$8M AC JumpStart Program Launches: Business Accelerator, Startup Funding
In 2013, the Accelerator Centre (AC) in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario piloted a program, called JumpStart, to mentor startups and entrepreneurs.This year, the program receives a full launch alongside $8M in funding. The AC JumpStart program is a four-year partnership between the Accelerator Centre and three post-secondary institutions: Conestoga College, the University of Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier University.
Resources & Funding for Startups via AC JumpStart Seed Capital & Mentorship
The Accelerator Centre has helped entrepreneurs and young businesses develop and commercialize their innovations. With a focus on technology startups, AC acts as a business incubator through in-house mentorship, facilities, networking opportunities, and access to funding programs.
As part of the AC JumpStart Program, qualified companies may be eligible to receive up to $30,000 in seed capital for investments with the expectation of matching company contributions. Mentorship opportunities are also available across all departments, including:
- Finance;
- Sales;
- Marketing;
- Human resources;
- Technology and product development;
- Market research; and
- Investor relations.
Over it’s four-year lifespan, the AC JumpStart program is anticipated to support approximately 180 companies with these business funding and mentorship services. Companies can apply for the AC JumpStart Program here.
Accelerator Centre JumpStart Timelines
The AC JumpStart funding and mentorship program will begin its four-year support services in January 2015 until 2018. The Accelerator Centre will accept three cohorts of companies in its first year, with two cohorts annually in the following three years. Each company can expect funding and mentorship support for a 12-month period.
Other Startup Funding Resources & Tools
The Accelerator Centre is one of many support services for entrepreneurs and startups. If you are interested in benefitting from funding, please note that the majority of programs we spotlight on our Mentor Works blog are dedicated to established companies. We encourage early-stage businesses and startups to download a Free Funding Checklist, which will ensure you are best positioned for these funding programs once your business has been incorporated for a couple of years.
