Building a startup can be risky, but using an agile and iterative approach to product and market validation can help mitigate some of that risk.
The new Venture Validation Intensive is a 3 month group mentorship program designed to support the rapid validation, iteration, and development of innovative early-stage ventures. This program is structured to support early-stage founders who are actively working on a business idea or prototype, are able to dedicate time to working on the business, and who have the goal of building a scalable, innovative, and technology-driven venture.
The program runs from May to July, during the 3 months founders will learn essential entrepreneurial skills through group coaching, entrepreneurial training, and hands on application. The group coaching sessions will provide participants with valuable guidance and feedback from their peers, and Accelerate Okanagan’s Executives in Residence, Ty Summach.
By the end of the 3 months, founders will make significant progress in validating their business model, have clarity on how to evaluate their MVP and essential product features, as well as strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and mindset. Throughout the program participants will build lifelong relationships with their peers as they work together through the startup process.
Program Schedule and Key Dates
Weekly sessions take place on Tuesdays from 12:00-2:00pm.
April 13 – 20
April 20
April 21
May 2
May 9
May 16
May 23
May 30
June 6
June 13
June 20
June 27
July 4
July 11
July 18
July 25
Ongoing Pitch Prep Sessions
Intake Presentations
Intake Decision Emails Sent
Session 1: Onboarding & Leadership Assessment
Session 2: Business Hypothesis
Session 3: Business Modelling
Session 4: Customer Development
Session 5: Group Mentorship
Session 6: Group Mentorship
Session 7: Group Mentorship
Session 8: Group Mentorship
Session 9: Group Mentorship
Session 10: MVP & Product Testing
Session 11: Pitch & Storytelling
Session 12: Founders Lunch & Town Hall Pitch
Leadership Assessment & Offboarding
VAP allowed me to imagine what my business can be. The support provided by the mentors has been invaluable when it comes to brainstorming ideas, and helping me feel confident in taking steps forward.
The application process for this program is competitive, as we accept a maximum of 8 ventures into each cohort. Here are the details on what to expect:
- Complete the application form
The application will force you to ask critical questions about your venture and yourself as a founder. - Attend pitch prep
A member of our programs team will help top applicants prepare for an interview during a pitch prep session. - Attend the intake interview
Applicants will have 10 minutes to present their business to a panel of members within the startup community, followed by Q&A - Acceptance into the program
Founders will be notified if they were successful in their application & interview.
Regardless of how far you make it in the application process, you will receive valuable feedback on your business idea and recommendations for resources to help you move your venture forward. If you are a coachable founder, who is ready to make meaningful progress on your startup then we invite you to apply for the 12-week Venture Validation Intensive today!
Applications Are Open
Application Deadline April 12
