Accelerator Centre Launches New International Market Immersion Program

Waterloo, ON — September 6, 2023 — Accelerator Centre is pleased to announce a new International Market Access and Investor Readiness Program, designed in partnership with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).

To support NZTE’s vision to strengthen the support offered to New Zealand’s local innovative businesses to help them grow internationally, the 15-week course will provide incubation-style programming and mentorship in specific, targeted development areas. Subject matter experts will deliver workshops focused on areas such as:

• Best practices for doing business in Canada

• Customer discovery and product development

• Scalable business models

• Distribution and marketing channels

• Working with corporates and customer persona mapping

• Leadership and organizational culture

Programming includes 2 hours per week of one-on-one mentorship for each company with AC experts.

The AC’s International Accelerator programs are a key offering in the organization’s efforts to expand its operations into global markets and attract the world’s top startups to Waterloo. It is also in line with New Zealand’s global technology campaign See Tomorrow First, with aims to raise awareness and improve perceptions of New Zealand as an innovative source of technology in markets like Canada and the US.

“Our collaboration with NZTE aims to support New Zealand-based companies leverage the magic of the Waterloo ecosystem,” said Jay Krishnan, CEO of the AC. “In the post-pandemic globalized world, we continue to see entrepreneurial activity cross geographical boundaries as founders seek new markets. True to our vision, the AC aims to help foster community growth by bringing New Zealand's amazing entrepreneurial talent to Waterloo’s innovation ecosystem.”

“We’re excited to partner with the Accelerator Centre. This is a great opportunity for New Zealand companies to continue building their knowledge and capability so they can remain at the forefront of cutting-edge tech innovation and build stronger foundations to support their growth in Canada. Tech is now the second largest export from New Zealand, and it is an important industry for us. The Canadian market, specifically Waterloo, is rich with opportunities for New Zealand tech companies, and this program will only serve to help companies better maximize those.” said Matt Ritchie, New Zealand Trade Commissioner and Consul General, Canada.

Companies participating in the program include:

1. Comply Pro
2. Exedee
3. MEA Mobile
4. MyHR

About Accelerator Centre

At the AC, we exist to help ambitious dreamers impact global change through their businesses. The AC is ranked among the World Top 5 private business accelerators by UBI Global. We offer an extensive selection of customizable opportunities for startups across Canada—allowing founders to rapidly bring their innovation to life. We work with our global partners to bolster the innovation ecosystem in Waterloo and beyond.

About New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise – Te Taurapa Tūhono (NZTE) - is the New Zealand government's international business development agency, working to grow New Zealand companies internationally for the good of New Zealand.

NZTE provides customized services and support to ambitious New Zealand businesses looking to go global, helping them to build their capability, boost their global reach, connect to other businesses and invest in their growth. It also connects international investors with opportunities in New Zealand through a global network of investment advisors.

Media Contacts

Tabatha Laverty
Vice-President, Marketing and External Relations
[email protected]

Copeland McCarter
Regional Communications Manager, North America – New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
[email protected]