Accepting Applications for February 2025!

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Elevate Your Business

Take your business to the next level with our comprehensive 12-week hybrid LevelUP program. 

A Chance to Win $10K: The LevelUP program concludes with a pitch event where you are given the opportunity to pitch your business to a panel of judges for the chance to win a $10,000 cash prize!

Hybrid Program: Participate virtually or join us at our downtown Peterborough, ON location. Sessions are held every Wednesday.

Who Should Attend: Founders, co-founders, and leadership teams of growth-stage technology companies that have achieved MVP or are in the process of deploying it. LevelUP supports innovative tech-based businesses ready to commercialize and scale.

THANK YOU TO OUR AUGUST 2024 COHORT SPONSORS!

GOLD SPONSORS:

Want to boost your brand while supporting the next generation of innovative tech businesses? Sponsor our 12-week hybrid LevelUp program and help accelerate the growth of cutting-edge companies ready to transform their industries.
Contact our Program Lead today to explore sponsorship opportunities!

Zahra Shafiei
Program Lead
zshafiei@innovationcluster.ca

Program Highlights

  • Strategic Roadmap: Develop a clear path to grow your business with personalized mentorship, ensuring your journey is as unique as your business idea.
  • Storytelling & Branding: Learn how to craft a compelling brand story and create a strong brand presence in the market.
  • Revenue Models: Understand different revenue models and pricing strategies to ensure sustainable growth.
  • Go-to-Market Plans: Develop a comprehensive go-to-market plan to successfully launch your business.
  • Customer Acquisition: Implement customer acquisition strategies to build and grow your customer base.
  • Funding & Exit Strategies: Gain insights into funding opportunities and develop a solid exit strategy.
  • Pitch Your Business: Improve your pitching skills and get the chance to pitch your business for a $10,000 cash prize.

Program Outcomes

Upon LevelUP completion, you will be:

  • Ready to refine and test your MVP
  • Equipped to achieve your first sale(s) 
  • Delivering an improved investor pitch 
  • Knowledgeable in intellectual property strategies
  • Driving customer acquisition to achieve revenue growth 
  • Prepared for what investors look for in growth stage companies
  • Well-networked among mentors, industry experts, and potential investors

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.

12-Week Program

Our 12-week journey focuses on validating your business ideas and preparing your business for funding. LevelUP is built on four pillars:

  • 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.

WEEK 1:
Program Orientation & Team Introductions

Meet the Innovation Cluster team and fellow cohort members. Learn how to deliver an elevator pitch.

WEEK 2:
Business Planning

Create a comprehensive business plan that attracts investors.

WEEK 3:
Development, Innovation & IP Strategy

Focus on product development and innovation. Learn about options to protect your innovation.

WEEK 4:
Pricing and Revenue Model

Validate your revenue streams and pricing strategy.

WEEK 5:
Presentation Skills & Pitching

Learn how to present effectively and engage your audience.

WEEK 6:
First Round of Pitch Practice

Receive feedback from experts on your pitch.

WEEK 7:
Go-to-Market Plan & First Customer Acquisition

Develop a comprehensive go-to-market strategy.

WEEK 8:
Creating a Compelling Brand

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

WEEK 9:
Building a Sales Engine

Optimize your sales engine for business growth.

WEEK 10:
Scaling Your Business

Explore strategies for scaling your business.

WEEK 11:
Funding and Exit Strategy

Focus on funding and exit strategies.

WEEK 12:
Pitch Practice

Prepare for the final pitch competition for a chance to win $10K!

What Makes LevelUP Different from Other Programs?

  • Personalized Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from industry experts.
  • Hands-On Workshops: Practical sessions to apply what you have learned.
  • Exclusive Networking: Access to key industry events and contacts.
  • Actionable Strategies: Focus on real-world applications and execution.
  • Comprehensive Support: Resources for every stage of your business growth.

Access to Expert Mentorship

Benefit from our ExIRs (Experts in Residence) – industry leaders offering mentorship in diverse areas like AI, robotics, sales, marketing, finance, marketing and more.

Personalized Roadmap and Post-Graduation Support

Get a customized roadmap for success, created with mentor guidance. Alumni can apply for ongoing support and resources to stay engaged and grow within our network.

Regional Collaboration

Collaborate with regional stakeholders such as the City of Peterborough, Trent University, Fleming College, and community experts. We focus on IP and commercialization, working closely with Intellectual Property Ontario.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Hands-ON: Pizza and Patents

Hands-ON: Pizza and Patents

Date October 22, 2024
Innovation Cluster
see more
Expert Insights: Speed Networking with Industry Experts

Expert Insights: Speed Networking with Industry Experts

Date October 24, 2024
Innovation Cluster
see more
LevelUp Pitch Competition – 2nd Edition

LevelUp Pitch Competition – 2nd Edition

Date November 6, 2024
Market Hall
see more

Eligibility Requirements

  • Open to entrepreneurs in sectors such as Agri tech, Healthcare, Cleantech, and Digital Technology.
  • Seeking innovation-driven startups, with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and a team committed to growth and collaboration.
  • Must be a company based in Ontario.
apply now!

Join the LevelUP Program

Transform your business with LevelUP! Participate in our next cohort and take a giant step towards a successful entrepreneurial future.

 

 

apply now!

CONTACT

ANN-MAJELLA MCKELVIE

ANN-MAJELLA MCKELVIE

Program Coordinator

Ann-Majella leverages her expertise to connect entrepreneurs with top advisors and industry experts. With a deep commitment to fostering innovation, she is dedicated to empowering and guiding entrepreneurs on their path to business growth.

Have a question?

Tel: (705) 536-1101 ext 903

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