Let's get started
The best way to start exploring your business idea or to further grow it, would be to try out one of our free programs. If you're still unsure what you need, book a free, online, 30-minute meeting with our team. We’ll listen to your idea and challenges, make recommendations on how you can move forward, and connect you with lots of opportunities in the community.
Foundational Programs
Business Model 101
Business Model 101 can help you map out your ideas and validate their potential. Whether it’s your first time testing an idea or exploring entrepreneurship, or your tenth time, a strong foundation will set you up for success.
Discover & Validate Series
Once you’ve mapped everything out with the Lean Canvas, we’ll guide you through talking to customers so you can build them something they love in the Discover and Validate Series.
Programs to Start
Preflight: Build, Test & Learn
After talking to potential customers, it’s time to start building. In this stage we’ll guide you through assembling and testing your first MVP (minimum viable product) so you can keep learning and validating the parts of your idea you mapped out in the Foundations stage.
Preflight: Market, Sell & Pitch
You’ve tested your MVP and done thorough customer interviews—Nice work! Now that you know you’re building something customers love, it’s time to start crafting how you’re going to talk about your product or service. Get ready to dive into marketing, sales and the basics of investment and pitching.
Programs to Grow
Experts On Demand
Growth-stage companies will be matched with one of 100+ experts, with international representation, providing 100 hours of one-to-one and industry-specific business coaching on operational topics.
Post Secondary Institution (PSI) Business Development Support
Students, staff, and alumni of Edmonton’s post-secondary schools interested in building a technology-based company can access support through the Business Development Support (BDS) program.
Post Secondary Institution (PSI) Executive In Residence
Students, staff, and alumni* of Edmonton’s post-secondary schools interested in building a technology-based company can access the support of an Executive in Residence (EIR) on campus.
Propel
A 12-week pre-accelerator program designed to support Edmonton-based, early-stage, innovative startups, Propel offers hands-on, individual support from expert mentors who have been there and know what’s next on the journey to tackle the world’s most pressing problems.
Tech-Agnostic Experts On Demand
This pilot program is open to locally-owned companies or non-profits that have some traction and are ready to grow.
Accelerators
TELUS Community Safety & Wellness Accelerator powered by AlchemistX
In partnership with AlchemistX, the Edmonton Police Foundation, and Alberta Innovates, the CSW Accelerator is bringing proven Silicon Valley acceleration programming to support solutions aimed at positive social impact in Edmonton.
Plug and Play Alberta
Plug and Play connects the world’s best startups with international corporations to bring technology to market faster. Alberta entrepreneurs will have access to a network of official corporate partners, venture capitalists, and supports to scale and grow, hire tech talent, and propel digital transformation across the province.
Alberta Catalyzer
If you are ready to take your tech-driven business to the next level, the Alberta Catalyzer pre-accelerator supports entrepreneurs to launch and grow their startups in Alberta.
Alberta Accelerator by 500
With the goal of uplifting the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs, the Alberta Accelerator by 500 is designed for startups with the shared vision of strengthening Alberta as a global hub for tech innovation. Both local and international startups with a tech-enabled solution from any industry or sector can apply.
Events to Start
November 29, 2022
Plug and Play Alberta – Batch 2 Expo Day
MacEwan Venture Lab Demo Day 4
December 2, 2022
Persuasion Strategies – How to Influence, Motivate, & Persuade Anyone!
November 29, 2022
Get Started
Still unsure of what you're looking for? Reach out for a free, 30-minute meeting to learn how we can help you with your idea or business.