Venture Catalyst

Venture Catalyst is a free 6-week program designed by York University's YSpace to support early-stage tech entrepreneurs in testing and validating their innovative start-up ideas, providing them with structured mentorship and access to a community of peers and industry experts.
  • Yspace
Overview of the Venture Catalyst program:

Venture Catalyst is an intensive, six-week virtual training program tailored to help early-stage technology entrepreneurs take their innovative ideas from concept to proof-of-concept. It provides participants with a structured framework that includes virtual workshops, curated mentorship from seasoned professionals, and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning. The program focuses on equipping entrepreneurs with critical skills in customer development, go-to-market strategies, and business model validation. Through interactive sessions and one-on-one guidance, participants gain actionable insights into refining their business ideas while developing personal leadership skills and accountability. The program concludes with a Demo Day, offering entrepreneurs a platform to showcase their progress and pitch their ventures to potential investors, industry leaders, and other stakeholders. Participants also gain access to a supportive entrepreneurial community, with potential inclusion in the YSpace Virtual Membership Program, offering continued resources and guidance after the program's completion.

Benefits of the Venture Catalyst program:
  • Interactive Virtual Workshops: Focused on practical skills like customer development and go-to-market strategies.
  • Expert Mentorship: Access to experienced professionals offering tailored guidance.
  • Peer Support Networks: Collaborate and learn alongside like-minded entrepreneurs.
  • Start-up Resources: Gain tools and resources to develop a strong proof-of-concept.
  • Leadership Development: Enhance personal accountability and growth mindset.
  • Networking Opportunities: Build connections with industry experts and stakeholders.
  • Demo Day: Present ideas to potential investors and industry leaders.
  • Extended Support: Potential access to the YSpace Virtual Membership Program for further development.
Eligibility criteria of the Venture Catalyst program:
  • To be eligible for the program, applicants must:
  • Be in the ideation or early validation phases of their start-up journey.
  • Demonstrate a growth mindset, coachability, and a collaborative spirit.
  • Focus on innovative tech concepts that solve real-world problems.
  • Be open to feedback and dedicated to refining their business idea.
Request Funding Information

Related Funding Opportunities

Explore similar funding opportunities that match your goals.

Other Grants and Funding by Region

Performance Security InsuranceOPEN
  • Export Development Canada
Metis Voyageur Development FundOPEN
  • Metis Voyageur Development Fund (MVDF)
Impression VenturesOPEN
  • Impression Ventures
White Star Capital- Venture FundOPEN
  • White Star Capital
Tera Investment FundsOPEN
  • Tera Capital Corporation
Iteration Program (2025–2026)OPEN
  • Canada Media Fund (CMF)
Changing the NarrativeOPEN
  • Information and Communications Technology Council
LaunchPadOPEN
  • Innovation PEI

More Grants and Funding by Industry

Core Startup ProgramOPEN
  • Futurpreneur Program
Celtic House Venture PartnersOPEN
  • Celtic House Venture Partners
The Drive Ventures OPEN
  • The Drive Group
Faster Forward Coaching OPEN
  • Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northhumberland
Website AssessmentOPEN
  • Business Development Bank of Canada
Hire an apprenticeOPEN
  • Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
Microsoft AdvertisingOPEN
  • Microsoft
2M7 Merchant Cash AdvanceOPEN
  • 2M7 Financial Solutions