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Pre-Startup Cohort
The Pre-Startup Cohort is a structured, four-week online program designed to unite international founders, shape early-stage business ideas, and prepare startup teams for the Canadian ecosystem. Participants collaborate in real time, forming viable ventures while gaining foundational knowledge of Canada’s market and regulatory frameworks. You’ll leave the program with potential co-founders, a tested concept, and a roadmap toward the Start-Up Visa.
Week 1 — Orientation, Goals, and First Connections
Purpose: Lay the foundation for collaboration by sharing your background, interests, and strengths.
- Introduce yourself in short founder spotlights (background, aspirations, core skills).
- Identify a tentative role: Tech; Business; Product; Design; Growth.
- Discuss early-stage ideas and industries of interest.
- Participate in guided networking through live sessions and breakouts.
- Learn about Canadian business incorporation, legal frameworks, and the role of Designated Organizations.
Weekly Takeaway:
Success in Canada depends on realistic planning and market alignment. This first week helps clarify what kinds of ventures resonate in the Canadian context.
Week 2 — Collaboration, Concept Testing, and Legal Landscape
Purpose: Move beyond introductions and begin structured teamwork. Explore how you and other participants respond to ambiguity and co-creation.
- Participate in a Value Proposition Canvas session.
- Explore problem-solution fit through group analysis.
- Test collaboration through rotating “micro-team” challenges.
- Review common challenges faced by new Canadian ventures: legal, hiring, and go-to-market barriers.
- Attend an in-depth session on the Start-Up Visa process with insights from a Designated Organization.
Weekly Takeaway:
You’ll begin to see how teams form in practice, not just in theory. This module also sharpens your understanding of Canadian norms: transparency, trust, and operational readiness.
Week 3 — Prototyping, Feedback, and Business Validation
Purpose: Simulate the early sprint of a real-world startup: planning, building, testing.
- Execute a short Design Sprint as a team.
- Develop simple landing pages, MVPs, or visual prototypes.
- Internal review to assess each idea’s alignment with Start-Up Visa priorities.
- Prepare investor-style pitches and receive peer and expert feedback.
Weekly Takeaway:
This week distinguishes teams that can turn a vision into an executable product. You’ll be assessed on clarity of roles, internal coordination, and delivery under pressure.
Week 4 — Team Commitment, Program Review, and Future Steps
Purpose: Finalize your team, refine the business model, and prepare for potential collaboration with CBGA.
- Present a final pitch with your full team.
- Receive structured feedback from CBGA mentors and advisors.
- Optional review of Start-Up Visa eligibility.
- Formalize intent to collaborate with Starta Canada if your team meets expectations.
- Internal decision on advancement to the next stage of our support.
Weekly Takeaway:
Only the most committed and capable teams will be invited to continue. This is not a test with grades, but a comprehensive four-week evaluation of readiness, compatibility, and potential.
Your Next Step Starts Here
Ready to join a diverse group of global founders, connect with serious collaborators, and position your venture for Canada?