What We Offer

Participants of LevelUP gain critical skills, knowledge, connections, and an opportunity to access funding. We focus on nurturing startups in five key sectors: Agri tech, Healthcare, Cleantech, Social Innovation, and Digital Technology, offering:

• Mentorship and Expert Guidance: Receive personalized mentorship from industry leaders.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with a community of entrepreneurs, investors, and potential collaborators.
• Exclusive Opportunities for Funding: LevelUP graduates gain the chance to pitch for grant funding to support their capital acquisition and market validation efforts. A key highlight is our 10k Pitch Competition, offering significant funding and exposure to industry experts and investors.
• Workshops and Seminars: Participate in workshops designed to refine your business model and strategy.
• Comprehensive Services: Gain access to resources, including co-working spaces and advanced technology.

Structured Program
for Startup Growth

The LevelUP program operates three cohorts annually (February, June, and October), each hosting a group of ten companies. Our 12-week journey is dedicated to validating your business ideas and preparing your startup for funding.

The program’s framework is built on four pillars: Knowledge Transfer, Networking, Traction, and Funding Preparation. This structured approach ensures your startup is made robust enough for the challenges of the startup world.

• Knowledge Transfer: Learn from experts and gain hands-on experience
in essential business skills.
• Networking: Build valuable relationships that can propel your business forward.
• Traction: Develop strategies for measurable growth and market impact.
• Funding Preparation: Acquire the skills and insights to confidently approach investors and secure funding.

Your Path to Success

By the end of the LevelUP program, you will not only have a validated business idea but also a comprehensive business plan, a robust go-to-market strategy, and a supportive network of mentors and peers.

As a key milestone on your path to success, our 10k Pitch Competition presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate your startup’s potential. Winning this competition can be a game-changer, providing you with essential funding and exposure to industry leaders.

12-Week Intensive Program

Upon joining LevelUP, entrepreneurs undergo a transformative process, starting with idea validation and culminating in a pitch event for potential investors. Our program structure is as follows:

Tailored Curriculum and Milestones

The curriculum is designed to refine business models and provide essential support in legal, administrative, market research, customer acquisition, and fundraising areas. Each week features sessions, presentations, and workshops. Cohort members will:

• Submit weekly assignments.
• Receive ongoing mentorship.
• Access a network of ExIR’s.
• Become comfortable with pitching.

A highlight of the program is the demo day or pitch event, offering startups the opportunity to present their progress and pitch for distribution funding amongst peers with the opportunity to win cash prizes of up to $10,000.

Personalized Expert Mentorship

During the program, you’ll benefit from our ExIRs (Experts in Residence) – industry leaders offering mentorship in diverse areas like AI, robotics, sales, marketing, finance, and more. Mentors play a key role in shaping your startup’s unique roadmap to success.

Personalized Roadmap and Post-Graduation Support

Startups receive a tailored roadmap for success, crafted with mentor input. Post-graduation, alumni companies continue to receive support and resources, fostering sustained engagement and growth within our network.

Regional Collaboration

LevelUP collaborates with regional stakeholders such as the City of Peterborough, Trent University, Fleming College, and community experts. Focusing on IP and commercialization, we work closely with Intellectual Property Ontario, enhancing the economic development of participating startups.