Business Incubators & Accelerators in Newfoundland and Labrador – Directory of Startup Support Programs
Looking for startup support in Newfoundland and Labrador? This page lists business incubators and accelerators that serve entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses across the province. For each organization, we’ve included the names of the programs they offer, so you can quickly identify the right fit based on your stage, sector, or funding goals.
Whether you’re launching a tech company, building a clean energy solution, or developing a social enterprise in a rural or urban setting, this directory connects you with organizations that drive innovation and business development throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
✅ What Is a Business Incubator and Accelerator?
Business incubators are designed to help entrepreneurs take an idea and turn it into a viable business. They typically support early-stage founders with mentorship, business development guidance, workspace, and connections to funding or academic partners.
Business accelerators, on the other hand, focus on growth-stage companies — usually startups that already have traction and are preparing to scale. Accelerators often run structured, cohort-based programs that provide intensive mentorship, investor introductions, and sometimes direct funding in exchange for equity.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, many organizations offer hybrid models that combine elements of incubation and acceleration, tailored to meet local entrepreneurs where they are.
✅ What These Programs Typically Offer
Incubators and accelerators in Newfoundland and Labrador often provide:
- Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts
- Workshops and training in business planning, marketing, finance, pitching, and product development
- Access to physical infrastructure, such as coworking spaces, maker labs, and innovation centres
- Connections to capital, including angel investors, venture capital, and regional or national grant programs
- Specialized support for sectors such as ocean tech, clean technology, Indigenous entrepreneurship, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and social innovation
- Community-building events, including pitch nights, demo days, and networking sessions
Some programs offer equity-based investment (mainly accelerators), while others are non-dilutive and supported by public or educational institutions.
✅ How to Choose a Program
With diverse programs operating across Newfoundland and Labrador, finding the right fit depends on your venture’s specific context. When reviewing the directory, consider the following:
- Stage Fit – Are you pre-revenue, MVP-ready, or generating sales?
- Location – Programs may focus on urban centres like St. John’s
- Sector Focus – Some programs cater to high-growth industries like tech, cleantech, healthcare, or fisheries innovation
- Equity vs. Non-Equity – Consider whether you’re comfortable giving up equity or prefer non-dilutive support
- Duration & Format – Programs vary from a few weeks to a full year and may be in-person, virtual, or hybrid
Newfoundland and Labrador’s innovation ecosystem stands out for its collaborative spirit, robust institutional partnerships, and access to a wide range of provincial and federal resources. It’s an ideal environment for building businesses that contribute to the province’s economic resilience and social well-being.
✅ Directory: Incubators & Accelerators in Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John’s Incubators and Accelerators
Genesis
Genesis is a leading innovation hub based at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. It supports early-stage technology startups through incubation, mentorship, funding access, and business development programming. With a strong focus on high-growth potential companies, Genesis helps entrepreneurs navigate from idea to investment-ready ventures.
Programs offered:
Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship
The Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship is a university-based initiative that fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship at Memorial University in St. John’s. MCE offers programs, mentorship, funding opportunities, and events to help students and alumni turn ideas into viable startups. It plays a key role in building the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Newfoundland and Labrador by empowering student-led ventures.
Programs offered:
