Applications for our Fall 2024 cohort programs are now open!

We are accepting applications from August 12 to August 23, 2024. These programs are designed to provide you with the support, tools, and community you need to take your startup to the next level.

Watch the Info Session Recording 

To learn more about what our programs offer, watch the recording of our Programs Info Session held on August 8, 2024, where we provided detailed insights into each program and answered questions live.

Whether you’re applying for the Fall 2024 cohort or planning for a future program, our goal for our programs is to help you succeed.

Why Join Our Cohort Programs?

Joining one of our cohort programs means gaining access to a supportive community of entrepreneurs, expert mentorship, and practical tools to help you succeed. Here are five reasons why you should apply to our programs this fall:

1. Expert Mentorship
   Learn from seasoned entrepreneurs, executives, and investors who have built and scaled successful businesses. Gain invaluable insights, actionable advice, and personalized guidance to navigate your startup journey with confidence.

2. Tailored Curriculum
   Structured learning experiences address the specific challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re validating your idea, expanding your customer base, or preparing for investment, our programs offer targeted support to meet you where you’re at.

3. Strong Community
   Build lasting relationships with fellow founders who share your passion and drive. Our programs foster a collaborative environment where you can exchange ideas, share challenges, and celebrate successes together.

4. Practical Resources
   Access a wealth of resources to streamline your startup, including interactive workshops, practical tools, and online learning. Benefit from our partner network for additional support and opportunities.

5. Hands-On Learning
   Our programs emphasize practical application, enabling you to experiment, iterate, and refine your business model, product, and operations. You’ll gain valuable experience by applying what you learn directly to your venture.

Our Fall 2024 Cohort Programs

As a part of our full Acceleration Stack of programming, the following early-stage startup cohort programs are scheduled to start in early October:

Venture Validation is designed for early-stage startups seeking to validate their business idea and develop a strong foundation. This program focuses on customer discovery, market research, and building a minimum viable product (MVP).

Market Ready is for startups with a validated product looking to expand their customer base and work toward product-market fit by developing product roadmaps, reaching early adopters, and setting up key business structures.

Fundable is designed to help early-stage startups understand their funding options and prepare for investment. This program focuses on understanding the funding landscape, investor relations, and terms, and crafting a narrative for your pitch.

How to Apply

Ready to join our vibrant startup community? Applications for our fall cohort programs are now open. 

Use our programs inquiry form to indicate your interest, and you will be redirected to the full application form which will remain open until the portal closes on August 23rd.

By joining one of our cohort programs, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and support needed to achieve your startup goals. Our programs are designed to help you overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and build a successful technology-driven business.

We can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve!

Mentorship provides invaluable guidance from experienced entrepreneurs who have successfully scaled their businesses. Building a network of peers offers the opportunity to share experiences, learn from others, and create strategic partnerships. Learning core startup concepts and skills, such as financial management, marketing, and operations, equips you with the tools needed to make informed decisions and drive growth.

This is why we created our early-stage startup programs—to support founders as they navigate these critical steps together in a cohort. Our programs offer a blend of mentorship, peer networking, and practical learning to help you build a scalable business.

Our early-stage startup programs, including Venture Validation, Market Ready, and Fundable, are designed to guide you through these essential steps. Whether you’re validating your venture, preparing to take your product to market, or getting ready for funding, our programs provide the structured support and framework you need to scale successfully.

Scaling a startup is a journey that requires careful planning and execution. By focusing on product-market fit, a sustainable revenue model, a strong team, and a well-defined growth strategy, including a capital plan, you’ll build a solid foundation for success. When challenges come your way, seeking support and learning from others can significantly increase your chances of achieving your scaling goals. 

Not sure which program is a fit for you? We encourage you to apply anyways. We would love to learn about what you are working on and see which program may be a fit for you. If we don’t have the right opportunity for you, we’ll direct you to available resources in our network.

These programs have been developed in-house by the Accelerate Okanagan team and subject-matter-experts, with insights and feedback provided from local founders. They are supported by funding provided by Innovate BC and NRC-IRAP. which allows us to offer the programs at subsidized rates. 

The Finalists have been selected. Six founders are now within reach of the $195K investment fund!

Join us at the Finale in the Kelowna Innovation Centre on May 23 to network with the Okanagan tech community and see the pitches in-action. We have companies from a variety of industries working to improve things like; wild fire suppression, healthcare systems, and produce cultivation. In addition to the company pitches, attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from our guest speakers, the Hon. Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation and Dr. Ray Muzyka, the founder of Bioware and ThresholdImpact.

SEE THE SCHEDULE & Register for the Finale

This year 33 investors are participating in the investment 2024 fund. These enthusiastic investors have been busy meeting week-over-week to listen to pitches, meeting with the founders, performing due-diligence and narrow down the group of selecting the finalists.

Let’s meet the 2024 OKGN Angel Summit Top 6!

If you are just learning about our Okanagan Angel Summit, it is an 8-week program where accredited investors are introduced to the world of angel investing through a guided, hands-on process where a small venture capital fund is raised, deals are screened, and an actual investment in a company is made. This process provides the participating companies with additional training leading up to the Finale where they with a chance to learn how businesses are vetted,  perform due diligence, and make improvements on their pitch week.

You can learn more, purchase finale tickets, and see the full schedule on the Summit website okgnangelsummit.com.

