An Accelerator for Early-traction Startups Working Towards Investment Readiness
This program is designed to support early-traction startups that are working towards refining their business model and go-to-market strategy while preparing for investor fundraising.
Throughout the 10-week program, you will attend weekly workshops and personalized mentorship sessions with industry leaders, conduct self-directed work, and learn about:
- Branding and marketing
- Value proposition
- Go-to-market strategy
- Financing and accounting
- Funding pathways
- Pitching
- Measuring growth milestones for your startups
“I feel much more prepared and knowledgeable about what it takes for a startup to succeed.”
Nihad Kaddoura
Cofounder, Fellow Storage
Program Overview
Next program dates: June 1st to August 4, 2023
Duration: Weekdays for 10 weeks
Key Learning Themes
- Refining your value proposition
- Developing an effective go-to-market strategy
- Shaping your marketing and branding practices
- Perfecting your pitch presentation
- Developing awareness of financial and accounting best-practices
- Preparing for investment
Format
- Weekly interactive workshops delivered by seasoned entrepreneurs and business experts introduce strategic frameworks and tools that guide the process of shaping and developing startups. Workshops generally last one hour, with extra time reserved for group discussions and learning activities.
- Pitch practices provide the opportunity to receive valuable feedback from experienced industry leaders, helping you to develop a strong investment pitch and refine your business model.
- Weekly mentorship meetings help participants hone their business skills with personalized one-on-one mentorship.
- Up to $15,000 in pre-seed funding per team and a chance to win up to $20,000 in awards
- A minimum time commitment of five hours per week, in addition to self-directed work is expected
Outline
| 1 |
Program launch and team introductions
|
| 2 |
Communicating your brand
One-on-one mentoring session |
| 3 |
Building your go-to-market strategy
One-on-one mentoring session |
| 4 |
Marketing for startups
One-on-one mentoring session |
| 5 |
Building your pitch deck
One-on-one mentoring session |
| 6 |
Finance for startups
One-on-one mentoring session |
| 7 |
Accounting for startups
One-on-one mentoring session |
| 8 |
Preparing for investment and identifying funding opportunities
One-on-one mentoring session |
| 9 |
Perfecting your pitch
One-on-one mentoring session |
| 10 |
Bringing it all together
One-on-one mentoring session |
Awards
X-1 Accelerator Pre-Seed Funding
Program participants are eligible to receive pre-seed funding for their startup, subject to certain conditions.
Value: $5,000 per participating founder, up to a maximum of $15,000 per startup
Chad Williams Entrepreneurial Grit Award
Established in 2021 by Chad Williams, BEng 1989, MBA 1993, to encourage students enrolled in the Desautels Faculty of Management and at the Dobson Center to be creative and entrepreneurial. The Award will be for an undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated entrepreneurial talent and initiative, and is involved in an entrepreneurial venture. Students apply through the Dobson Centre.
Value: $10,000
Mancini Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
Established in 2021 by Domenico Mancini, BCom 1982 to encourage students enrolled in the Desautels Faculty of Management and at the Dobson Center to be creative and entrepreneurial. The Award will be for an undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated entrepreneurial talent and initiative, and is involved in an entrepreneurial venture. Students may apply through the Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship.
Value: $5,000
Dobson Entrepreneurial Excellence Prize
Established in 2022 by Dobson Foundation to encourage students enrolled in the Desautels Faculty of Management and at the Dobson Center to be creative and entrepreneurial. The Award will be for an undergraduate or graduate student who has demonstrated entrepreneurial talent and initiative, and is involved in an entrepreneurial venture. Students may apply through the Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship.
Value: $5,000
Program Application
Ideal Participant Profile
- Your team has at least one McGill affiliated co-founder e.g., student, faculty, staff or alumni (graduated within the last 10 years).
- Your team is incorporated in Canada.
- Your team demonstrates early traction in the form of a functioning MVP, early users/customers or pre-seed investment.
- Your team is currently fundraising or aspires to be fundraising within the next six months.
- Your startup has the potential for exponential growth to eventually serve global markets.
- Your team has at least one technical co-founder, and can build your business upon a technology, science, or idea that is significantly or radically disruptive.
- Your team is composed of multi-disciplinary professionals.
- You can commit to attending all the workshops and executing the project work (required to maintain your participation in the program)
How to Apply
Next cohort: June 1st to August 4, 2023
Register here to be notified when the program applications open.
Next Steps
Following completion of the X-1 Accelerator program, participants are encouraged to apply to the Mentorship Circle. Selected startups will also be invited to join the International Pre-Seed Funding Program.
Have questions about the program? Email us at dobson.mgmt [at] mcgill.ca for more information
Thank you to our program sponsor!
