The Lazaridis Institute, housed at Wilfrid Laurier University, has opened applications for the sixth cohort of its ScaleUp Program, which aims to help companies accelerate their growth with mentorship, programming, and access to a network of experts.
“I recommend this program to all founders leading fast-growing companies with the potential to be global category leaders.”
The 10 selected companies will receive 12 months of one-on-one mentorship, guidance, and support from industry experts, investors, and founders. The companies complete the program through a series of workshops that focus on topics such as finances and funding, product, sales and marketing, human resources, leadership, metrics, and global growth.
“We provide access to a hand-picked network of experts who have played key roles in the early success of companies, including Apple, Google, Facebook, Shopify, Uber, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and others,” said Kim Morouney, managing director of the Lazaridis Institute. “These individuals want to give back and help build Canada’s technology ecosystem.”
The Lazaridis Institute said it received a record number of applications for the program in 2019, with fewer than five percent of companies selected. Even in light of COVID-19, the institute said it is expecting another competitive selection process this year. The program will begin in the Fall, however, it is unclear whether the workshops will be held in-person.
RELATED: Propel opens applications for 2020 Incite accelerator program
Alumni companies, which have raised more than $500 million combined in less than three years, include Terramera, Sheertex, Validere, Vendasta, and 7shifts.
In May and June, the Lazaridis Institute will host a series of online ScaleUp Program information sessions that will include live question and answer events and opportunities for time with the program’s Lazaridis Expert Network mentors. Morouney said current travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic will limit the organization’s ability to meet with entrepreneurs in person.
Applications for the program opened on April 23 and will close on July 10.
Image source Lazaridis Institute.