Catalyst Incubator wraps up successful cohort with pitch finale

Now in its third year, the Catalyst Incubator is described as a unique, cohort-based program that focuses on supporting start-ups in manufacturing, agriculture, technology, energy innovation, and related sectors.

Officials say the Catalyst Incubator is 100 per cent funded by CARIN through Alberta Innovates and is free to attend for all selected entrepreneurs.

During the 8-week cohort, officials note each learner/entrepreneur receives over 50 hours of training from highly qualified mentors. At the final event, five participants each gave 5 minute “pitches” where they provided background about their experience, explained their product and (most importantly) why investors should support it. Stakeholders watched the pitches, asked questions and gave feedback following the presentations.

Past Catalyst participant Ben Shultz reflected, “The Incubator gave me a window into a whole set of skills and processes for validation of an idea that I didn’t ever have to grow before.”

Cathy Forner of C4ner Consulting – project manager for Catalyst Incubator remarked, “The Catalyst Incubator is really for early-stage entrepreneurs who want to discover what problem they are solving, and who their potential customers are.”

Thus far, officials say four cohorts of alumni have already been through the program. A unique feature of the program is that mentors are specifically chosen based on the needs of the learners in the cohort. This is said to allow the program to custom tailor its expert knowledge to issues being faced by the group. Many learners are expected to go on to take their business to the market and turn it into a full-time pursuit.

Officials say Catalyst Incubator is currently looking for its next crop of would-be entrepreneurs interested in the customer discovery journey. Deadline to apply is January 11, 2024.

Visit ca-rin.ca/catalyst-incubator for more information on Catalyst and other training resources for entrepreneurs.

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by rdnewsNOW staff

Catalyst Incubator wraps up successful cohort with pitch finale

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