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Venture Catalyst

Your break into tech

Validate, establish and distinguish your startup idea in 6 weeks.

In partnership with

Applications close September 30 2024

A program supporting Black-owned, early-stage tech ventures in validating their ideas and building their proof of concept over
a 6-week sprint.

A commitment
without compromise

Be part of a professional, ambitious alliance devoted to launching successful Black-led ventures.
Our 100% virtual learning environment gives you the insights & tools to start building your product from anywhere.
Our programs are fully funded by public institutions, giving participants access to our network of mentors and experts at no cost to them.

Keep everything you’ve built. All BEA programs are non-dilutive—we don’t take any equity from your company.

Make your
smart mistakes

Refine your concept

Put your idea to the test and validate it through hands-on virtual training and curated mentorship with Black founders who have been through it all.

Think like a startup

Dive into tomorrow’s tech landscape and learn the foundations of every successful tech startup from respected experts in the field.

Impress at your Showcase

Present your final concept in front of investors and industry experts at our end-of-program Showcase.

Bring the conversation

Identify core business challenges in peer-to-peer circles and innovate solutions with a diverse network of like-minded professionals.

application steps and details

Our next Venture Catalyst cohort will take place   October 23rd – November 28th

(Applications open September 9th, 2024 – September 30th).

You can apply to this program if you are:

  • An individual who identifies as Black (at least 50% Black-owned)
  • Located in Southern Ontario
  • At least 18 years old
  • In the Early-stage ideation and validation phase 
  • A founder with with innovative tech ideas that is driven, coachable, collaborative, with a strong growth mindset.

 

  1. Interested individuals and companies can apply through our online application.
  2. If you’re fit for the program, the BEA team will reach out to you for additional information and next steps.
  3. Once accepted, you’ll be asked to complete an onboarding form to help our programming team better match you with the right mentor and resource.

For any questions about our application process, get in touch with us at bea@bcchc.com.

The program consists of four key components:

  1. Weekly peer-to-peer sessions
  2. Hands-on workshops led by industry experts
  3. Office hours with a private network of subject matter experts
  4. A dedicated mentor to guide your entrepreneurial journey

Get ready for our next cohort

Venture Catalyst

Session Date

October 23rd – November 28th 2024

Our Partners

A lifelong network that has your back

Cohorts and graduates of our Venture Catalyst program will get ongoing access to peer founder circles and other startup perks from the BEA Learning Community.

Meet our Alumni

“The BEA has been a Godsend. The amount of guidance on our model and connections to customers and investors was more than we could have expected at our initial stage. We have grown leaps and bounds as a result. I would recommend the BEA to any founder lucky enough to be considered, and truly dedicated to the iterative process of refining their strategy, investing in the process and being present for the incredible visibility the network provides. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts at Swiirl!”

Kay Boamah

Swiirl

"When MyPreconUnit.io becomes a household name...literally, and all puns intended, BEA will be the very group responsible for the shift in wealth equity because they believe in me and didn't let me quit."

Mutiat Bello

MyPreconUnit

“Joining the BEA program was a pivotal moment in our entrepreneurial journey. The program provided invaluable support and guidance, helping us refine our product, develop a clearer vision for our company, and overcome key challenges. Through the program, we gained the skills and knowledge needed to successfully launch and grow our venture.”

Israel Badibanga

Ufleex

“BEA was a huge success for me as a new immigrant entrepreneur in Canada; it gave me the opportunity to network, acquire knowledge from industry-tested experts, and mentor, which has helped shape my fintech product development."

Afeez Moradeyo

Cashtella

"The BEA program enabled us to really understand our customers by providing the framework for our customer development. The team provided tons of support, including frequent check-ins, mentorship from more experienced entrepreneurs, and help with pitch deck development and delivery."

Rumi Aneke

Yika

Program & application
FAQ

Learn more details about the program below, or get in touch with us for all other enquiries.

The BEA and Yspace’s The Venture Catalyst Program is a free, six-week training and mentorship program designed for early-stage tech entrepreneurs.

It supports participants in testing and developing their startup ideas, transforming them into proof-of-concept projects. Through virtual workshops, expert guidance, peer support, and access to startup resources, founders gain essential skills in customer development, leadership, and strategic goal-setting.

The program also provides a valuable network of industry professionals, helping entrepreneurs accelerate their ventures toward successful launches.

Applications for the venture Catalyst program are due September 30th 2024.

Nothing! All BEA programs are free and non-dilutive (we take no equity).

  • Dedicated mentorship from Black tech founders with years of industry experience
  • Potential selection to have the opportunity to join the YSpace Virtual Membership Program for continued growth through our support system
  • Our Venture Catalyst program is open to all Black-identifying individuals over the age of 18, located within Southern Ontario.

 

  • The Venture Catalyst focuses on early-stage founders who are in the ideation phase and working to validate the feasibility of their concepts.

 

  • We seek founders with innovative tech ideas who are driven, coachable, and collaborative, with a strong growth mindset.

Our Venture Catalyst program is ideal for early-stage technology ventures that are at least 50% Black-owned and are ready to build their proof-of concept.

Participants are expected to commit at least five hours per week for workshops, mentorship sessions, and venture development.

A maximum of 5-10 applicants will be chosen for the program during each cohort.

Innovation Infrastructure In Underserved cOmmunities:

Innovation Hub Feasibility Study

Make Innovation Accessible for All. Fill out the survey to provide your insights, perspectives, and recommendations to inform a proposed Innovation Hub that will support underrepresented entrepreneurs and professionals. 

The survey closes on August 18, 2023.