Zú program — Incubation
QC, Canada
Business growth through strategic mentoring and exclusive resources
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
Partnering and Collaboration
Other Support
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
grant_single|grantors
- Zú
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Incubation program, based on the Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) methodology developed by MIT, aims to support companies with a minimum viable product by providing strategic mentorship from a network of experienced mentors. This year-long program offers access to various services including professional workshops, pitch clinics, and exclusive financing sources, designed to propel commercial success and support internationalization efforts.
grant_single_labels|projects
Yes, projects and activities eligible for this grant include those that have developed a minimum viable product and aim to grow and commercialize their business. The incubation program provides various forms of support to these projects.
- Team mentoring sessions with experienced mentors
- Workshops and meetings with professional experts (legal, tax, financial, etc.)
- Access to National Bank’s Creative Industries Group advisor
- Monthly pitch clinics
- Participation in innovation challenges
- Access to exclusive financing sources
- Support for internationalization and trade missions
- Privileged access to TELUS 5G Innovation Lab residencies
- Access to meeting and work spaces in the Zú Atrium
- Preferred access to Zú events and exclusive community offerings
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this incubation program is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant company's stage and profile.
- The applicant company must have developed a minimum viable product.
- The company should align with the methodology and objectives of the Venture Mentoring Service.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Incubation grants are typically designed for companies that have already developed a minimum viable product and are seeking to leverage mentorship and strategic guidance to scale their business ventures. These grants are particularly aimed at entrepreneurs looking to gain access to various resources and advisory services that can help them overcome business challenges and propel their commercial success.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The incubation program eligible for this grant primarily focuses on fostering business growth through mentorship and access to specialized resources. Activities aim to provide strategic decision-making support and tools to enhance commercial success.
- Participation in the Venture Mentoring Service based on the MIT methodology, including monthly group meetings with three mentors.
- Access to workshops and meetings with professional experts in various domains such as legal, tax, and finance.
- Engagement with the National Bank’s Creative Industries Group advisor for personalized business guidance.
- Involvement in monthly pitch clinics to refine presentation and pitching skills.
- Opportunities to participate in innovation challenges and international trade missions.
- Access to exclusive financing sources available to incubated companies.
- Use of meeting and work spaces in the Zú Atrium and participation in Zú events.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Visit the Programs Page
- Go to the Zú website and navigate to the Programs page.
- Review the detailed information about the incubation program and application requirements.
- Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation
- Prepare all necessary documents, including details about your minimum viable product and company information.
- Draft a description of how your business could benefit from the mentoring and resources provided.
- Step 3: Complete the Application Form
- Access the application form via the Programs page.
- Fill out the application form with accurate contact and business details.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application form along with any required documents through the provided submission link or portal.
- Ensure that all information is accurate before submission to avoid any delays.
- Step 5: Confirmation
- Receive a confirmation email or message acknowledging the receipt of your application.
- Follow any additional instructions provided in the confirmation regarding the next steps.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The incubation program from Zú offers a comprehensive support framework for companies with a minimum viable product, enabling access to mentoring and various business development services.
- Access to tools tailored to help develop business and ensure commercial success.
- Workshops and meetings with professional experts in legal, tax, and financial matters.
- A dedicated Creative Industries Group advisor from National Bank for each business.
- Monthly pitch clinics provided.
- Opportunity to participate in innovation challenges of the Innovation Circle members.
- Exclusive financing sources for companies supported by an incubator.
- Support for internationalization and the opportunity to participate in trade missions.
- Privileged access to residencies at the TELUS 5G Innovation Lab.
- 5 hours of meeting space and access to workspaces in the Zú Atrium.
- Preferred access to Zú events and exclusive community offerings.
Apply to this program
Unlock Your Business Potential with the Zú Incubation Program
Designed for companies with a minimum viable product, the Zú Incubation Program offers a comprehensive mentoring and support framework to address business challenges and drive commercial success. By utilizing the renowned Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) methodology from MIT, participants receive unparalleled guidance and access to exclusive resources.
Detailed Insights into the Zú Incubation Program
The Zú Incubation Program represents a unique opportunity for emerging companies to step into a structured environment designed to enhance their business capabilities. This program is specifically tailored for enterprises that have already developed a minimum viable product and are eager to scale their operations and refine their business strategies. By leveraging the Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) methodology from MIT, participants gain access to a high-quality mentoring framework that prioritizes impartiality, confidentiality, and the avoidance of conflicts of interest. This renowned methodology ensures that businesses receive objective guidance and multifaceted insights to inform strategic decisions.
One of the standout features of the Zú Incubation Program is its team mentoring approach. Companies are paired with three experienced mentors whose combined expertise spans various domains. These mentors, selected through a rigorous peer-referral process, bring extensive business experience and high-level executive insights to their proteges. Through monthly group meetings, this team of mentors provides diverse perspectives and advice, helping companies proceed with confidence in their strategic decision-making. This unique setup allows entrepreneurs to benefit from a collaborative mentoring environment that accelerates problem-solving and strategic planning.
Beyond mentoring, the Zú Incubation Program equips entrepreneurs with a suite of support services that are pivotal for business development and commercial triumph. Beneficiaries gain access to specialized workshops and consultations with subject matter experts in areas such as legal, tax, and financial planning. The program also includes monthly pitch clinics, enabling businesses to refine their presentation skills and increase their appeal to potential investors or partners. Moreover, each business is paired with a dedicated advisor from the National Bank’s Creative Industries Group, providing tailored financial advice and insights specific to the creative sector.
Furthermore, entrepreneurs in the Zú Incubation Program are immersed in innovation through opportunities like participating in challenges hosted by the Innovation Circle members. This exposure not only inspires creativity and fresh thinking but also places businesses at the forefront of industry innovation conversations. Participants also benefit from privileged access to funding sources exclusive to incubator-supported enterprises, bolstering their financial capacity to implement growth-oriented strategies.
The program's support for internationalization stands as another significant benefit, offering participants the chance to engage in trade missions and expand their business reach across global markets. By connecting with international networks and potential partners, businesses can scale their operations beyond local confines to capture broader market shares.
Additionally, the program provides valuable logistical support such as free meeting spaces and access to the Zú Atrium workspaces, ensuring entrepreneurs have the physical resources necessary for collaboration and productivity. Participants also enjoy preferred access to Zú-hosted events, which serve as critical networking opportunities to further integrate into the innovative business community.
Overall, the Zú Incubation Program is not just a mentoring initiative but a holistic business development toolkit, designed to fortify the commercial success of companies ready to innovate and grow. By building a strong foundation and equipping businesses with essential resources and networks, Zú fosters an environment ripe for sustained success and entrepreneurial growth.
