Incubators and accelerators play a valuable role in the startup journey, especially in the early stages. Learn more about some of the programs available to founders based in Calgary and beyond. 

Interview date: August 19, 2019

Featured Speakers:

• Katie Findlay, Manager of Trade at Calgary Economic Development, host of the Trade Accelerator Program for Southern Alberta
• Kevin Franco, Entrepreneur in Residence at Platform Calgary and Program Guide for Junction
• Hannah Cree, Senior Manager, Entrepreneur Education at ATB Financial and Strategy Lead for ATB X

Program Information:

Trade Accelerator Program:

The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) is a hands-on accelerator that connects small to medium-sized businesses with the network, tools and knowledge they need to scale up, develop and execute an export plan. This program was created by the Toronto World Trade Centre and Toronto Region Board of Trade and hosted by Calgary Economic Development for all companies in Southern Alberta. 

Applications for Cohort 7 are now open. Cohort 7 will be held Nov 7-8, 18 and Dec 18, 2019. Open to businesses across Southern Alberta. Cohort 7 will be focused on technology and services. 

Email: [email protected]

Junction:

Platform Calgary’s Junction program is a full-time residency program that helps you build a strong foundation as an entrepreneur and sets you apart from the competition, providing you with an unfair advantage when approaching investors, partners and customers. Ultimately, it will prepare you to take full advantage of seed accelerators after graduation so you can hit the ground running.

Applications are ongoing and the next program is tentatively set for January of 2020. Open to first time founders world-wide (founders outside of Canada can look at the Startup Visa program as well).

Email: [email protected] 

ATB X: 

ATB X is the first crowdsourced, growth-focused program delivered by businesses, for businesses, through experts, connections and community. You choose what you need to level up your business and we introduce you to the Xperts—entrepreneurs, business owners and community partners—who know from experience how to run a business. They’ll share their wins, failures, tips and tools so you can grow your business faster through mentorship and weekly working sessions.

Applications are now open for the Winter 2020 cohort. Open to all Alberta-based companies. 

Email: [email protected]

Join Calgary's Startup Community: 

Startup Calgary’s free Community Membership will help you stay on top of community events, resources and updates. Members receive exclusive discounts and a free downloadable version of our Startup Community 101 deck. You can sign up here.