There is no question that building a startup is risky, but by taking an agile approach to product and market validation you can mitigate some of the common risks.
Our 3-month Venture Validation Program provides founders with a group mentorship experience designed to teach rapid validation, iteration, and development to early-stage startups. By using proven processes, you can help ensure that you are building something that is solving a real problem, and that there are customers who are willing to pay for your product or solution. The program helps founders sharpen their entrepreneurial skills, and better understand where they fit into the market based on research and customer validation.
The Fall cohort runs from September to December 2023, and unlike a traditional course or program, this 3-month intensive keeps you focused on implementation by concentrating on the most relevant topics to move your stage of startup forward. You won’t just learn the theory. You’ll put it into practice so you can make meaningful progress on your venture’s development.
Fall Program Schedule
Weekly sessions take place on Tuesdays from 12pm – 2pm at our downtown Kelowna location with option to join in-person or online
Sept 26
Oct 3
Oct 10
Oct 17
Oct 24
Oct 31
Nov 7
Nov 14
Nov 21
Nov 28
Dec 5
Dec 12
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
Session 13: Leadership Assessment & Offboarding
The program helped us focus on the essential, important, and urgent tasks. We found ways to move faster than we thought possible, and we’ve been inspired by the others in the cohort.
The application process for this program is competitive, as we accept a maximum of 8 ventures into each cohort. If you’re curious about the program but unsure if it’s a fit, we encourage you to apply anyway. You’ll connect to our Program team through the inquiry form and they can help you determine if Accelerate Okanagan can support your business.
Here are the details on what to expect:
- Complete the inquiry form
This form will be reviewed by our Program Lead to assess if this program is a fit for you or if we need more information. - Complete the formal application form
If our Program Lead believes you are a good candidate for this program, they will send you a formal application which will force you to ask critical questions about your venture and yourself as a founder. - Attend the intake interview
- Acceptance into the program
Founders will be notified if they were successful in their application & interview.
Join the Fall Cohort
Apply by August 11
