ABOUT THE PROGRAM

What you can expect

The Start-up Visa [SUV] Program is intended to attract international entrepreneurs who wish to establish new, high-growth businesses in Canada that will support innovation and job creation.

North Forge is proud to be one of the designated Canadian business incubators/accelerators under the federal Start-up Visa [SUV] Program.

Startup Visa Program - Women Entrepreneurs

What you get

  • Access to experienced mentors in the field, subject matter experts, and growth coaches on a variety of specific business topics
  • Numerous partner programs, resources, and industry networks
  • Unique access to free and subsidized business services
  • Pitch presentation scrubbing education
  • Access to a co-working desk at the Innovation Hub, ability to rent office space at affordable rates (*when available)
  • Comprehensive fundraising strategy education and development
  • Access to the North Forge Angel Network (*we do not take equity from the companies we work with)
  • Shared access to the North Forge networks and strategic partners.
  • Access to free professional services, educational and networking events.

Expected outcomes

  • An established business in Canada
  • Connections with potential customers and research partners across multiple channels
  • Monthly performance monitoring of your progress
  • A startup business model that is ready to enter the market and scale
  • Fundraising knowledge and support in building the best strategy for your business journey
For questions and support
please contact:
Nermin Sa’d,
Director of Global Entrepreneurship
Start-up Visa Program
1-204-262-6400

“We have benefited from the guidance and advice from the team at North Forge to reach our milestones.”

Minenna, Founder • Brows by G

“We have benefited from the guidance and advice from the team at North Forge to reach our milestones.”

Sara Raposo-Blouw, Erin Goldberg, Lisa Reed, Vital Functional Foods

“North Forge has been absolutely crucial in shaping and refining our concept and turning concept into reality. The breadth and depth of knowledge and real-world experience that entrepreneurs can access through the North Forge network are unparalleled.”

Scott Russell, CEO • Solar Skyrise

“North Forge is an essential element of the success of any aspiring entrepreneur that wants to succeed in our growing innovation ecosystem. The community, access to technology and collision of innovative minds isn’t possible anywhere else in Manitoba. North Forge is the only place I recommend you go to get your idea off the ground.”

Dan Blair, CEO • Bit Space Development Inc.

“North Forge helped us navigate the startup ecosystem by offering industry insights and facilitating important connections with funders, partners and customers. Through their mentorship program we have been challenged, supported and are equipped to succeed – overcoming the many obstacles facing a startup company.”

Garreth Rempel, CEO • Trainfo

“Our North Forge mentors helped us to dream big and then gave us solid advice to execute on those dreams. I started two companies inside North Forge. The first is company is now a multi-million dollar firm and we are preparing the second company for a super-angel financing round.”

Craig Milligan, CEO • MicroTraffic

“North Forge provides startups with the resources and network necessary to succeed. All startups in Manitoba should be part of this innovative ecosystem.”

Shawn Schaerer, CEO • NorthStar Robotics