Incubators and accelerators are vital players in Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. They provide startups and early-stage companies with the support, resources, and mentorship needed to grow and succeed in competitive markets. 

While incubators and accelerators both aim to foster business development, they serve slightly different roles and target different stages of a company’s growth. Understanding how incubators and accelerators operate can help entrepreneurs decide which program best fits their needs and how to leverage these resources to scale their business.

What Are Incubators and Accelerators?

Incubators are organizations that provide long-term support to early-stage startups. They offer workspace, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to funding resources, helping entrepreneurs develop their ideas and build solid foundations. Incubators typically work with startups over months or even years, focusing on nurturing the company through the earliest stages of business development.

Accelerators, on the other hand, are time-limited, cohort-based programs that focus on rapidly scaling startups that already have a viable product or service. Accelerators provide intense mentorship, education, and networking over a defined period—usually a few months—to prepare companies for growth, market entry, or investment rounds.

While both programs provide valuable support, incubators are best suited for startups still validating their business model, and accelerators are ideal for startups ready to scale quickly.

How Incubators Support Entrepreneurs

• Workspace and Infrastructure: Incubators often provide affordable office or lab space, meeting rooms, and access to technical resources and equipment to help startups operate efficiently.
• Long-Term Mentorship: Entrepreneurs receive ongoing guidance and support tailored to their specific challenges, fostering steady progress through early development stages.
• Business Development Resources: Incubators offer workshops, training sessions, and access to professional services such as legal, accounting, marketing, and technology support.
• Community and Collaboration: Startups benefit from being part of a collaborative community of entrepreneurs, fostering knowledge sharing, partnerships, and peer support.

How Accelerators Support Entrepreneurs

• Intensive Mentorship and Training: Accelerators provide structured, focused mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts to help startups refine their product, business model, and go-to-market strategies.
• Access to Funding: Many accelerators offer seed funding or connect startups with venture capitalists and angel investors to secure investment for rapid growth.
• Networking Opportunities: Startups gain access to a network of peers, potential partners, customers, and investors, helping to open doors and create business opportunities.
• Demo Days and Exposure: At the end of an accelerator program, startups typically present their business to investors and the public, increasing visibility and chances for additional funding or partnerships.

Directory of Incubators & Accelerators in Canada

Federal Incubators and Accelerators in Canada

Below is our evolving list of national/federal incubators & accelerators that serve entrepreneurs across Canada:

Alberta Incubators & Accelerators

Below is our evolving list for the province of Alberta. For information on each organization, please check out our guide to Alberta incubators and accelerators.

British Columbia Incubators and Accelerators

Below is our evolving list for the province of British Columbia. For information on each organization, please check out our guide to B.C. incubators and accelerators.

Manitoba Incubators and Accelerators

Below is our evolving list for the province of Manitoba. For information on each organization, please check out our guide to Manitoba incubators and accelerators.

New Brunswick Incubators and Accelerators

Below is our evolving list for the province of New Brunswick. For information on each organization, please check out our guide to NB incubators and accelerators.

Newfoundland and Labrador Incubators and Accelerators

Below is our evolving list for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. For information on each organization, please check out our guide to NL incubators and accelerators.

Genesis Centre

Northwest Territories Incubators and Accelerators

Below is our evolving list for the Northwest Territories.

EntrepreNorth

Nova Scotia Incubators and Accelerators

Below is our evolving list for the province of Nova Scotia. For information on each organization, please check out our guide to NS incubators and accelerators.

Ontario Incubators and Accelerators

Below is our evolving list for the province of Ontario. For information on each organization, please check out our guide to Ontario incubators and accelerators.

Prince Edward Island Incubators and Accelerators

Below is our evolving list for the province of PEI. For information on each organization, please check out our guide to PEI incubators and accelerators.

Quebec Incubators and Accelerators

Below is our evolving list for the province of Quebec. For information on each organization, please check out our guide to Quebec incubators and accelerators.

Saskatchewan Incubators and Accelerators

Below is our evolving list for the province of Saskatchewan. For information on each organization, please check out our guide to Saskatchewan incubators and accelerators.

Yukon Incubators and Accelerators

Below is our evolving list for the Yukon. For information on each organization, please check out our guide to Yukon incubators and accelerators.