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FoundersGap
FoundersGap
Connecting Multicultural Founders; Bridging Gaps

FOUNDRSGAP PRESENTS

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VENTURELAB AND THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK

Newcomer Entrepreneurship
Launchpad

A 2-month Program to Launch Your Venture in Canada.
From navigating the ecosystem to showcase ready.

April-May 2026

2-month Program

Deadline to Apply: March 31st

Secure Your Spot

Learn


build


Launch


Grow


What You Can Expect

Four pillars that take you from idea to investor-ready in 2 months.

Actionable Workshops


Hands-on modules covering key elements of launching your business as a newcomer founder.

Tailored Mentorship


one-on-one sessions with experienced mentors who have been there and done that.

Networking & Collaboration


Engage with a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and partners.

Exclusive Resources


Exclusive perks and resources to help facilitate building your business from ground-up 

How It Works

A structured program designed to accelerate your entrepreneurial journey.

Identify Your Problem Space

Understand your target users' needs and validate your business solution

Craft Solutions

Develop market-ready Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) or Beta projects.

Marketing & Selling

Master go-to-market strategies and sales techniques.

Pitching & Metrics

Refine your pitch and learn financial metrics that matter.

Content Overview

Three phases that take you from foundation to showcase ready.

Phase 1 · 

Foundation

Navigate the ecosystem and find your problem

  • Understand the entrepreneurship journey and navigate the Canadian startup ecosystem
  •  Understand your problem space and potential users in you target market

Phase 2 

Building & Validation

Validate and craft your solution

  • Develop your MVP (Minimum Viable Product).
  • Learn about validation, customer discovery and product-market-fit.

Phase 3 

Ready to launch!

launch and showcase by pitching

  • Learn about marketing, Sales and financial planning 
  • build your pitch deck, Practice your pitch and get feedback for mastering your pitching skills   

Who Should Apply

No Canadian experience? No problem, we'll help you!

Newcomer Entrepreneurs

Immigrants and refugees in York Region are building a venture.

Early-Stage Founders

From idea-stage to those with first users.

All Industries

Tech, social enterprise, or other industries.


Teams & Individuals

Teams are great, but individuals are welcome.


Our Ecosystem Partners

Connected to York Region's innovation hubs and support networks.

Secure Your Spot

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have a business already registered?

No! You can be at the idea stage. We'll help you set up your legal foundations as part of the program.

Is there a cost to participate?

The program is completely free for accepted participants. We're here to remove barriers, not add them.

Where are the events held?

We run a fully virtual program to make it accessible for a broader range of interested people within the region.

Do you take equity?

No. The program is 100% equity-free. You keep full ownership of your venture.

What is the time commitment?

Expect about 1–2 hours per week across workshops, coaching sessions, and project work over 2 months starting from April to May.

Can I apply if I'm not yet living in York Region?

Yes!  You're welcome to apply even you are not based in York Region.

What language is the program in?

The program is delivered in English, with culturally attuned support to help all newcomers feel welcome and included.