Startup Business Accelerator in Ontario

Does This Sound Like You?

You have a business that’s incorporated in Canada and you’re…

Running a tech-based venture with a minimum viable product (MVP)

Eager to refine your product-market fit

Ready to commercialize and start making sales

In AgriTech, CleanTech, Health/MedTech, Nuclear Tech,
or Digital IT

Based in Ontario and excited to commit to a business accelerator program

The LevelUP Difference

LevelUP isn’t just about learning. It’s about taking action and moving forward. This program delivers expert guidance and resources to help you validate your business model, prepare for commercialization, enter the market, and scale.

Our 12-week journey is built on six pillars designed to prepare your team to gain traction quickly.

Knowledge Transfer

Gain hands-on experience in essential business skills—from marketing and branding to funding and exit strategy—through expert-led workshops and 1-1 mentorship.

Networking & Peer Learning

Build valuable relationships with industry leaders, potential partners, and fellow entrepreneurs. Connect with like-minded founders and learn from each other’s experiences.

Traction

Develop actionable strategies to drive measurable business growth, expand your customer base, and strengthen your market position.

Funding Preparation

Learn how to navigate the fundraising process and gain the confidence to approach investors.

Pitch Development

Refine your pitch through practice and constructive feedback. Learn to communicate your business and value to customers, investors, and stakeholders.

Execution & Growth

Apply what you learn each week through practical exercises and expert feedback to ensure progress toward your business goals.

What LevelUP Participants Have to Say

"The 12-week LevelUP program was an incredible experience that expanded my knowledge and connected me with a community of fellow startup founders. What truly sets this program apart is the genuine investment the team took in my business's success. Their support goes beyond education; they are truly committed to helping startups thrive."

Andrew Nokes

Founder & CEO, Creativity By Code

"Participating in the Innovation Cluster’s LevelUP program was an incredible experience. The program also taught us how to map out a strategic roadmap, turning our vision into clear, actionable steps. Thanks to LevelUP, Kuwota is ready to grow and make a real impact in the mental health space.”

Kinen Ocitti

CEO & Founder, Kuwota

“Being part of the LevelUP program has been an incredible learning experience. The program's structure over the 12-week period taught us the importance of holding each other accountable to boost productivity, uplift one another, and ensure tasks are completed and milestones are met.”

Latchmi Raghunanan Ph.D

CEO & Founder, Maman Biomedical

The 12-Week Recipe for Success

In the LevelUP Business Accelerator, you’ll learn how to take your business from MVP to growth-stage.

In just 12 weeks, you’ll refine your strategy, prepare for market entry, and position yourself for funding. Each week brings new insights, hands-on workshops, and expert guidance to equip you for the next stage of growth.

Week 1: Program Orientation & Team Introductions

Meet the Innovation Cluster team and fellow cohort members. Practice your pitch with peers to get to know each other and start building connections from day one.

Week 2: Business Planning

Prepare to take your business plan to the next level by refining and enhancing it to attract investors.

Week 3: Pitching Workshop

Master the art of presenting your business effectively and captivating your audience with confidence.

Week 4: Development, Innovation & IP Strategy

Learn about the product development lifecycle, how to drive continuous innovation, and how to protect your intellectual property.

Week 5: Financials

Understand how to create financial projections to track your budget and stay on top of your financial milestones.

Week 6: First Round of Pitch Practice

Present your pitch and receive valuable expert feedback to refine and enhance your slides & delivery.

Week 7: Traction Canvas

Dive into practical, tactical, and actionable strategies to understand customer behavior and build a robust Go-To-Market playbook for your company.

Week 8: Creating a Compelling Brand

Learn the key elements of effective branding, including visual identity, brand voice, and market positioning to establish a strong and differentiated brand presence.

Week 9: Building a Sales Engine

Break down the selling process and learn how to develop a value-based selling approach.

Week 10: Scaling Your Business

Build an understanding of core growth strategies and determine which is best fit to help you scale your business.

Week 11: Funding and Exit Strategy

Explore funding options and develop exit strategies to position your business for long-term success and future growth.

Week 12: Pitch Practice & Final Pitch Competition

Perfect your pitch through practice sessions and prepare to present in the final competition for a chance to win $10K!

Thank You to Our 2025 Partners

Secure Your Spot in the Next LevelUp Cohort

Each LevelUp cohort has space for 15 founder teams. Participants are selected based on readiness.

Application

Apply for our next cohort by submitting your application, including key details about your business and the founders.

Assessment

If your application meets our criteria, we’ll contact you for an interview to learn more about your business, and assess how LevelUP can support your growth.

Acceptance

If you’re selected, you’ll receive your official invitation to join the LevelUP Business Accelerator and begin your 12-week journey when the next cohort starts.

2025 LevelUP Program Timeline

Winter/Spring Cohort

Applications Close: January 15
Cohort Kick Off: February 5
Pitch Competition: April 30

Summer/Fall Cohort

Applications Close: July 15
Cohort Kick Off: Aug 6
Pitch Competition: Oct 29

FAQs About the LevelUp Business Accelerator

Don’t see your question? Feel free to reach out to our program team.

Zahra Shafiei
Program Lead, International and Domestic

Zshafiei@innovationcluster.ca

Ann-Majella Mckelvie
Program Coordinator

ammckelvie@innovationcluster.ca

What types of businesses are eligible for the LevelUP Business Accelerator?

The program is designed for tech-based and innovative ventures with a minimum viable product (MVP) who are looking to refine their strategy, scale, and expand their market. Eligible industries include agritech, cleantech, health/medtech, nuclear tech, and digital IT.

How much time do I need to commit to the program?

Workshops are held once a week on Wednesdays for up to 3 hours, and weekly attendance is mandatory. The more hours you dedicate to practice, applying the knowledge, and engaging in mentorship and pitch practice, the better the results.

Is the LevelUP Business Accelerator in-person or virtual?

The program is hybrid, offering both in-person and virtual options depending on your preference and location. We recommend attending in person as it enhances engagement and networking opportunities. Please note that the final pitch competition will be held in person in Peterborough.

Go From Validation to Market Success