Introducing AC:Studio
Up to $100,000 to launch and scale your startup
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Have a high-impact startup idea or interest in joining the founding team of one?
We’ve partnered with FedDev Ontario and innovation partners from across southern Ontario to bring high-impact startups and founders the critical capital they need to launch their businesses.
But with AC:Studio, we’re going beyond the status quo.
The AC:Studio program was designed to support high-potential startup founders, whether they have an existing business idea or they are looking for their next startup adventure. This hybrid accelerator/venture studio program combines the best of our award-winning AC:Incubate program with a venture studio model that funds high-impact startups matches great ideas with talented founders, and delivers:
- Up to $100,000 in seed funding grants for startups and small business
- One-to-one mentorship with our team of in-house and specialist mentors
- Sales training from pros like Uvaro to build a team that delivers
- Tactical support in product development, marketing, UI, and UX from industry experts and freelancers through partnerships with experienced startup builders at SnapPea and Conestoga College's Gig Lab
- In-kind hours with industry experts like PWC, Bereskin & Parr, and Gowlings WLG
- Access to market research, investment intelligence, and lead generation reports
How it works
Applications for the program are open from April 25, 2022 to May 16, 2022.
You can apply as an existing startup, a serial founder, or an individual with an idea who is looking to be matched with a founding team.
Through the summer of 2022, we will match talented founders to new business ideas and interview existing startups to assess their fit for the program.
In September, we will welcome 100 startups to the program to receive their first $20,000 in grant funding.
Following that, startups will participate in structured programming and a series of pitch days to compete for up to a total of $100,000.
Are you eligible?
Please read the eligibility requirements carefully before applying.
Ready to apply?
We're ready to help you actualize your idea and build a startup that thrives.
Applications for the first cohort of AC:Studio are open from April 25, 2022 to May 16, 2022 with selected founders beginning programming in September of 2022.
Special consideration will be given to companies working on ideas that support AC priority areas, including:
- Clean tech
- Med/health tech
- Other IP rich business ideas
- Startups founded by women and/or founders from indigenous, racialized, or other underrepresented groups