Learn to Launch
3 Month Go-To-Market Intensive
Launching a new startup requires more than just a great product or idea. It’s about effectively positioning your product, connecting with your early customers, and gaining traction.
Join this 3 month intensive is designed to provide early-stage founders with the strategies, mentorship, and support needed while working toward achieving their product launch goals. The program is delivered in-person from our Kelowna location with the option to join weekly sessions virtually.
Inquire now to start the application process for our next cohort.
Core Program Components
Market Ready is designed for early-stage companies looking to create or refine their go-to-market strategy and understand how to commercialize a product.
Preparing for Launch
Work through crucial pre-launch activities, including product readiness assessment and market positioning.
Go-to-Market Strategy
Reach your target audience with compelling messaging and selecting effective marketing channels to maximize your product’s visibility and increase customer acquisition.
Goal Setting
Set clear objectives and key results (OKRs) to align your team, track your progress, and ensure every step you take contributes to your startup’s growth.
Financial Modeling
Develop a financial model that captures your revenue streams, expenses, and growth projections, enabling you to make informed business decisions.
Telling Your Story
Learn how to craft a compelling pitch that captures attention, communicates your value proposition, and persuades early customers to purchase.
Building Your Team
Master the art of building and hiring the right team for your startup’s early stages, ensuring you have a strong foundation for growth and success.
Join Market Ready
2024 Program Schedule
We accept a maximum of 8 ventures into each cohort. If you’re not sure you’re a fit, we encourage you to inquire anyway. Our Programs team can help you determine if the program is a fit for you.
Winter / Spring Cohort:
- Program starts: February 14
- Last Session: May 8
Summer / Fall Cohort:
- Applications close: August 26
- Program starts: September 18
- Last Session: December 11
Program Cost:
$325 per month ($250 per month for AO members)
Program Criteria
Market Ready is Ideal For
- Startups with a product or MVP (minimal-viable-product) ready to be launched
- Entrepreneurs seeking guidance on creating a go-to-market strategy and commercialization
- Startups building an innovative and scalable technology-driven venture
- Entrepreneurs looking to access a network of peers, mentors, industry experts
- Businesses must be based in the Okanagan
Not sure if you are a fit? Inquire anyway! We’ll assess your business and see how we can support or direct you to relevant resources.
Program Objectives
Learn to Launch
Unlike a traditional course or program, this 3 month intensive is designed to keep you focused on implementation by focusing on the most relevant topics to move your business forward.
You won’t just learn the theory. You’ll put it into practice to make meaningful progress on your venture development.
Market Ready was developed by Accelerate Okanagan with support from Innovate BC.
Related Reading
Venture Validation Applications Open for Fall Cohort
Market Ready Applications Open for Fall Cohort
Acceleration Stack Offers New Opportunities for Startups
New Venture Validation Intensive for Startups
Meet Amanda Adams
Live It Earth is Defining Innovation in the Classroom
Entrepreneurs on the Rise Vol. 4
Class of Spring 2022 VAP Graduates
GreenStep is Defining Innovation for a Better Future
Venture Acceleration Program Curriculum & Cohort Application Dates
Class of Winter 2022 VAP Graduates
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application process like?
The form will force you to ask yourself some critical questions about your venture and yourself as a founder. Your application will be reviewed by a member of the programs team, and top applicants will be invited to interview with a panel of members within the startup community.
Following the interviews, founders will be notified of their acceptance into the program.
You can start your application here.
Is this program suitable for startups in the early launch or ready-to-launch stage?
Yes, the program is designed to support startups that have validated their problem and solution and have a functional product or MVP ready for market. This program is ideal for founders who are looking to create effective messaging aligned for their target market, and set up a solid foundation for launch.
Is the program virtual or in-person?
The program consists of weekly sessions, conducted in person at our Kelowna office, with an option to join virtually for companies located throughout the Okanagan. Each session lasts 2 hours to provide time for learning, discussion, mentorship, and peer relationship building.
Do I have to be based in Kelowna to join?
We welcome founders from throughout the Okanagan (Osoyoos to Salmon Arm). This is a big reason why we offer the option to join sessions virtually for those who can’t make it into Kelowna. Great ideas happen everywhere.
What is the cost of joining Market Ready?
The cost of joining our Market Ready Program is $325 per month, however Accelerate Okanagan Members receive a discounted rate of just $250 per month for 3 months.
We would love to have you as a member, which costs $350 per year for startups. In addition to discounted program fees, members receive a ton of other perks including access to the member library, expert office hours, and savings on tech tools.
Does Accelerate Okanagan take equity in my startup?
No. As a not-for-profit accelerator, we provide government-subsidized mentorship programs and community building initiatives to promote the growth of innovation and entrepreneurship in our community.
We do not take equity in the companies that we support.
Will this help me raise capital or access investment opportunities?
If you are planning on raising capital, the training in this program will help you gain initial traction in preparation for attracting investment.
You may also be interested in our capital readiness programming, such as Fundable and the Okanagan Angel Summit.
I’m a bootstrapper and I’m not looking to go the VC route. Is AO right for me?
Absolutely. We want to work with high-growth potential companies, which can be either bootstrapped or venture-backed.
If you are bootstrapping, the validation work in this program will help you best utilize your limited resources by building something that customers are willing to pay for.
Do I have to be incorporated?
This program is designed for early-stage ventures, so you do not need to be incorporated to join. However, incorporation is something you may want to consider before launching your product or service into the market. If you have questions about getting incorporated, we are happy to connect you with one of our partners for support.
What resources do I need to participate?
All of the work that you do in this program will be directly related to bringing your product to market. That being said, every founder and startup will have access to different resources. Some clients will have more time than others, some will have a larger team, and some will have access to capital or financing that helps them to move faster. Regardless, we will do our best to support developing and executing on your go-to-market strategy with the resources that you have available to you.