Techstars Startup Digest Toronto - Opportunities and motivation

Good morning, Toronto startups and entrepreneurs! A month ago, Trump announced his H-1B visa ban, starting speculation on what it might mean for Toronto. Last week, New Zealand-based small business accounting platform Xero announced Toronto as its North American hub for product development and technology innovation. Xero’s president of the Americas cited Toronto’s strong tech talent pool as a motivator:

While we’re on the topic of opportunities and motivation, this past week the Black Professionals in Tech Network (BPTN) announced partnerships with Canadian businesses intent on building a more diverse workforce. Tech companies and BPTN will work together to hire, retain, and promote Black tech talent. Current businesses include Hootsuite, Rangle.io, PointClickCare, TD Bank, Rogers, Bell Canada, Top Hat, and MaRS Discovery District. Get your company to partner with BPTN and invest in the community.

On a lighter and ever so slightly relevant note, Toronto’s The Weeknd will hold an augmented reality (AR) concert on TikTok this coming Friday. It will be the platform’s first AR experience. The band will use the concert to raise funds for the Equal Justice Initiative in support of racial equality.

Here are some upcoming deadlines for applying to accelerators, grants and funding, or other competitions. Don’t miss out! If you know of others, please submit any application deadlines and I’ll post them if they’re relevant.

Aug 31 - YEDI Incubator Program

Calling all leaders and innovators! The York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI) is now accepting applications for its Fall 2020 Incubator Program. Receive extensive education, ongoing mentorship and the chance to showcase your venture to industry representatives. YEDI’s Incubator Program is the perfect way to transform your venture from an idea to a reality.

Sep 6 - Founder Institute Waterloo-Toronto Corridor Fall 2020

At the Founder Institute, you won’t “learn” how to build a business. Rather, you will build your business alongside top startup experts using a proven, structured process that has helped some of the world’s fastest growing companies raise over $950M in funding. Our 14-week, program includes a series of challenging growth sprints, in addition to Weekly Feedback Sessions where you will receive constant feedback on your progress from experienced Mentors and Investors. 

Sep 31 - Intuit Prosperity Accelerator for Startups

Intuit Canada and Toronto’s Highline Beta have joined forces for the Intuit Prosperity Accelerator. They’re primarily looking for companies making an immediate impact on small businesses and consumers’ most pressing challenges post-COVID-19. Seed stage tech startups with a product in market are preferred, but businesses of all stages — including pre-seed and ideation — are welcome.

Have a great week, and stay well!

Ian.