RBC EPIC Founders – Fall Edition

This program typically supports early-stage founders looking to learn how to build a viable startup business model.

To be eligible for this program, you must:

• Have a startup idea that demonstrates uniqueness, innovation, and scalability.
• Possess knowledge or experience relevant to your idea or solution.
• Have taken meaningful steps toward developing your idea such as creating an early prototype and/or engaging with potential customers.
• Have a business idea that is structured as a for-profit enterprise.
• Have not participated in a previous EPICentre accelerator program.
• Be a current student or recent graduate within the last 3 years from the University of Windsor or St. Clair College.

The program also looks for startups with multiple team members. Startups with one founder can apply, however, teams are encouraged.

Applicants must also be available (in-person) for the following dates:

• Program orientation: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 10:00 am – 11:30 am
• Co-working hours & group events: Every Friday starting November 17, 2023, to December 22, 2023, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
• Final Pitch Competition: Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Workshops are planned at regular intervals throughout the program’s duration. Typically, attendance is expected. We strive to meet the needs of both program participants and workshop facilitators and will provide advance notice accordingly.

Through this program, participants can expect to learn key entrepreneurial skills and know-how through workshops, dynamic mentoring opportunities, group meetings, and other unique events. These sessions will help participants to build competencies in:

• Market research
• Customer segmentation and early customer adoption
• Value proposition and unique positioning
• Intellectual property and legal considerations
• Revenue modelling
• Pitching

Startups selected for this program will have the opportunity to receive up to $3,000 on eligible expenses. This could include, but is not limited to:

• Business registration and incorporation
• Prototype development
• Intellectual property & legal support
• Accounting and bookkeeping
• Marketing and branding

Participants will also:

• Have access to EPICentre’s co-working space
• Work closely with dynamic expert advisors and mentors
• Attend exclusive workshops and events with distinguished guest speakers
• Connect with EPICentre’s network of entrepreneurs and community members
• Pitch during the Final Pitch Competition for the chance to win additional cash prizes

Applications are now open until Monday, October 30, 2023, at 3:00 pm

Apply now: https://uwindsor.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8lhJ44mdUK0uFV4

Following the formal online application period, selected applicants will be required to deliver a 5-minute pitch to the screening committee on Monday, November 6, 2023. The pitches will be held in-person at the EPICentre. If you require an accommodation, please email: Sydney.Thompson@uwindsor.ca. Please note, you are not required to prepare a formal PowerPoint for your pitch.

EPICentre is located at the Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre, 2nd Floor, 2455 Wyandotte St., W.

Online application open: Monday, September 18, 2023

• Online application close: Monday, October 30, 2023, at 3:00 pm
• Pitch/presentation: Monday, November 6, 2023, between 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Successful candidates notified: Tuesday, November 7, 2023
• Program start date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023
• Program end date and Final Pitch Competition: Tuesday, April 9, 2024

All applicants must also be available (in-person) for the following dates:

• Program orientation: Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 10:00 am – 11:30 am
• Co-working hours & group events: Every Friday starting November 17, 2023, to December 22, 2023, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
• Final Pitch Competition: Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Workshops are planned at regular intervals throughout the program’s duration. Typically, attendance is expected. We strive to meet the needs of both program participants and workshop facilitators and will provide advance notice accordingly.