FAQs

Depending on the program, we will have different eligibility requirements. Many of our courses are open to all entrepreneurs. That said, preference is given to entrepreneurs with the following profile: Entrepreneurs who identify as women or non-binary Non-technical entrepreneurs or those with limited technical expertise Women and entrepreneurs from underserved and marginalized communities, such as Black, Indigenous, Latin American, Asian, Pacific Islands, Middle Eastern, North African, transgender, neurodiverse, women with disabilities, and newcomers to Canada. Building technology or technology-enabled ventures and in the early-stages of developing or scaling their business Based in Canada Technology-enabled businesses leverage technology, e.g., online "matching" platforms, mobile apps, online community, member, or customer portals, online course or training delivery, real-time messaging and communication apps, or technology used to create and deliver innovative products or services, often automating processes and streamlining operations. Examples include Uber, Airbnb, Square, Slack, Netflix, Zoom, and Amazon, which have disrupted traditional industries by offering new business models and solutions to their customers through advanced technologies. We welcome entrepreneurs from all industries and backgrounds, but are looking for participants who are committed to building sustainable, scalable, and profitable "tech-enabled" businesses. We encourage participants to think big and aim for high-growth potential. We recommend that you subscribe to our newsletter because we will be announcing future programs / events and would love to keep you posted!

Technology-enabled businesses leverage technology, e.g., online "matching" platforms, mobile apps, online community, member, or customer portals, online course or training delivery, real-time messaging and communication apps, or technology products used to create and deliver innovative products or services, often automating processes and streamlining operations. Examples include Uber, Airbnb, Square, Slack, Netflix, Zoom, and Amazon, which have disrupted traditional industries by offering new business models and solutions to their customers through advanced technologies.

The application process includes completing a Mosaic Accelerator registration form. We may also conduct interviews with a select group of applicants to learn more about their business ideas and goals. But, please check out the Programs page and subscribe to our newsletter to learn about future programs, cohorts, and application deadlines.

We do want you to apply with a business or business idea in mind. Our programs are designed to help participants develop and refine their business ideas or existing businesses, so we encourage all existing and aspiring entrepreneurs to apply.

Yes, you can still participate in the program even if you have a technical co-founder or partner. Our program is designed to help intersectional women entrepreneurs develop the skills and knowledge needed to build and grow their businesses, regardless of whether they have a technical co-founder or partner.

In order to participate, participants must have the following hardware: Computer/Laptop Webcam Microphone Internet access Live sessions will be run digitally through Zoom and scheduled with calendar invites. Course content will be available online. A reliable internet connection is also required to stay engaged in this program.

The selection process involves a review of each application by our team of experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. We consider a range of factors, including the viability of the business or business idea, the applicant's background and experience, and the potential for scalability and sustainability. We also conduct interviews with a select group of applicants to learn more about their business ideas and goals.

The cost of future programs will vary depending on the cohort and program, but we are committed to making our programs accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Most 8-week programs will cost CAD200. If you have financial constraints, please reach out and we can discuss payment options.

Please visit our Programs page and subscribe to our newsletter to learn about future programs, cohorts, and application deadlines.

The length of our programs vary from 1-2 day workshops, 8-week programs, up to 6-month programs. Please review or Programs page and subscribe to our newsletter to learn about future programs, cohorts, and application deadlines.

Currently, our programs are fully online and designed to be accessible to participants from a variety of locations. That said, we may offer in-person and hybrid opportunities for more hands-on learning and networking. Please check out our Programs page and subscribe to our newsletter to learn about future programs, cohorts, events, and application deadlines.

No, you will not be required to relocate for the program. However, we do encourage participants to attend in-person events and workshops whenever possible to take advantage of networking opportunities.

The exact amount of time will vary depending on what you specifically need to work on and the length of the program / course. We understand that you have other commitments, such as work and family, and we have allowed for flexibility within our longer programs.

Our participants receive one-on-one mentorship, access to workshops and training, networking opportunities, and access to funding opportunities. Depending on your needs, we may also provide business support services, such as legal and accounting advice, marketing and branding support, and technology development assistance.

The program offers support to non-technical entrepreneurs through partnerships with experts in technology and app and software development. This includes access to technical advisors, training resources, and no-code / low-code development tools.

Yes, you will retain ownership of your business. We do not take equity or ownership in our participants' businesses, but we do offer access to funding opportunities that may require an equity stake or repayment.

We receive many strong applications and unfortunately cannot accept all of them. If you are not selected for a specific program, we strongly encourage you to apply again in the future. We also recommend that you check out our Programs page and subscribe to our newsletter so that we can inform you about other Mosaic programs, webinars, networking events, resources, and support to help you continue developing your business.

Our goal is to help our participants build sustainable and scalable businesses. We will continue to support our alumni after the program is over. We offer ongoing mentorship, access to funding opportunities, and networking events to help our alumni continue to grow their businesses.

We welcome experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts to get involved as mentors and sponsors. To become a partner with Mosaic Accelerator, please email us at partnerships@mosaicaccelerator.com with information about your organization and how you would like to partner with us.

The time commitment for mentors and advisors varies depending on their availability and the needs of the entrepreneurs they are working with. Typically, we ask advisors to commit to at least 4 hours per month, but the actual time commitment may be higher or lower depending on your circumstances and availability.

The compensation for mentors at Mosaic Accelerator will vary depending on the mentor and their level of involvement in the program. Some mentors may volunteer their time, while others may be compensated at an hourly rate or a flat fee. The compensation will be agreed upon in advance, and all mentors will be required to sign a mentorship agreement outlining their responsibilities and compensation. Our goal is to ensure that all mentors feel valued and supported throughout their time with us, and we will work with each mentor individually to determine a compensation plan that works best for them.

The programs are open to entrepreneurs in any industry or sector, but we do have a particular focus on industries that are underrepresented by marginalized and BIPOC women.

Advisors and mentors are matched with companies based on their expertise and the needs of the company. When making these matches, we take into account the stage of the company, the industry they are in, their target audience and market, and the specific challenges they are facing.

Absolutely! We offer online resources and tools to support remote participation, and we work with each advisor and mentor to ensure they have the support they need to participate fully in the program.

Mosaic Accelerator is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we ensure that our mentors and partners reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively recruit mentors and partners from a variety of backgrounds and work to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

The program supports mentorship and collaboration through regular mentorship meetings, networking events, and online resources. We also encourage mentors and advisors to collaborate and share their expertise with one another to support the growth and success of the startups in the program.

There are various sponsorship opportunities available, including sponsoring an entrepreneur, sponsoring a program, or sponsoring an event. We offer a range of support to sponsors, including branding and marketing opportunities, access to Mosaic events, and the opportunity to connect with our network of entrepreneurs and mentors. We work with each sponsor to develop a custom partnership plan that meets their specific needs and goals. Please email our team at partnerships@mosaicaccelerator.com for more information.

Yes, sponsors are encouraged to participate in the program's events and activities. This includes mentorship meetings, pitch events, and networking opportunities.

Yes, partners and sponsors can provide funding directly to the entrepreneurs. However, all funding must be approved by Mosaic Accelerator and must be used to support the entrepreneur's business and the program.

The program measures its success in empowering entrepreneurs and founders through a variety of metrics, including the number of businesses launched, revenue generated, jobs created, partnerships developed, and funding acquired.

To stay up to date on program updates and success stories, please check out our Programs page and subscribe to our newsletter to learn about future programs, cohorts, events, and application deadlines, or follow us on social media.