Founders Program | North Forge Startup Incubator Accelerator
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Founders Program gives Entrepreneurs Mentorship, Resources, and Hands-On Support

No matter what stage you are at, the North Forge Founders Program provides science-based, technology-enabled, and advanced manufacturing startups with programming and curated resources from ideation to scale.

4-Stage
Founders Program

The North Forge 4-Stage Founders Program is a comprehensive entrepreneurial development initiative designed to support startups at various stages of their journey, from ideation to scaling. This program provides entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and guidance needed to transform their ideas into successful businesses.

Apply before August 10 to be considered for our next cohort starting September 22!

1

Pathfinder

You are an entrepreneur with an idea. You need to gain an in-depth understanding of the opportunity, the market and the critical supports required for success with a honed-in business proposition. No cost.

Learn more about Pathfinder

2

Base Camp

You are an early-stage startup with a product idea that is undergoing primary product development in the wireframe stage. You need to understand your market fit, and fine tune your value proposition. No cost.

Learn more about Base Camp

3

Ascent

You are a startup who has completed your market validation, looking to build a working prototype and commercialize your product. You’re ready to develop your go-to-market strategy, expand your network to support your business growth. No cost.

Learn more about Ascent

4

North Star

You are a startup with a proven revenue-to-customer base, and are growing quickly with a validated marketable solution. You need a network of specialized supports that will help you realize scalable growth, and prepare you for an investment round. No cost. 

Learn more about North Star

Since June 2020, we’re proud to have helped over 630 companies secure more than $40M in investment.

"An incubator helps an entrepreneur put their house in order before beginning the process of commercializing the technology they’re developing."

Allison Pell

Manager, Business Centre, BDC

Let North Forge help you build your startup

Ready to build your business better, faster and smarter with North Forge?

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Pathfinder is designed for early-stage founders who are validating whether a real problem exists and whether customers care enough to pay for a solution.

Stage 1
Pathfinder

Market Validation & Proof of Concept

Duration: 10 weeks

Format: Online masterclasses + coaching

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Focus

  • Identify early adopters

  • Understand customer problems in their own words 

  • Test and refine your value proposition

  • Validate problem-solution fit

Structure & Cadence

  • Weekly online Masterclasses

  • Assigned exercises and customer interviews

  • Coaching support

  • Access to North Forge Events

Key Outcomes

  • Minimum 30 customer interviews

  • Customer interview analysis

  • Tested value proposition

  • Market Validation Presentation

  • Graduation assessment to advance to Base Camp

Base Camp helps founders translate validated customer insights into a sustainable, repeatable business model.

Stage 2
Base Camp

Business Model Validation

Duration: 11 weeks

Format: Online course + coaching

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Focus

  • Build and refine your Business Model Canvas 

  • Develop financial literacy and projections

  • Strengthen your value proposition

  • Define go-to-market direction

Structure & Cadence

  • 5 weeks of Business Model Validation sessions

  • 3 weeks of Financial Literacy sessions

  • Go-to-market and pre-marketing session

  • Pitching session

  • Ongoing coaching

Key Outcomes

  • Solidified Business Model Canvas

  • Financial projections

  • Defined business metrics

  • PEST analysis

  • Refined Pitch Deck Graduation to the next stage is determined by readiness and demonstrated execution.

Ascent supports founders who are building traction, launching products, and generating revenue. This stage focuses on scaling operations, refining sales strategy, and preparing for growth capital.

Stage 3
Ascent

Product Launch & Revenue Growth

Term: 12 months

Format: Bi-weekly Entrepreneur-In-Residence (EIR) meetings + performance tracking

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Focus

  • MVP refinement and commercialization

  • Revenue growth and customer success

  • Capital readiness

  • KPI tracking and performance management

Structure & Cadence

  • Bi-weekly meetings with an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR)

  • Quarterly performance monitoring

  • Access to workshops and additional affiliate partners

  • Peer engagement

Key Outcomes

  • Investor-ready pitch deck

  • Financial plan (2-year forecast)

  • Go-to-market plan

  • Marketing & sales strategy

  • Customer success framework

  • Market launch and revenue milestones

  • Graduation is determined through a formal assessment of business readiness.

North Star is the advanced stage for founders who have demonstrated traction and are scaling their company.

Stage 4
North Star

Scale & Strategic Growth

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Focus

  • Strategic growth planning 

  • Advanced capital strategy 

  • Executive leadership development

  • Governance and board readiness

  • Expansion into new markets

Structure & Cadence

  • Structure and cadence are customized to the company's stage and growth trajectory, with continued access to EIRs and ecosystem partners.

Help Build Manitoba's Next Generation of Innovators

Help entrepreneurs build stronger companies through guidance, experience, and mentorship.

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