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Startup in residence
Acceleration and investment support for tech startups
Funding available
$ 15,000 - $ 265,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Startup in Residence supports early-stage technology companies with high growth potential and positive socio-economic impact in Canada through a $15,000 non-dilutive grant and potential investment of up to $250,000. It can fund external services such as legal, accounting, and design, while selected companies also receive mentorship and office space.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 265,000 $
- Minimum amount : 15,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Propose a technological solution capable of improving the performance and competitiveness of organizations at the Canadian level.
Documents Needed
- The duly completed registration or application form.
- A short financial form.
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
Startup in Residence program updated
Startup in Residence now shows a different program focus, updated application timing/status, revised selection criteria, and a new application form link.
Startup in Residence now presents a different program focus, with the visible calls and target themes updated, including ESG and PropTech. The page also shows new application-period timing and closure/status information, revised selection criteria such as incorporation in Canada, prototype requirements, and funding-history limits, and a different Google Form application link. The program overview still highlights free expert support and partner connections, but the changed content materially alters who the program is aimed at, when it is open, and how applicants are directed to apply.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Startups, regardless of their sector of activity, may apply.
- Technology companies based in Canada are eligible.
Who is not eligible
- Cooperatives and nonprofits are not eligible.
- Companies that are not based in Canada or whose headquarters are not in Canada are not eligible.
- Desjardins executives, members of the selection committee or jury, and the people they live with are not eligible.
- Mentors, members of Desjardins Open Innovation Department, and the people they live with are not eligible.
- Startups that have already participated in the SeR program are not eligible, unless they have pivoted by changing all or part of their business plan to align as closely as possible with market expectations.
Eligible expenses
- External services useful for project feasibility, including legal, accounting, and design services.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Using the cash grant for personal needs while participating in the residence program.
- Invoicing the company for the founders' own services and time, unless expressly authorized in writing by Desjardins.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Validity of the concept.
- Stage of product development.
- Competitive landscape.
- Team composition and experience.
- Ability of the solution to create a positive socio-economic impact on communities in Canada.
How to apply
- Consult the SeR website during the call period and click on the Apply now button.
- Complete and submit the application submission form.
- Acknowledge that you have read the Call for Applications Regulations once they are made available on the SeR website.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a selection committee.
- If you meet all the criteria, you will be asked to present your solution to a committee of experts and investors.
- Selected startups must ensure that their company meets the SiR program eligibility criteria on an ongoing basis throughout participation.
- Participants and/or selected startups agree to take part in surveys and interviews on the progress of their startup and product or solution for up to 3 years after completing the program.
- Non-compliance with grant terms may lead to grant withdrawal and a request for full interest-free reimbursement.
Additional information
- By applying, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of the information you share, including personal information.
- If you choose not to provide personal information, the Startup en résidence team may not be able to process your application.
- Do not disclose any proprietary intellectual property in the application form.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee admission to the program or any financial investment from Desjardins.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Startup in residence Program
What is the Startup in residence?
Startup in Residence supports early-stage technology companies with high growth potential and positive socio-economic impact in Canada through a $15,000 non-dilutive grant and potential investment of up to $250,000. It can fund external services such as legal, accounting, and design, while selected companies also receive mentorship and office space.
How much funding can be received?
Startup in residence Funds up to $265,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Startup in residence program?
To be eligible for the Startup in residence program, you must:
The company must be incorporated in Canada.
The startup must have first paying customers and have raised less than $1,000,000, excluding non-dilutive funding.
At least one co-founder must work full time for the business, and the company must have strong growth potential.
What expenses are eligible under Startup in residence?
External services useful for project feasibility, including legal, accounting, and design services.
Who can I contact for more information about the Startup in residence?
You can contact Desjardins by email at ser@startup-residence.ca.
Where is the Startup in residence available?
The Startup in residence program is available across Canada.