When we evaluate which companies to accept to the GB Accelerator program, we are looking both at the company as well as the entrepreneur and their team.

Ideal candidates depend on the program. In general, we are looking for businesses with potential to scale outside of the region.

We choose people and businesses based on their potential, their desire to grow and to work with the Accelerator team, and their drive to make an impact. You don’t have to be technical or have a tech idea. We have worked with a wide range of organizations across manufacturing, education, food production and technology.

Your business and/or founder(s) should be based in the South Georgian Bay region (Simcoe, Grey, Bruce Counties)

Not at all! We have helped all kinds of business in the past. So far our focus has been on companies in education, manufacturing, climate tech, and foods and drinks, but we are open to any business with a potential to grow in impact beyond our region.

The short answer: if you are not sure if you qualify, please apply or contact us and we will let you know.

In more detail, you will get the most out of our program if you have more than a raw and untested idea for a new business. Ideally you are at a stage where you have existing customers and revenue of at least $100,000 per year. At a minimum, you should have a concept for a business that has broad potential, have completed basic market research to validate your idea, and have assumptions to build a basic financial business plan. Don’t worry, all of this does not have to be perfect, we will help you build out what you need, but you should be able to bring a foundation to begin with.

No – you just need to have an innovative idea, product, service and/or process. We look for companies that have the opportunity and ability to scale and grow into new markets. If you have an opportunity to register IP and need advice, we can help you get there.

No, you don’t need to have funding or external investors in your business to apply. If you plan to secure funding from private investors, participation in our program will give you insights how to best prepare you and your business for those conversations.

The GB Accelerator accepts applications year-round – you can apply at any time.

Our team will review the information you submitted and usually reach out to you within a few days to set up an introductory meeting or call to learn more about your business and answer any questions you may have.

As the next step, you will present your business and motivation to join the program to our independent Selection Committee, who decides whether to accept you into the program.

Once accepted, we will work with you to understand which broad problem areas you would like to address during the program, and match you with the expert mentors to best meet those needs.

After your mentor team is set up, we start into the program with a Deep Dive meeting where we discuss what we want to achieve over the next 4 months, and how we can get there.

There is no fee to participate in our growth program.

Once you have graduated from the program, you will be able to access ongoing mentoring, advice and events on a fee-for-service basis. There is an expectation that businesses who benefit from the Accelerator will eventually give back and support other organizations to help them grow in South Georgian Bay and strengthen the entrepreneurship community.

Participation in the Accelerator Growth Program is free. We do not ask for a participation fee, and unlike some other accelerator programs, we do not take equity from companies who complete the 4 month program.

We do have a “give back” philosophy and encourage successful program alumni to help fund the accelerator for the next generation of entrepreneurs with donations to our non-profit organization.

Program participants have access to optional services provided by third parties for free or at a discounted rate. Purchase of any of those services is not required to participate in the program.

As an entrepreneur going through the 4 month program, you should be prepared to invest about 10 hours a month. Most of this time you will work with mentors, your lead coach, and fellow program participants in 1:1 and group meetings.

In addition, you should expect to spend some time working on action items and execution projects coming out of those sessions that will drive your business forward. Program sessions are virtual, usually held during daytime, weekday hours. Only the initial Deep Dive meeting is usually an in-person meeting.

The GB Accelerator provides highly targeted support based on the needs of you, your team, and your business. The process starts with a deep-dive to fully understand your stage, skillsets, challenges and opportunities. This assessment helps us to develop an action plan moving forward specific to your business and growth objectives. We then pair you with a team of coaches and advisors to help you move forward. Support will include a dedicated coach, team of mentors, experts, as well as support directly from the Accelerator staff.