WHO IS THE PROGRAM FOR?
This program is open to foreign entrepreneurs that have a proven product/service, and have a clear plan on how to grow their business in Alberta for the next 2+ years.
In addition to the Government of Alberta eligibility requirements, Platform Calgary has the following requirements to ensure that the companies joining the program are a good fit and are getting the most out of the program
- Have a tech-based or tech-enabled company – minimum viable product (MVP)
- Ready and actively pursuing their first sales/customer commitment
- Preparing to scale and generate exponential growth in operations
ELIGIBILITY
This program is open to foreign graduates (within the past ten years) from universities outside of Canada who are motivated to start businesses in Alberta. Those who are still coming up with an idea for their startup or are already working on their startup are encouraged to apply.
This program is ideal for candidates who meet the following criteria:
- Focusing on one or more of the following sectors
- Technology
- Aerospace
- Financial Services
- Energy
- Agriculture
- Tourism
- Life Sciences
- Pharmaceuticals
- Early-stage
- Companies that have an existing idea, a proven product or service, and have a clear plan on how to grow your business in Alberta for the next 2+ years
- Demonstrate financially viability
- Demonstrate financial means to set up their businesses and meet a minimum level of investment
- Able to achieve revenue within their first year of business in Alberta
- Have six months of business experience and/or ownership
- Meet Canadian Language Benchmark 5
For details on the eligibility requirements, please visit the Government of Alberta’s Website.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Platform Calgary will provide startup support and evaluate FGES applications through six weeks of engagement. During the program, participants will go through the following topics as well as any other requirements needed to create a solid business plan.
- How to determine market need/demand
- How to successfully enter the market & create key partnerships
- How to grow your customer base (customer acquisition)
- How to build effective financial plans
- How to grow your business (perfecting your pitch)
Successful participants will be expected to attend weekly virtual group lectures on Tuesdays from 10:30am - 12:00pm MST. The estimated time commitment for the program is generally about 20 hours (weekly 1.5-hour interactive lecture, weekly 1-hour session with a Platform Advisor, plus preparation and planning for each week).
There is no guarantee that by attending this program participants will be nominated for the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream.
INVESTMENT
Total investment: $20,000 CAD + GST
- Fee upon Acceptance into the Platform FGES program: $10,000
- Fee prior to receiving a recommendation letter from Platform: $5,000
- Fee upon Government of Alberta Acceptance and access to Platform resources/network: $5,000
The cost of the FGES program is per business. However, some additional fees (immigration fee, etc) may vary based on the business.
