Cornwall, ON – Applications are now open for The Landing-Pad Accelerator program. This three-year initiative (2024-2027) is designed to support 80 newcomer startups establishing in eastern Ontario, including 24 female-founded ventures. The program aims to foster the creation of 80 jobs, support the development of 80 IP assets, and deliver millions in direct investment to eastern Ontario.
This program is funded by the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario, in partnership with Spark Centre, Launch Lab and PARO Centre For Women’s Enterprise Canada. The deadline for applications is September 2, 2025
Program offering:
- A dedicated advisory team (Entrepreneurs in Residence) guiding your growth journey
- A custom action plan built around your company’s specific acceleration needs
- Masterclasses and workshops on customer acquisition, hiring strategies, and capital management
- Access to the Eastern Ontario Innovation Corridor and curated networking opportunities
- Leadership coaching for founders and leadership teams
- Exclusive perks through Spark Centre and Launch Lab
- IP strategy support and access to funding for protection and growth
- A $10,000 accelerator grant + $10,000 co-investment to help fuel your next steps
- Non-collateral loans of up to $10,000 from Rise Helps
- Up to $50,000 in funding for female founders from PARO
- Membership to PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise for women-led companies
Eligibility:
- Female-led ventures or newcomers to Canada (PR within the last 5 years)
- Innovating in the EN3 sector
- Entrepreneurs with demonstrated traction and coachability
- Businesses with fewer than 500 employees
- Located in or planning to grow in eastern Ontario
Don’t miss your chance to connect, grow, and thrive in a supportive community built for ambitious founders.
For more information and to find out if you qualify, please visit: Landing-Pad Accelerator Program Questionnaire
About Sparks Centre:
Spark Centre is a business incubator providing advisory services, office space and day-to-day operational support to early stage and rapidly growing innovation and technology companies.
Igniting Innovation – Spark Centre
About Launch Lab:
Launch Lab is a Regional Innovation Centre (RIC) and member of the Ontario Business Support Network, a provincially funded network of resources for entrepreneurs. As a RIC, the regional boundaries consist of most of Eastern Ontario (Trenton, down to Picton, over to Cornwall, and back up and around through Smiths Falls and Bancroft).
Launch Lab | Regional Innovation Centre
About PARO Centre For Women’s Enterprise:
PARO is a not-for-profit social enterprise focused on collaboration to empower women, strengthen small business, and promote community economic development across Ontario.
