Immigrant Founder Launchpad
You’re part of a powerful movement of immigrant founders shaping the future. Invest Ottawa is here to fuel that momentum.
Through the five-week program, you’ll access specialized education, hands-on workshops, and funding opportunities designed to accelerate your business growth.
The bootcamp culminates in a live pitch competition, where you can compete for the chance to take home $10,000 in non-dilutive, non-repayable grant funding.
Offered by Invest Ottawa
Amount
Workshops, one-on-one advisory, market insights and founder coaching, culminating in a pitch competition for the chance to take home a $10,000 non-dilutive, non-repayable funding prize
Quick eligibility check
Who can apply
To apply, your business must be:
- Founded or co-founded by a first-generation immigrant. This person must also have an equitable amount of ownership in the business;
- An innovative, scalable tech startup;
- Based in Eastern Ontario or Gatineau, Quebec;
- Strong applicants will be able to demonstrate initial signs of traction, i.e. customer feedback, beta tested, or generating revenue;
How do you define a first-generation immigrant?
An individual that was born in another country but resettled in Canada at some point in their life (this could have been as a child or an adult).
Do I have to be a Canadian citizen, or permanent resident to qualify?
No. Canadian citizenship or permanent residency is not required to qualify.
Does it matter when I, (or my co-founder) moved to Canada?
No. What matters is that you and your business are currently based in Eastern Ontario or Gatineau, Quebec.
About the funding
Through the IO Immigrant Catalyst, you will have access to several tools and resources to support your business’ growth, including:
- Tailored workshops – Weekly sessions facilitated by industry experts on topics such as:
- âś“ developing a financing strategy
- âś“ crafting your pitch
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- âś“ defining and refining your ideal customer profile
- âś“ building a growth engine
- âś“ harnessing AI
- One-on-one advisory – Personalized mentorship from experts in areas like sales, product, marketing, and finance.
- Market insights – Research, data, and analysis to drive your decisions including lead generation, investment, and market research services.
- Founder Coaching – Get real-world insights from experienced immigrant founders who’ve been in your shoes.
- Community – Connect with other first-generation immigrants striving to grow their businesses.
- Cold hard cash – The program culminates in a live competition where the graduating founders will pitch for the chance to take home a $10,000 non-dilutive, non-repayable funding prize.
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