The entrepreneurial journey is a roller coaster of highs and lows. It takes creativity, passion, and maybe even a little naivety to take the leap and forge your own path. Whether you’re solving an industry pain point or pursuing an audacious dream, the road will be challenging and full of lessons to be learned.
The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. Queue the Venture Acceleration Program (VAP). This six-month program is designed to support committed entrepreneurs who are ready to validate their business model and find product-market fit.
Last June, we welcomed several new companies to our Spring cohort. This virtual cohort-style learning allowed participants to build life-long relationships with their peers as they worked together through the startup process and engaged with experienced mentors.
We are thrilled to see these companies graduate from the program and continue on their entrepreneurial journey. So here’s to the road ahead and a job well done.
Our mentor helped us gain confidence and structure in our business that has simplified processes. They also helped with identifying what the most important aspects are to help nail our focus during this critical time.
There are many things I was doing within my business prior to AO; however, having a mentor improved my momentum and my focus on what needed to happen next.
Sometimes startup entrepreneurs tend to focus solely on sales/marketing and forget about the foundation of business strategy which would bring clarity and massive growth to the company. AO has supported us tremendously on this journey by helping us build that solid foundation with the training, mentorship and resources available!
I have learned so much about entrepreneurship, mentoring, bringing an idea to market… and when not to. The ability to go at your own pace with this program is important since many of us are juggling other businesses, family, etc.
AO allowed me to see my business from many different perspectives outside of my own. It challenged me to see all the less than appealing aspects of my business, the parts that needed the work. I have appreciated having my attention turned toward the bumpy bits as it has made my business that much stronger.
Accelerate has been a life changer as I try to bring my idea to fruition. Their mentors have shone light on my blind spots and enabled me to make better decisions about how I should be building my business.
Accelerate Okanagan has provided me with the framework to focus on the important aspects of my online start up business. Determining my specific target market and my MVP has really helped to move the business forward.
Want to learn more about the Venture Acceleration Program? Check out our website or submit your application to join the next cohort.
