RBC EPIC Founders

Overview

The Founders Program is an intensive 12-week accelerator program for early-stage founders looking to learn how to a build a viable startup business model.

Over the course of 12-weeks, participants will receive up to $6,000 as a participation award, have access to dynamic, mentors and coaches, as well as the opportunity to attend tailored workshops, training seminars, and special events. The program will culminate on Final Pitch Day, giving participants the opportunity to pitch their idea and prototype to a panel of judges for a chance to win additional cash prizes valued at $4,500.

The total package for this program is valued at over $7,000 and is 100% free of cost to all participants. Applications open Monday, March 27, 2023.

Eligibility

Each participant must be available in-person every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm starting May 15 to August 10, 2023, excluding holidays. We allow accommodations for part-time students enrolled in summer courses. Please detail the accommodation request on your application. If you have further inquiries, please contact us.

This program typically supports early-stage founders looking to learn how to a build a viable startup business model. Your startup idea must demonstrate:

Uniqueness
Innovation
Scalability

Program participants will be required to present their prototype at the end of the program during the final pitch and demo day.

Applicants must also:

Be a current student or recent graduate within the last 7 years (post 2016) from any Canadian post-secondary institution.
The startup (or proposed startup) must be structured as a for-profit enterprise.
You agree to University of Windsor’s COVID-19 Return to Campus policies

Program Highlights

In this program, participants will utilize an immersive approach to bring their new and innovative ideas to reality. Teams will be directed to test their ideas and assumptions by getting out of the building and talking to potential customers. The program will be augmented with guest speakers, subject matter experts, and mentors as teams work toward validating their value proposition and business models. The program will culminate on Final Pitch and Demo Day, giving participants the opportunity to pitch their idea and prototype to a panel of judges for a chance to win additional cash prizes valued at $4,500.

Throughout the 12-week program, participants will learn key skills, competencies, and know-how on topics such as:

Problem-solution fit
Customer discovery
Intellectual property fundamentals
Lean startup methodology and iterative prototyping strategies
Pitching and public speaking

Benefits

Startups selected for this program will:

Be eligible for up to $6,000 as a participation award
Access to EPICentre’s co-working space
Have access to dynamic mentors and coaches
Attend exclusive in-person and virtual events with distinguished guest speakers
Pitch their startup on final pitch and demo day for a chance to win an additional cash prizes totalling $4,500
Connect with EPICentre’s network of entrepreneurs and community members

Application

Applications open Monday, March 27, 2023. Stay tuned!

Key Dates

Application Dates

Formal applications open: Monday, March 27, 2023

Formal application deadline: Monday, April 24, 2023, at 4:00 pm

Second round pitch presentation: Thursday, April 27, 2023, and Friday, April 28, 2023

Second round pitch presentation details

Successful candidates from round one (formal application) will be asked to meet virtually with the screening committee. Formal presentation slides are optional. Scheduling information will be sent in advance. Successful candidates from this round will be admitted into the 2023 founders program.

Key Program Dates

Program start date: Monday, May 15, 2023

Final pitch competition and program end date: Thursday, August 10, 2023

Info Sessions

QUESTIONS

Contact sydney.thompson@uwindsor.ca with any questions.