum viable products, and achieving market validation.

• Development and commercialization of technology or innovative product.
• Creation of a minimum viable product (MVP) for market testing.
• Refinement of business models and strategies for scale-up.
• Demonstrating the commercial viability of a product or idea.
• Building a strong co-founder and management team in New Brunswick.
• Pursuing intellectual property opportunities.
• Market validation through potential customer engagement.

Eligible geographic areas

This investment fund is available to companies established in New Brunswick. It aims to foster innovation and business development within this specific geographical area.

• Companies based in New Brunswick, Canada.

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Startup Investment Fund (SIF) are guided by distinct criteria aimed at identifying companies poised for rapid growth and successful commercialization.

• Potential to scale rapidly.
• Existence of a Minimum Viable Product.
• Novelty and uniqueness of the concept or business model.
• Large addressable and target market.
• Global relevance with market validation from customers.
• Strength of the team, including co-founders and a well-rounded management team based in New Brunswick.
• Team's domain or technical expertise in the market space.
• Minimum 12-18 months of financial runway.
• Three-year financial projections with detailed monthly and quarterly breakdowns.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• Investments may be made through preferred shares, common shares, or convertible debentures.
• The investment aims to help startups reach their next round of financing within 12-18 months.
• The investment team provides support beyond financial investment, including mentorship and network access.
• Strategic partnerships offer applicants significant discounts on services such as AWS credits and CRM tools.