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March 8th - May 11th, 2023

Newcomer Entrepreneurship Program


A hybrid ideation program to support newcomer entrepreneurs across Ontario


Compete for one of four grants worth $5,000 in funding!

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The DMZ's Newcomer Entrepreneurship Program is a fully subsidized 10-week bootcamp that helps newcomers to Ontario develop capacity on the business fundamentals of starting a company within Canada.

Newcomers tap into their potential and learn how to develop and market business ideas with the help of their peers, industry mentors and successful entrepreneurs. This is an opportunity for newcomers to gain practical Canadian ecosystem knowledge and experience. Participants will ultimately have the opportunity to put into practice their learnings to develop companies solving the world's biggest problems, all while connecting with a community of like-minded individuals in the DMZ's office, in the heart of downtown Toronto.

This program has been subsidized by the generous sponsorship of the Future Skills Centre and a media sponsorship from Canadian Business.

What's in it for you?

  • 1:1 mentoring with DMZ Program Leads
  • Learn from successful newcomer entrepreneurs as they share their stories and lessons
  • Customized workshops to help newcomers develop a successful business in Ontario
  • 1:1 pitching coaching sessions with a DMZ expert
  • Opportunities to engage with other motivated newcomers across Ontario
  • An understanding of the Canadian funding landscape
  • Access to a community of entrepreneurs and work space in the heart of downtown Toronto.
  • Compete for one of four grants worth $5,000 of funding!

What you'll learn



Sales and negotiation
strategies
man beside chart
Legal advice
person watching video on monitor
Marketing strategies
marketing platforms on cellphone
Insight into the Canadian ecosystem
customer playbook
Design Thinking methodology
sections on a website
And so much more
people sharing ideas on whiteboards

Week by week


  • Program Validation & Prototyping
    Week 1: Entrepreneurship 101
    Week 2: Design Thinking and Prototyping
    Week 3: Validation and Customer Discovery
  • Go To Market
    Week 4: Messaging and Marketing
    Week 5: Canadian Legal and Taxation Landscape
    Week 6: Sales
  • Pitching & Storytelling
    Week 7: Pitching
    Week 8: Investors & Fundraising
    Week 9: Leadership
  • Demo Day
    Week 10: Program Finals

Application criteria

This is a competitive program. To be accepted, applicants must:

  • Have at least one individual who can dedicate 2-4 hours a week to the program
  • Be a driven, coachable, and collaborative team
  • Be looking to develop a tech based company
  • A newcomer to Canada (under 5 years landed)
  • The ability to participate in in-person workshops and activities in Toronto

Ready to build?

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Timeline

ADMISSION

Applications open Monday, January 23rd, 2023
  • Application Deadline
    February 24th
  • Application Results
    February 28th
  • Interview Dates
    February 20th - February 28th
  • Program Onboarding
    March 8th

Media sponsor




Canadian Business is a progressive media brand for executives and entrepreneurs who want to do business better. It was founded in 1928 to cover the people, companies and ideas shaping the economy in Canada. Today, it is a valued resource for advice, insights, inspiration and networking opportunities, keeping pace with the rapidly shifting business landscape in this country. In October 2021, CB relaunched its print and digital platforms to reflect the new values, inclusive approaches and entrepreneurial spirit that is changing this country for the better.

For more infomation, please contact



Shane Flynn

Director, Alumni Relations & Special Programs

Madison Henry

Talent Development Coordinator

Naveed Tagari

Partnerships Lead

Esther Deng

Global Programs Assistant