Venture Acceleration Program
Are you a tech company looking to commercialize your technology?
About the program
Venture Acceleration Program
Are you a tech company looking to commercialize your technology? Our Venture Acceleration Program connects you to a group of business and technology experts to take your idea further. The program helps entrepreneurs accelerate the process of defining a proven business model based on a set methodology and set of best practices for growing technology companies.
The Venture Acceleration Program is delivered by a team of Executives in Residence (EIRs) and supported by a province-wide network of partners and entrepreneurs. Together they make up the BC Acceleration Network (BCAN), an alliance of regional partners and executive-level mentors.
Delivery Partners:
Greater Victoria
VIATEC
Victoria, BC
Web: www.acceleratetectoria.com
Email: rbennett@viatec.ca
Phone: +1 (250) 483-3214
Central/Northern Island, Sunshine Coast & Gulf Islands
Innovation Island
Nanaimo, BC
Web: www.innovationisland.ca
Email: info@innovationisland.ca
Phone: +1 (250) 753-8324
Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley
e@UBC
Vancouver, BC
Web: www.start.entrepreneurship.ubc.ca
Email: info@entrepreneurship.ubc.ca
Phone: +1 (604) 822-0600
Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre
Burnaby, BC
Web: www.foresightcac.com
Email: jjackson@foresightcac.com
Phone: +1 (604) 245-0042
New Ventures BC
Vancouver, BC / Province-wide
Web: www.newventuresbc.com
Email: contact@newventuresbc.com
Phone: +1 (604) 602-5202
VentureLabs
Vancouver, BC
Web: www.venturelabs.ca
Email: info@venturelabs.ca
Phone: +1 (604) 729-4747
Okanagan Valley
Accelerate Okanagan
Kelowna, BC
Web: www.accelerateokanagan.com
Email: contact@accelerateokanagan.com
Tel: +1 (250) 870-9028
Kootenays
Kootenay Association for Science & Technology
Rossland, BC
Web: www.kast.com
Email: info@kast.com
Tel: +1 (250) 362-5052
Central Interior BC
Kamloops Innovation
Kamloops, BC
Web: www.kamloopsinnovation.ca
Email: info@kamloopsinnovation.ca
Tel: +1 (250) 434-0200
North Central BC
Innovation Central Society
Prince George, BC
Web: www.innovationcentral.ca
Email: executivedirector@innovationcentral.ca
Tel: +1 (236) 423-0113
Your Application
Steps to apply
If you are interested in applying to the Venture Acceleration Program please reach out to the delivery partner in your region.
For additional information, contact programs@innovatebc.ca
Program eligibility
Technology entrepreneurs are accepted for participation in the Venture Acceleration Program based on several factors, including:
- Product validity
- Market opportunity
- Drive and ambition
- Team talent
Your program delivery partner will determine the application process which may include:
- A program application
- A formal evaluation form
- Pitching to a rountable of EIRs
- One-on-one interviews
- References
Selection decisions are made by program delivery partners within the BC Acceleration Network.
What kind of technology companies qualify for this program?
We recognize that use of the term technology is wide and varied. For the Venture Acceleration Program, technology is defined as products and productized services, with engineering attributes in advanced communications technologies, digital media and web, electronics design and manufacturing, software development, mechanical and industrial technologies and other advanced engineering disciplines. We’re especially interested in supporting companies that are developing technologies aimed at target markets and target customers that are aligned with the Province of British Columbia’s key industry sectors. If you’re not sure whether your technology qualifies, please reach out to a partner in your region or contact us.
How much does the Venture Acceleration Program cost?
Entrepreneurs pay $200 per month towards the cost of the program. This is excellent value, considering that the market value of executive-level consulting fee rates for comparable services is in the range of $2000-$3500 per month.
How long is the program?
There is no set length of time for participation in the Venture Acceleration Program. Depending on your product and market and the challenges that emerge on the path to success, the length of time you remain involved in the program will vary. As long as you remain committed to the process and you’re making progress towards objectives, you may stay engaged with program resources.
What’s the role of Executives in Residence (EIRs)?
EIRs are the primary point of contact for a participant in the Venture Acceleration Program. Their role is to guide entrepreneurs in alignment with the Venture Growth Model. They provide structured management oversight and guidance. This is based on the specific domain knowledge or management expertise needed to optimize the entrepreneur’s success.
How is the Venture Acceleration Program different from other accelerators?
EIRs are a distinct feature in the Venture Acceleration Program. Companies tell us that having an experienced EIR as an active member of their management team is hugely valuable. Your EIR will help you define objectives and move towards them by committing to regular performance targets.
What can I expect from the program?
The Venture Acceleration Program provides startup entrepreneurs with focus, resources and guidance. You will benefit from:
• Collaboration, work-plan development and formal management oversight
• Coaching through the Venture Growth Model from experienced EIRs.
• Assistance in overcoming tactical and strategic challenges.
• Weekly status reviews and a series of quarterly performance updates
What kind of training do your EIRs have?
Our EIRs all have extensive experience in entrepreneurship and the tech industry. In addition, they receive training through the program itself in the use of the Venture Growth Cycle to grow a technology company.
Will we get office space?
Office space is available through some of the regional delivery partners; others offer a virtual environment. Check out what is available through the delivery partner in your region.
Do I have to give up equity in my company?
No. You do not have to give up equity in your company to join the Venture Acceleration Program. If you decide to seek venture capital to grow your company, your EIR can help prepare you for that process and guide you through it.
Is additional funding available?
The Venture Acceleration Program does not provide financial support to individual companies. The program will help you accelerate the process of defining a proven business model for sustained profitability. This will be very helpful in attracting financing from a variety of sources including angel investors and venture capital if needed. Partners in the BC Acceleration Network have direct relationships with a variety of sources of capital and can help you connect to sources of funding.