Dates: Registration currently open
Registration Deadline: Not indicated
Cost to Participate: Free to participate
Program Delivery: Online
About the Program:
Welcome to the Peer Supported Startup Program (PSSP)—an 8-week program that provides entrepreneurs aged 30+ with access to skills training, business mentorship and the support of a peer network
Eligibility:
Be over 30 years of age
Have a practical idea to start or grow your own for-profit small business (any size, full or part-time)
Self-identify as having experienced mental health and/or addiction challenges.
Be unable to access traditional bank financing for your small business
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Program Benefits:
Business development: Gain the skills and confidence to develop your idea and launch your business (part-time or full-time)
Networking: Network with like-minded individuals and build connections with local entrepreneurs
Coaching: Our coaching program is designed to provide you with the necessary business support and guidance to bring your idea to life
Financing: Successful grads may be eligible to apply for a low-interest small business loan through the Rise Small Business Lending Program
Dates: Registration currently open
Registration Deadline: Not indicated
Cost to Participate: Free to participate
Program Delivery: Online
About the Program:
A 6 month pre-seed business accelerator with pathways to optimize your business through training, supports, mentorship and opportunities to become investment ready.
Eligibility:
Black entrepreneurs who are running their business for 2 or more years but don’t have a business plan.
Program Benefits:
A community of professionals to help you achieve your goals
Get help to finish your business plan
Access training to grow your sales
A holistic approach to entrepreneurship
Mental health support
Become investment ready
Registration Deadline: Ongoing
Cost to Participate: Free to participate
Program Delivery: Online self-directed
About the Program:
Empowering people Launching ideas
Self-employment gives you the chance to get past the limited opportunities and potential stigma in today’s job market to create your own path.
Whether you feel the call of entrepreneurship, but don’t yet know what kind of business you’d like to start, or if you have a great idea and need help getting it off the ground, you’ve come to the right place.
Eligibility:
N/A
Program Benefits:
Idea Generator Workshop
Learn more about entrepreneurship and if it’s the right move for you
Identify your strengths and areas you’ll need support on your journey
Come up with several potential ideas, evaluate and narrow them down
Once you have wrapped up your Idea Generator session, you will be ready to continue on your journey in one of our Entrepreneurship Training Programs, be that through our online self-directed course or one of our live virtual programs
Interactive Learning Sessions
This program includes over 30 interactive tools to help you document and organize your business journey
Case studies and a resource library help to support your learning
Once you have completed this course, you may be eligible to apply for a low-interest loan with Rise
Training Dates: Current dates not yet released
Cost to Participate: Free to participate
Program Delivery: Online
About the Program:
Do you need help launching your business?
The Small Business Accelerator (SBA) is a free workshop series that will equip you with the tools you need to develop your business idea and plan
Eligibility:
Early ideation phase: You have an idea but no business plan
Early launch phase: Your business has been in operation for at least three months, with or without a business plan
Commitment and motivation to complete the program
Program Benefits:
Business ideation, refinement, and written plan development
Topic-specific business coaching and support
How to leverage available business funding opportunities
Develop your idea and craft a business plan
Receive coaching support to enhance your learning
Network with other entrepreneurs and industry professionals
Practice and refine your pitching skills
Training Dates: Saturdays from 10am to 1pm from September 7th to November 2nd (excluding October 12th) || The graduation day and pitch event will take place from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, November 2nd
Registration Deadline: Not indicated
Cost to Participate: Not indicated
Program Delivery: Online
About the Program:
Have you started a viable business and have been making consistent sales for at least the past few months? BITS Boot Camp is here to help. The program works with emerging entrepreneurs to develop an actionable plan for existing businesses.
Eligibility:
Currently operate a business that needs better structuring
Aged between 18 to 34
Are a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Temporary Resident (Funding programs are only available for Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents)
Have a personal net income of less than $35,000 per year
Live in Canada
Program Benefits:
Hands-on business training where you will explore such areas as business planning, marketing and sales, accounting, and start-up funding and financing
Individual, personalized support from mentors
Opportunities to network with guest speakers and industry experts
Tailored feedback to refine and structure your business plan
Access to BITS Bucks $5,000 Micro Finance Program (Note: BITS Bucks is only available for Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents residing in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area)
Training Dates: September 3rd - 6th (Online) || September 9th - 12th (Mainly in-person)
Registration Deadline: Not indicated
Cost to Participate: Free to participate
Program Delivery: Online and in-person
About the Program:
L&E is a two-week accelerated business development program, seamlessly blending virtual and in-person sessions geared towards ensuring your startup is equipped with tailored mentorship and experience – enabling you to make that next step with confidence.
From mentor insights to sales mastery, pitching skills to physical networking, we’ve got you covered.
Week Breakdowns:
The first week of the Land and Expand program is an intensive virtual experience that gives international entrepreneurs the tools and knowledge they need to successfully establish and operate a business in the North American market. Each day features sessions where successful founders and investors offer practical insights.
In Week 2 we step the learning up a notch. Whilst the first day is still virtual, the rest of the week is spent demonstrating skills in-person, in both our downtown and Brampton offices. This week empowers participants to effectively communicate and pitch their business ideas to investors, close deals with customers, and establish a strong market presence.
Eligibility:
The program is suitable for:
Early-stage startups looking to establish and expand within Canada & North America
Founders with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and demonstrated market traction
Founders who have in-place funding will have a significant advantage
Immigration Status
International founders can participate in the program with a Visitor Visa
If already in Canada, you should be a first-generation immigrant, regardless of immigration status (work permit, permanent resident, or naturalized citizen)
Program Benefits:
Orientation and speed networking
Product development workshop
Product market fit, validation and quick testing
Crafting a solid GTM strategy
Pitch coaching
AI tools for quick product validation
HR workshop and resource management
Marketing workshop
Growth hacking and customer acquisition
Fundraising workshop
Investment walkthroughs and corporate meetings
Training Dates: Not indicated
Registration Deadline: Not indicated
Cost to Participate: Not indicated
Program Delivery: In-person
About the Program:
In our START course, our first class is all about introductions and building a vibrant learning
environment as we begin this exciting journey together. We will cover fundamental principles
and concepts of business, such as marketing, finance, operations, and entrepreneurship,
through interactive activities and discussions. This will lay the groundwork for an engaging andenriching learning experience. Prepare to explore the world of business and unlock your
potential!
Eligibility:
Currently a student
Program Benefits:
FLIP Incubator (Training for 6 months at Food Kiosk)
Food Station Incubator Program (Training and mentorship of 1 year at food kiosk)
Business Set-up
Training Dates: Not indicated
Registration Deadline: Not indicated
Cost to Participate: Free to participate
Program Delivery: Varies
About the Program:
The mission of StartUp Scarborough is to help Scarborough residents develop and grow entrepreneurial ideas into sustainable businesses that promote economic development and grow employment opportunities in the community.
Stream one: START is a 6 month programme focused on assisting you start and set up your new business. From Idea to Execution. From Passion to Income.
Stream two: SUPPORT is a programme focused on assisting you and your business. If you run a business that you are happy with and just need some help running your day to day activity. We are here to assist. There is no fixed duration nor modules in this programme. We want to help you in whatever way you need help.
Stream three: GROW is a self-paced programme focused on assisting you to grow your business. Do you have the capacity to accommodate more sales, and grow your business, but do not know how to go about it? We can help. This programme is custom to your needs. Our business advisors will meet with you to discuss and identify your needs and set up a customized programme for you.
Eligibility:
Starting a business, currently run a business, or need support throughout business endeavours
Program Benefits:
One-on-one Sessions
You will get to spend time one-on-one with our business advisors including legal, finance, marketing, insurance etc
Grant/Funding
Our experienced grants team will assist you in finding grants/loans for your start up. We will be able to assist you with some start up expenses as well
Webinars
Business webinars covering a varied topics important to small businesses
Real World Training
Being connected with a seasoned industry professional in your industry, you will be able to learn first hand
Office Space
You will be able to book spaces in our Offices to be able to use our space and conduct your client meetings
Peer Support Meetings
We will have regular meetings with all participants in the programme, so we can learn from each other's experience
Workshops
Various workshops in various topics important small businesses and small business owners, including confidence building
Technology
Do you have proper technology to be able to do your business? We can help in subsidizing and/or get you technology that will assist you. Are you caught up with latest technology to run your business?
You will also be able to use our Zoom account for business purposes
Training Dates: Current dates not yet released
Cost to Participate: Free to participate
Program Delivery: Online
About the Program:
Ohpikiwin means “Growth” in Cree. The Ohpikiwin Workshop Series is designed to provide tools, knowledge and resources while fostering financial resilience through Indigenous perspectives.
The Ohpikiwin Series is a distinctive program focusing on financial empowerment for young Indigenous individuals on the path to building their dream business. The series is completely FREE, and is rooted in Indigenous values. It is designed and facilitated by Indigenous instructors, and reimagines credit and financial knowledge systems through Indigenous worldviews, including the medicine wheel and the seven sacred teachings.
Eligibility:
Young Indigenous individuals on the path to building their dream business
Program Benefits:
A team with lived experience
Gain credit and financial knowledge through an Indigenous lens
Strengthen your financial resilience
Learn actionable steps to enhance your credit profile
Access support and resources
Discover additional resources to help you start your small business journey
Empower yourself and your community
Explore ways to contribute to the rebuilding of Indigenous economies through your own entrepreneurial journey
Training Dates: Multiple dates available
Registration Deadline: Not indicated
Cost to Participate: Free to participate
Program Delivery: Online
About the Program:
Our Rock My Business workshops can help you transform your dream into a thriving business. Register today for the free, three-part Rock My Business series, delivered by Futurpreneur with the support of Futurpreneur Foundation and RBC Future Launch.
This three-part workshop series provides you with the tools and knowledge to advance your business idea, formalize your business plan and create a viable cash flow — all while harmonizing with fellow diverse young entrepreneurs across Canada. Ready to rock your business?
