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Start up here
Scale Anywhere

TBDC’s Startup Visa Program is a 9 month startup incubation program that helps immigrant entrepreneurs relocate and grow in Ontario, Canada.

A customized program supporting growing startups scaling innovative solutions by tapping into North America's 3rd largest Tech Hub by acclimatizing business owners to the Canadian market and equiping them with knowledge & tools they need to hit the ground running.

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About Ontario
Soft Landing Program

TBDC’s Startup Visa is a 9-month virtual and in-person startup incubation program that helps immigrant entrepreneurs start businesses in Ontario. Our program acclimatizes business owners to the Canadian market and equips them with the knowledge and tools they need to hit the ground running in Canada.

The Government of Canada SUV Program offers Permanent Residency to immigrant entrepreneurs who want to start, build, and grow innovative businesses and use Canada as a gateway to world markets while creating jobs and adding value to the Canadian economy.

Entrepreneurs accepted into TBDC’s SLP will receive a Letter of Support (LoS) that makes them eligible to apply for and receive a Work Permit and Canadian PR.

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What's In It For You

Acclimatization to the Canadian Market

General introduction to the ecosystem
Learn about compliance regulations and cultural sensitivity
Analyze market gaps and embark on your roadmap to Canada

Networking and Connections to Funding

Exchange experience and tips with other business founders
Become acquainted with investors and talent networks
Connect with research centres, accelerators and academia

Business Strategy Mentorship

Connect with experienced mentors with business aptitude
Develop your branding, pitching and communication skills
Receive 1:1 support on which next steps to take

Office Space Provision

Make use of ample office space in our downtown Toronto location

Soft Landing Program Curriculum

Prepare:
Pre-Arrival Incubation

In the first stage of programming, TBDC acclimatizes international entrepreneurs to the cultural nuances of Canada, identifies the right resources for research on the Canadian market, and gets them started on.

Duration: 3 months (virtual)

Curriculum (Sessions, Workshops, & 1-on-1s):

• Company Incorporation

• Gap Analysis

• Immigration Support

• Compliance and Knowledge

• Roadmap to Canada

• Cultural Sensitization

• Introduction to Ecosystem

• Communications Part 1

• Coachability

• Leadership / Values

• Market Research Part 1

• Grants + Funding Landscape

• Go-To-Market Strategy

Guide:
Soft-Landing Incubation

In Stage 2, TBDC mentors entrepreneurs about tactical business needs and gives them advice about business strategy. This results in a solid foundation upon which the entrepreneur can build pilot projects and attract business development opportunities.

Duration: 3 months (in-person with office access)

Curriculum (Sessions, Workshops, & 1-on-1s):

• Communications Part 2

• Personal Branding

• ASK definition Part 2

• Banking

• HR Compliance

• Legal Considerations

• Pitch Coaching

• Market Research Part 2

• Funding

• 1:1 mentorship

Connect:
Extended Support

In Stage 3, TBDC connects you with municipalities, research centres, funding organizations, academic institutions, incubators/accelerators, investors, talent networks, and business support services as required.

Duration: 3 months (in-person with office access)

Curriculum (Sessions, Workshops, & 1-on-1s):

• 1:1 mentorship1:1 mentorship

• Strategic Introductions

• Extended support

Download Our Application Guide

Application Process

➊ Online Application

➋ Assessment

➌ Due Diligence

➍ Panel Interview

➎ Acceptance

➊ Online Application

Begin your journey by completing the Online Application form, which takes approximately 30 minutes. This form collects essential

information about your startup and founders. You can create an online account to save your progress and check your application status later.

Be sure to prepare a comprehensive Pitch Deck that aligns with our Pitch Deck Checklist to accompany your application.

➋ Assessment

Once your application is submitted, our Venture Team will conduct an Internal Assessment. This involves reviewing your Online Application

Pitch Deck to determine initial fit. You will be invited to a Founder Interview, which lasts about 45 minutes, including a 30-minute

presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. All founders must participate, and it is advisable to rehearse your pitch beforehand.

➌ Due Diligence

Following a successful Founder Interview, you will enter the Due Diligence phase. Our team will provide a secure Dropbox link for you to upload

necessary documents, including your Articles of Incorporation, financial statements, and personal identification. This phase requires prompt submission

within 8 business days to ensure a smooth progression. Our Due Diligence Checklist will guide you on the specific documents needed.

➍ Panel Interview

After reviewing your Due Diligence documents, we will schedule a Panel Interview with a group of mentors and advisors. This session

will last about 60 minutes, comprising a 10-minute introduction, a 15-minute presentation, and a 30-minute Q&A. It is crucial to

prepare thoroughly, as this is an opportunity to showcase your startup and receive valuable feedback.

➎ Acceptance

Upon successful completion of the Panel Interview, you will receive an email confirming your acceptance into the Soft Landing Program. This email

will include a Soft Landing Program Agreement detailing the scope of the program and an invoice for the initial program fee deposit. After signing

the agreement and processing the payment, you will attend your first two virtual program sessions: Start-up Gap Analysis and Incorporation 101.

This will set the stage for initiating your Work Permit and Permanent Residency application process with Canadian Immigration.