Newcomer Entrepreneur Accelerator Program
Overview
The Newcomer Entrepreneur Accelerator Program, partially funded by the National Research Council of Canada IRAP, is a six-month initiative designed to support Canadian technology firms founded by newcomers in developing and scaling their intellectual property. Eligible activities include business coaching, talent acquisition, market research, investment readiness, and networking opportunities, with a program fee of 750 CAD plus tax.
At a glance
Funding available
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop employee skills
- Selling in a new market
- No Condition
- Open Date : August 17, 2023
Eligible candidates
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Ontario
- For-profit business
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- Newcomers to Canada
- Startups
Activities funded
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for the Newcomer Entrepreneur Accelerator (NEA) Program are as follows:
- Canadian technology-based company engaged in the development of intellectual property for their product.
- Have demonstrated traction, either through sales, prior investments and grants, or user growth, contingent on the industry.
- Minimum 50% of the company owned by new Canadian citizen(s) or permanent resident(s).
- Fewer than 500 employees.
Who is eligible?
Canadian technology-based companies engaged in the development of intellectual property for their products are eligible for this grant. The company must have demonstrated traction through sales, prior investments and grants, or user growth, with at least 50% ownership by new Canadian citizens or permanent residents and fewer than 500 employees.
- Canadian technology-based company
- Engaged in the development of intellectual property
- Demonstrated traction through sales, prior investments and grants, or user growth
- Minimum 50% ownership by new Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Fewer than 500 employees
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include:
- Costs related to technology development and intellectual property
- Talent acquisition and team building expenses
- Accounting and corporate tax costs
- Sales growth initiatives in North America
- Market research and focus group expenses
- Marketing and event planning support
- Investment Readiness Program participation and Demo Day expenses
Selection criteria
Evaluation and selection criteria for the Newcomer Entrepreneur Accelerator (NEA) Program:
- Demonstrated traction through sales, prior investments and grants, or user growth
- Minimum 50% ownership by new Canadian citizen(s) or permanent resident(s)
- Engaged in the development of intellectual property
- Canadian technology-based company with fewer than 500 employees
How to apply
Ensure your company aligns with the eligibility criteria:
- Must be a Canadian technology-based company with a focus on developing intellectual property.
- Have demonstrated traction through sales, prior investments and grants, or user growth.
- At least 50% ownership by new Canadian citizen(s) or permanent resident(s).
- Employ fewer than 500 individuals.
Understand what the program offers and expects from you:
- 1:1 coaching from industry professionals.
- Support in talent acquisition, accounting, and sales growth in North America.
- Participation in an Investment Readiness Program and Demo Day.
- Exposure to the community through events and webinars.
Complete your application with business information:
- Ensure you have a business English proficiency level.
- Compile all necessary company details and complete the application, which takes about 20 minutes.
Note the program's annual cycle:
- This program runs once a year with the next cohort starting in September 2024.
- Check for any specific deadlines related to the application process.
Prepare the program fee and complete the application:
- Make sure you have the required program fee of 500 CAD + tax ready.
- Submit your application within the specified timeline.
