Startup Visa (SUV)

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Startup Visa by Platform Calgary is a customized landing program in Calgary, Canada that assists international growth-stage startups with integrating into the Canadian innovation community. This program provides the opportunity for participating startups to scale in North America through Platform Calgary programming.

This program is tailored for each company’s unique needs and will consist of several one-on-one deep-dive sessions with coaches, workshops and the opportunity to engage with investors, coaches, mentors, customers, and the community.

Platform Calgary is one of the business incubation programs designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Why Platform Calgary?

Business coaching & mentoring from our advisors and entrepreneurs-in-residence
Access to entrepreneur development programs & services
Connection point to Alberta’s advanced technology and startup community
Recommendations for grant applications and other financing
Letter of Support that will allow you to bring your business, your founding team, and your families to Canada

Who is Startup Visa For?

Startup Visa by Platform Calgary helps promising startups scale so you must meet the following criteria:

You must meet the Government of Canada’s Startup Visa Eligibility Criteria.
In addition, you must meet the following Platform Calgary requirements:

Have a validated business model
Show significant traction in the form of year-over-year/month-over-month growth
Demonstrate strategic value in bringing the company to Calgary (i.e.: closer to key customers, suppliers, distributors, and/or channel partners)
Have a clear plan on how to grow your business in Calgary, for the next 2+ years
Have sufficient funds to carry the company and your family through the next 2+ years - Platform Calgary does not provide financial support or incentives
A solid team in place: Ability to demonstrate each team member (applicant) is an integral part of business operations and has the background to execute the business plan
Complete Startup Essentials

The Startup Visa Program adds the most value for companies who:

Want to expand their markets and rapidly grow internationally.
Understands the value of community towards scaling.
Needs to grow their team by accessing Canadian talent.
Need to attract serious growth capital.
Want to map their scaling journey.

Application Process

What is the Platform Calgary SUV application process?

Apply to Startup Visa via the application form
Register and attend Startup Essentials
If selected, you’ll be invited to chat with the selection committee
We engage a select number of companies every year.

The Startup Visa (SUV) Program application process is highly competitive and incomplete applications will not be considered. Please note that due to the high volume of applicants, we are not accepting idea or early-stage companies at this time.

What to expect

The reviewing process can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks based on the time of submission of your application.

Platform Calgary will be diligently going through each detail of the application and if your company is shortlisted for the next stage, then you will be contacted by us.

Follow steps below

1. Submit Your Documents

Prepare the following 3 documents for when applications open:

Resumes (work experience and education) of applicants, as well as short descriptions of each applicant's role in the proposed venture
Pitch Deck - 10-minute presentation (slides only) that describe you and your venture focused on what an investor would want to see
A 3-4 page business case - rather than a full business plan and projected financials, we prefer to see a shorter document that describes the business case, including:
- What is the problem you are trying to solve, and what is your proposed solution
- What work have you completed to prove customers have the above problem, and are willing to pay for your solution. Provide evidence.
- Describe your key partnerships (why Calgary, why now, why your team)
- Describe your business development plan. How do you plan to acquire customers?
- Describe your financial plan. How do you plan to fund the first two years of development and operations?

2. Submit Your Application Form

Complete the application form.

Please note that due to the high volume of applicants, we will not reply to incomplete applications.

Only successful applicants will be contacted.

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