Learning the fundamentals of fundraising.

In February, we welcomed eight companies to our winter Fundable cohort. Over two months, the entrepreneurs going through the program focused on learning potential funding pathways to raising outside financing and what it means to become an investable venture. They learned to create a data room, a compelling pitch deck, and how to produce a clear funding strategy.

LEARN ABOUT PROGRAMS

The program 8-week culminated in a company showcase for investors and AO partners where they could put their learnings into action. Here’s a look back on the event in photos.

The companies presented their businesses in a 5 minute pitch, followed by Q&A from a panel of local community members. Plus, thanks to our friends at Lawson Lundell, we were able to give away a $5000 cash prize to one lucky startup who won the People’s Choice Award. 

Pulse, a startup working to build a wearable navigation aid for the visually impaired, took home the prize. Each navigation aid is equipped with an array of sensors that detect surrounding objects and vibration motors to provide haptic feedback. With the addition of their AI, Pal C, Pulse hopes to bring independence and convenience to everyday life.

The ability to apply financial literacy effectively can differentiate a startup and help set them up for long term success. Empowering leaders with capital expertise is what Gary Parmar and the team at MNP do best.

Gary Parmar is a Partner and the Regional Leader of Technology, Media and Telecommunications team at MNP. He has over 20 years of experience in the wealth industry and provides accounting, tax, financial planning and business management advice. When he is not building client relationships, or mentoring his colleagues, you can find him supporting AO’s Fundable program and investing in the Okanagan Angel Summit    

What do you enjoy most about your role at MNP?

I was drawn to accounting early on and realized that professional services offered the perfect blend of utilizing my skills and owning a business, helping clients make informed decisions. Being a Partner at MNP allows me to be the “quarterback” in client relationships, offering timely advice that positively impacts their businesses. I find fulfillment in mentoring younger team members and collaborating with colleagues. Living, working, and supporting the communities we are a part of is a core value our firm supports. 

What do you think is the biggest barrier for entrepreneurs raising capital?

Current market conditions, marked by high interest rates and uncertainty, pose significant challenges. Entrepreneurs must have a deep understanding of customer demands, both B2B and B2C, and be able to provide creative solutions.

Can you speak to the importance of financial literacy for founders when it comes to building a start-up and raising capital?

Financial literacy is paramount; founders must comprehend financial statements and work with trusted advisors to make sound business decisions; to help drive their venture forward. Entrepreneurs should work on their business rather than just in their business.

What benefits do you see for founders who participate in Fundable?

Participating founders gain valuable mentorship from experienced professionals and forge connections with like-minded peers facing similar challenges. Investing in basic accounting courses and accounting software platforms can bolster knowledge. Regularly reviewing financial statements with a trusted advisor is also crucial.  

What inspired you to be an active investor in the Okanagan Angel Summit?

Curiosity led me to explore angel investing, and my participation in the summit introduced me to inspiring founders, investors, and other mentors. The wealth of ideas in our local tech ecosystem motivates me to continue my involvement. 

In regards to supporting entrepreneurs or investors, is there anything new on the horizon for you (or MNP) that you would like to share with the OKGNtech community?

MNP offers a comprehensive entrySMART program, including consulting, financial modeling, cloud accounting, and SR&ED claim review, designed to help new tech businesses flourish. 

MNP is one of the largest national accounting and business consulting firms in Canada. Their Kelowna location has over 100 team members who deliver a full range of accounting, tax, and business consulting services. They have been a proud sponsor of many tech events hosted by Accelerate Okanagan and have also been mentors, investors, and champions in the local community. 

Dedicated investors are imperative to the success of the Okanagan Angel Summit.

Each year, three dedicated investors from past Summits step up to volunteer their time as Directors of the OKGN Angel Investment Society to oversee and lead that year’s Summit investment and manage the investment on behalf of the entire angel investor group (typically 25-35 investors). Their roles are a key function in the success of the Summit and it wouldn’t be possible without their hard work.

We would like to introduce you to this year’s Summit Directors, Alex Greer, Michelle Rogers, and Tim Miller. Read on to learn more about them and their domain expertise.

Tim Miller is a distinguished corporate consultant and retired CEO/CFO from the financial services sector, bringing expertise in Strategic Analysis, Mergers and Acquisitions, Negotiations, and Technology implementations. He is currently serving as the Managing Director of TLM Management Ltd., a family investment holding company, and as a Board Member for the Okanagan Angels Investment Society and Simply Benefits Inc. Tim continues to shape the landscape of emerging ventures.

Married with three grown daughters, he embraces family adventures and, if weather permitting, enjoys cycling and winter skiing with friends. Tim’s dynamic career and commitment to innovation showcase a balance between professional excellence and a fulfilling personal life.

Journey to The Summit

The Okanagan Angel Summit is a great entry point for individuals looking to get involved in the capital ecosystem. Applications are currently open to both Western Canadian startups, and Okanagan-based investors to participate in the Summit, which takes place from April 2 to May 23. Application close on March 24 for companies and March 31 for investors. 

Apply to Pitch

JOIN THE FUND 

You don’t want to miss out on this milestone event where we hope to reach $1 Million angel capital deployed since the inception of the Summit in 2019. You can learn all about it on the Summit website, okgnangelsummit.com.