Eligibility:
Not indicated
Program Benefits:
One-on-one coaching
Benefit from free one-on-one coaching from our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence
Rock My Business Idea
Set the stage for your business idea
Rock My Business Plan
Craft a robust business plan that’s ready to rock
Rock My Cash Flow
Master your cash flow by understanding your start-up costs, sales, and expenses
Training Dates: Current dates not yet released
Cost to Participate: Not indicated
Program Delivery: Online and in-person
About the Program:
The Growth Accelerator brings together a cohort of Futurpreneurs from all across Canada. It allows them to network, learn together, and share ideas as they work on growing and expanding their businesses to reach new levels of success.
Geared towards ambitious Futurpreneurs, this exclusive, English-language program is your launchpad to successfully propelling your business forward.
Engage in targeted workshops over an 8-week period, culminating in a strategy pitch competition judged by Spin Master, Lexus, and ecosystem partners in Toronto.
Our panel of judges, including representatives from Spin Master and Lexus, as well as ecosystem partners, will award $10,000 to the Futurpreneur who presents the most compelling vision for growth.
Eligibility:
You must be a Futurpreneur-supported entrepreneur, who launched their business between August 1, 2020, and August 30, 2022 (i.e. your business is between 18 months and 3.5 years old by March 2024)
You must be able to articulate a goal or goals for business growth. Examples of growth goals can be found within the online application form. If selected to participate in the Growth Accelerator, Futurpreneur will support you in developing your new business strategy
Participants from previous Growth Accelerator cohorts (those who participated in previous years) are not eligible to participate again
Program Benefits:
Informative workshops
Led by subject matter experts, the workshops provide insights on scaling startups and achieving business growth goals
Build your network
Broaden your horizons with like-minded young entrepreneurs from across Canada
A chance to pitch your ideas
Go head to head with a chance to take away a cash award to help your business grow further
Training Dates: Current dates not yet released
Cost to Participate: $150 + HST per participant
Program Delivery: In-person
About the Program:
Starting a business? Let us help boost your plans!
Take part in an eight-week Business Inc. program offered at Toronto Public Library in partnership with the City of Toronto and the Toronto Business Development Centre.
Learn from professionals and get on your way to making your business dreams a reality.
Eligibility:
Enrolment is limited to 20 participants per location (total of 40)
A valid Toronto Public Library card is required to participate
Your application will be reviewed for:
Demonstrated intent to start a new business within a six-month period or accelerate the growth of an early-stage business
A potentially viable business idea
Opportunity for business growth
Program Benefits:
Prepare / update your business plan
Access a business advisor and other valuable resources
Network with other entrepreneurs
Upon completion, you will:
Obtain a Business Seminar Series Certificate of Completion from the Toronto Business Development Centre
Dates: Registration currently open
Registration Deadline: Not indicated
Cost to Participate: Not indicated
Program Delivery: Not indicated
About the Program:
Be.Build.Brand. (B3) is a 12-week entrepreneurship program for TCHC tenants between the ages of 18 and 29. Participants are expected to attend weekly three-hour sessions (6 to 9 p.m.) and two sessions per week leading up to the Pitch Night. The program supports entrepreneurial ideas and helps participants turn their ideas into viable business plans.
Eligibility:
Tenants of Toronto Community Housing
Between the ages of 18 and 29
Program Benefits:
Potential funding of up to $5,000 through Pitch Night Contest
Potential opportunity to receive free branding and marketing from TrevorPeter marketing agency
Access to Digital Main Street – website development and digital marketing consultation
Actionable Business Plan through lean business model canvas
Networking opportunities with industry mentors, guest speakers and Be.Build.Brand. alumni
Weekly training and skill-building opportunities
Dates: Cohort 20 begins in September of 2025
Registration Deadline: 8 -12 weeks prior to cohort launch
Cost to Participate: Not indicated
Program Delivery: virtual
About the Program:
Ventureparks’ Accelerator program is exclusively designed and focused on supporting entrepreneurs who are looking to build their consumer-packaged goods startups in Canada. Over four months, our experts help you scale. Entrepreneurs gain insights from industry leaders and access to Venturepark, Canada's business growth ecosystem. The Park provides connections to investment capital and skilled brand builders.
Eligibility:
Early-stage Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies with at least one product in the food, beverage, or health and wellness space, demonstrating initial sales and scalability potential
Program Benefits:
Training in market research, product development, food industry regulations, labeling, food safety, packaging, pricing, and distribution.
Personalized mentorship from seasoned CPG professionals
Opportunities to pitch products to industry leaders from across Canada
Dates: Registration currently open
Registration Deadline: Not indicated
Cost to Participate: $425 plus applicable tax
Program Delivery: virtual
About the Program:
Ventureparks’ Concept to Market Sprint program is a 10-week online course designed to help you kickstart your business idea. This program serves as a roadmap toward a successful product launch.
Eligibility:
Open to any packaged food entrepreneurs who are in the idea, prototype, or early marketplace distribution stage
Program Benefits:
Expert-led workshops and one-on-one guidance tailored to your product and business stage.
Demo Day presentation to a panel of industry leaders, including potential retail buyers and investors.
Access to a supportive community of other CPG founders facing similar challenges.