RBC EPIC Founders – Fall Edition

• You are a current student or recent graduate within the last 7 years (post 2015) from any Canadian post-secondary institution
• You have an innovative solution to a compelling problem
• You have or anticipate working towards an initial mock-up of your product/solution in the near future
• You don’t have to have a business registered to apply; but if you do, the business must be a for-profit business operated in Canada and less than 1 year old

Applicants must also:

• Be available in-person every Friday starting Friday, October 7, 2022, to Friday, January 13, 2023, from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, excluding University of Windsor holidays
• Agree to the University of Windsor’s COVID-19 Return to Campus policies. More information can be found using this link: https://www.uwindsor.ca/returntocampus

 

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

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

• Market research fundamentals
• Customer segmentation and early customer adoption
• Value proposition and unique positioning
• Revenue modeling
• Pitching

Program members will also have the opportunity to pitch their business idea during the Final Pitch Competition for the chance to win $3,000 in cash prizes.

At the end of the program, successful candidates will receive a $2,000 participation award and a certificate of completion. To be eligible for these rewards, program members must:

• Attend all mandatory sessions in the program and participate in the Final Pitch Competition
• Spend an additional 3-5 hours per week outside of mandatory weekly sessions
• Have a validated value proposition, customer segment, and revenue model

 

Participants also have access to:

• EPICentre’s co-working space
• Dynamic expert advisors and mentors
• Exclusive workshops and events with distinguished guest speakers
• EPICentre’s network of entrepreneurs and community members
• Additional cash prizes totaling $3,000 during the Final Pitch Competition

Thank you for your interest in this program, applications are now closed

• First round (online application) open: Monday, September 12, 2022
• First round (online application) deadline: Wednesday, Sept 28, 2022, 4:00 pm
• Second round pitch presentation: Thursday, September 29, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Successful candidates notified: Friday, September 30, 2022
• Program start date: Friday, October 7, 2022
• Program end date and Final Pitch Competition: Friday, January 13, 2023

All participants in the Founders program must be available in-person every Friday starting Friday, October 7, 2022, to Friday, January 13, 2023, from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, excluding University of Windsor holidays.