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.
We help startups build their companies through groundbreaking experiences and resources.
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 acceleration.
Since June 2020, we’re proud to have helped over 385 companies secure more than $297M in investment.
"An incubator helps an entrepreneur put their house in order before beginning the process of commercializing the technology they’re developing."
Nicolas Castonguay
Senior Account Manager, Technology Industry, BDC
Stage 1
Pathfinder
Over ten weeks, this course will address the core challenges that founders face in the first stages of business development. With your commitment to one focused idea, North Forge will provide guidance on how to conduct market validation, research the customer problem, validate assumptions, identify your target market and create a value proposition.
What you can expect
A 16-hour intensive bootcamp that provides a practical guide on how to conduct market validation
Micro-credentials available upon completion of this stage.
Primary and secondary market research review
Customer interview scripts
Completed customer interviews and analysis
A validated or invalidated value proposition
What you can expect
Support and guidance as you test your product idea and develop it.
Access to a co-working space at the Innovation Hub.
Weekly online meetups with other entrepreneurs.
Feedback on your business model from North Forge staff and mentors.
One-on-one virtual training with industry experts.
Beginner-level financial education for your business.
Early marketing activities to help confirm your business idea.
Training to develop a pitch for market validation.
Confirmation if your product fits the market or not.
Present your market validation pitch.
A roadmap to connect your market testing with your marketing plan and why it matters.
Basic financial understanding of your business.
“Communicating Whistle’s startup innovation without IP Protection was restrictive as we reached out to investors and the wider industry. Very grateful for the Elevate IP program and North Forge for empowering us to stride ahead by ensuring IP Protection and Trademark strategy through an experienced Law firm.”
Anil Sedha, CEO & Founder
Why is IP protection important?
“For most start-ups, IP is a key investment in and component of growth and increasing competitive edge in the market. Failing to develop an IP strategy that properly protects the business’s IP rights at the early stages may result in challenges and obstacles later on that could prevent the business from further development and expansion. ”
Silvia de Sousa, Partner
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Stage 3
Ascent
Our 12 to 24 month incubator stage focuses on developing your minimum viable product (MVP). With your business model canvas and financials ready, North Forge will provide one-on-one guidance with entrepreneurs-in-residence and mentors on how your revenues and customer base to demonstrate market traction.
What you can expect
Regular meetings with your North Forge Entrepreneur-in-Residence.
Access to experienced mentors, business experts, and growth coaches on different business topics
Free or discounted business services.
Training to improve your pitch presentations.
Access to co-working space at the Innovation Hub or office space at low rates (when available).
Access to the North Forge Angel Network (we don’t take equity from the companies we help).
Connections to North Forge networks and strategic partners.
Free professional services, educational events, and networking opportunities.
A business model ready to enter the market and grow.
A go-to-market strategy.
Fundraising knowledge and support in building the right plan for your business.
Stage 4
North Star
Over 12 to 24 months, established founders who are positioned for rapid accelerated growth will gain access to advanced customized training sessions, growth coaches, expanded support, and mentorship. North Forge will connect you with the critical resources you need to advance you business into becoming a Series A company.
What you can expect
Advanced training sessions on specific business topics.
Weekly coaching from North Forge staff.
One-on-one meetings with experienced industry and business experts.
Access to partner programs, resources, and industry networks.
Free or discounted business services.
Guidance and support to help you find and secure growth capital.
Help improving your pitch presentations.
Access to co-working space at the Innovation Hub.
Connections with venture capital and angel networks, plus other resources to help your business grow.
North Forge Alumni
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