John Wilkinson, MPP: "This country’s economy needs world class scientists and business leaders who come together and speak a common language to make opportunities happen. That’s what happens every morning over coffee at the Accelerator Centre."
Support | FAQs
How do I get started?
First review our entry criteria. If you think the Accelerator Centre is a good fit for your emerging technology business, complete the preliminary application form attached and email to bmuise@acceleratorcentre.com.
What do you require from prospective clients?
A preliminary application form is the first step. If you proceed to later stages in the application process, you will also be asked to provide specific documentation in an electronic format, including a Criminal Record Check and Credit Check, and present your Business Plan to relevant members of the Accelerator Centre.
How does the application process work?
Once prospective clients have submitted a preliminary application form, relevant members of the Accelerator Centre will review the form and arrange a meeting. If there is agreement to proceed, prospective clients will be asked to fill out a longer application form, provide a Business Plan and specific documentation electronically to a Client Review panel of the Entrepreneurship Council, and respond to any questions they may have.
Why is this a good way for me to start up my new high-tech business?
Two reasons — experience and resources. When you have a question, there is always someone available who has 'been there, done that.' You can also take advantage of affordable professional resources — such as administrative support, bookkeeping and Human Resources training — to help your business excel in its initial phases.
Are my ideas safe and confidential?
Yes. All information shared in the application process is kept strictly confidential.
What happens if I am accepted?
The CEO of the Accelerator Centre will call to advise of acceptance and discuss first steps. You will then be asked to sign a Facility and Services Agreement and to provide a Criminal Record Check, Credit Check, and possibly other documentation.
What do I get when I join the Accelerator Centre?
Support. Mentoring and professional support; administrative support; access to office equipment like photocopiers, printers and scanners; meeting rooms, networking areas, and much, much more.
How long do I stay with the Accelerator Centre?
Successful clients will graduate from the Accelerator Centre, typically in two or three years, after they have completed the agreed process and achieved a level of readiness, determined with the help of the Chief Executive Officer, Director of Client Programs and Entrepreneurship Council mentors.
What happens after I leave the Accelerator Centre?
Post graduation, the Accelerator Centre will work closely with other organizations in the regional network to ensure the graduating client has access to the resources required for continued growth.
What kind of companies are in the Accelerator Centre?
All companies are unique and have identified a specific market niche — products in development include a hemodynamic monitor, traffic data collection tools and even a social network for poker enthusiasts and professionals.
What makes this mentoring different from other mentors out there?
Accelerator Centre mentors are specially skilled in the area of commercializing technological products. The mentoring that these individuals provide is critical to decreasing the time to commercialization and increasing the likelihood of success. Mentoring typically covers the common issues that a start-up company faces, such as high level strategic advice, development of the management team, personal skills development, connections to other business resources, etc.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for the Accelerator Centre?
Review our criteria. You should have an identified market for a technology, a business plan and initial funding. Equally important is the willingness to be receptive to mentoring and a business development process with pre-determined milestones.
What is the Accelerator Centre?
The Accelerator Centre is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enabling the commercialization of innovative products in the technological sector. It strives to assist new businesses in the difficult first stages of development by providing affordable resources — such as office space — as well as access to seasoned professionals who understand the challenges new businesses face.
What if I don't need office space or administrative support?
The Non-Resident program is available to entrepreneurs who want to use selected services, according to their needs.
Are there any programs for less advanced businesses?
Very early stage technology entrepreneurs who cannot meet the criteria to become AC clients can access the following services through the Innovation Condo program , which includes a cubicle in a shared office suite, limited administrative support, education programs and more.
Where will I work if I join the Accelerator Centre?
Our current offices are on the first floor of the Accelerator Building in the UW Research and Technology Park, and expansion plans are in the works to meet our growing need for office space.
