To Start
Edmonton is a place where people come to do big things - because they can. It all starts here.
Is this for me?
Whether you're exploring entrepreneurship or a new entrepreneur, we want to work with you. From planning it all out to marketing the product, our free programs will give you the tools and advice to bring your idea to the next step.
Foundational Programs
Business Model 101
Map out your idea and validate its potential using the Lean Canvas. 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.
Social Impact Business Model
You’ll focus on the Social Lean Canvas, a tool for developing a clear understanding of the social impact and value propositions of a business or social enterprise, or not-for-profit idea.
Cultivate: Social Impact
A remarkable opportunity for founders, entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs who aspire to drive positive change in the world while strengthening their businesses.
Testing Business Ideas
Do you want to validate your ideas before fully committing to them? As a startup, entrepreneur, or builder it can be difficult to know what to test and experiment on.
Discover & Validate
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’ll love.
Office Hours
Connect with industry experts from legal and accounting firms, Denton’s and MNP through our monthly Office Hours.
Programs to Start
Alberta Catalyzer: Engage
Supporting entrepreneurs that will take the information they’ve collected from initial customer discovery about the problem they’re looking to solve and work on a minimum viable product (MVP) that they will be ready to test.
Preflight: Build, Test & Learn
After talking to potential customers, it’s time to start building. We’ll guide you through building and testing your first solution (MVP) so you can keep learning and implementing the parts of your idea you mapped out previously.
Alberta Catalyzer: Traction
Supporting entrepreneurs to establish a compelling brand voice and establish a sales strategy to grow their initial sales and traction.
Preflight: Market, Sell & Pitch
You’ve tested your solution and continue to hear and learn from your customers—Nice Work! Now it’s time to start learning how to tell your story. Get ready to dive into marketing, sales, and pitching.
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.
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.
Partner Programs
Capital City Pilots
Connecting local entrepreneurs with City-owned assets. Small to medium-sized businesses can test their innovative intellectual property while making improvements to municipal property.
Innovation U: An Entrepreneurship Series
Adapted from Edmonton Unlimited’s Foundational series through to Preflight: Market, Sell & Pitch is an inclusive program aimed at all innovators and entrepreneurs. Each class can be taken in sequence or as a stand-alone session and is designed to build upon one another.
Accelerators to Start
Alberta Accelerator by 500
Plug and Play Alberta
TELUS Community Safety & Wellness Accelerator powered by AlchemistX
Innovation Stories
I want to grow, I want to start
Ashif Mawji
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Events to Start
Health Innovators’ Meetup – Jingle & Mingle Holiday Mixer
December 7, 2023
C-Tribe x Gaming Festival 2023
December 8, 2023 - December 10, 2023
Get Started
Unsure if these programs are right for you? Reach out today for a free, 30-minute meeting to learn how we can help you start your idea.