Startup Visa Path

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Applications are open until May 10, 2023

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Phase I: Market Validation Program

This is the first of a three phase program supporting international startups establishing a corporation in North America (based in Canada) and connecting with the ecosystem.

The Market Validation Phase is specifically designed for companies that are looking to expand globally and have a market entry strategy starting in North America, and in parallel connect with an immigration option.

This program offers:

  • Legal framework to establish a company in Canada (pre-register Canada 101 workshop)
  • Immigration process for co-founders and employees (pre-register Canada 101 workshop)
  • Fundamentals of Intellectual Property (a definition of IP is at the end of this page)
  • Understanding funding options (grants and investment in Canada)
  • Customer discovery and segmentation in North America
  • Marketing Strategy in North America
  • Sales Strategy in North America
  • Network and connections with partners
  • International Business Plan
  • Financial forecast in North America

Criteria

This is the basic criteria to be eligible for the Market Validation Phase:

  • Technology company with Intellectual property strategy
  • Financially stable (with enough funding to operate for a year in Canada without revenue)
  • Coachable team
  • Willing to relocate in Canada
  • All founders participating in the program must have a business level of English proficiency

An interview with the LatAm Startups team will then be conducted to determine your participation in the program.

Cost of the Program

USD $2,500 for up to 5 co-founders. This program lasts one month and it’s delivered online.

Deliverables

At the end of Phase I, startups will present a diagnosis of their company (current status and goals), and a group of professionals from LatAm Startups will provide a recommendation report based on this diagnosis.

Phase II: Market Entry Program

The Market Entry Phase is designed for companies that have already validated the market (completed  Phase I: Market Validation Program). 

This phase of the program offers:

  • Customized focus group
  • Sales pitch preparation
  • Four designated business mentors
  • One designated market expert mentor
  • IP strategy advise
  • Introduction to our local community in Canada
  • Co-working space

Criteria

This is the  criteria to be eligible for the Market Entry Phase:

  • Phase I: Market Validation Program completion  and acceptance  into Phase II: Market Entry Program
  • Technology company with Intellectual property strategy
  • Financially stable (with enough funding to operate for a year in Canada without revenue)
  • Coachable team
  • Willing to relocate in Canada
  • All founders participating in the program must have a business level of English proficiency

Cost of the Program

USD $5,000 for up to 5 co-founders participating in the program. This program lasts for two months. This phase can be conducted online, in-person or hybrid.

Deliverables

Startups are expected to deliver a complete International Business Plan, focus groups, one pager, and sales deck for the North American market. 

Companies must incorporate by the end of Phase II  and have an IP Strategy to be eligible for Phase III: Acceleration Program (Startup Visa Program)

Phase III: Acceleration (Startup Visa)

Companies accepted into our Acceleration Phase should have already validated the North American market (completed Phase I: Market Validation Program) and have a clear market entry strategy (completed Phase II: Market Entry Program).

In this phase companies are expected to increase revenue and funding in their Canadian corporations.

This phase of the program offers:

  • Enrolment in the Startup Visa Program (letter of support)
  • Meetings with investors (Demo Day presentations)
  • Designated marketing and event assistant
  • C-Fractional executive assigned
  • Market Expert mentor assigned
  • Four designated business mentors
  • Access to Acceleration+ (in partnership with TechPlace, Haltech and Innovation Hamilton)
  • Co-working space

Mentoring in:

  • Talent acquisition and team building
  • Sales growth in North America
  • Investment pitch preparation
  • Seeking grants and loans
  • Accounting and corporate taxes
  • Company valuation

Criteria

These are the criteria to be eligible for the Acceleration Phase:

  • Phase I: Market Validation and Phase II: Market Entry programs completed
  • Financially stable (with enough funding to operate for one year in Canada without revenue)
  • Incorporated in Canada
  • Intellectual property strategy defined
  • Business plan completed
  • Proposals for job creation in Canada during first year of operation
  • All founders participating in the program must have business-level proficiency in English

An interview with the Board of Directors of LatAm Startups will be conducted to determine your participation in this phase.

Cost of the Program

USD $15,000 for up to 5 co-founders. This program lasts 6 months and includes a complimentary monitoring year.

Participants in this program can attend online, in person or in hybrid mode.

Deliverables

Meeting with investors, investment pitch deck, supporting letter for the Startup Visa Program, customized community event, advice and enrolment into other accelerator programs and events.

What is intellectual property?

Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce. Intellectual property is owned and legally protected by a person or company from outside use or implementation without consent. Intellectual property can consist of many types of assets, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights. In particular for the Startup Visa program we are seeking for intellectual property referred to patents and copyrights.

What is Intellectual property strategy?

Businesses with forward-thinking intellectual property strategies are also using IP to gain competitive advantages and drive new revenue opportunities. An IP strategy helps entities manage their intangible assets—including patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and copyrights—in a way that aligns with their overall business strategy and goals. Developing the right intellectual property strategy depends on an organization’s industry and maturity. 

Regardless of these defining factors, a strategic plan should also be flexible. 

More questions?