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Source verified August 17, 2026
Startup in residence
Acceleration and investment support for tech startups
Latest source updateLast Update: August 17, 2026Latest change: Startup in Residence now shows a different program focus, updated application timing/status, revised selection criteria, and a new application form link.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 17, 2026
Latest change: 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 program updated
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.
Funding available
$ 15,000 - $ 250,000
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 : 250,000 $
- 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
2
Validate your eligibility
Documents Needed
- A completed SeR application form.
- A presentation (Pitch Deck) for the interview session.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian-based technology companies can apply.
- Early-stage technology companies with high growth potential and a positive socio-economic impact on communities in Canada can apply.
- Companies in financial technology, regulatory technology, computer security, healthcare technology, real estate technology, or impact enterprise sectors can apply.
Who is not eligible
- CO-OPs are not supported.
- NPOs are not supported.
- Companies that are not Canadian-based technology companies should not apply.
- Desjardins officers, members of the jury, and anyone residing with them are not eligible to participate.
- Mentors, members of the Desjardins Open Innovation Department, and anyone residing with them, as well as startups that have already participated in the SiR program unless they have undergone a substantial pivot, are not eligible.
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
- Applications are assessed on the relevance of the product or solution to the call for applications.
- Applications are assessed on the presentation.
- Applications are assessed on the answers to the questions.
How to apply
- From the Apply page, select the À la carte service.
- Complete the application form to submit your application.
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 $250,000 of admissible expenses.
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.
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.
Is the Startup in residence a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Startup in residence is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Startup in residence?
Startup in residence is funded by Desjardins