Phase III: Acceleration Program (Startup Visa)

Please note there are no direct applications for this phase in our community. All startups must complete Phase I and Phase II of our programs to become eligible for this phase of the program.

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.