Landing-Pad Accelerator Program (LPAP)
The Landing-Pad Accelerator Program (LPAP) is a four-year initiative running from 2024 to 2028, built to empower newcomer and female entrepreneurs operating within the Energy, Environment, and Engineering (EN3) sectors across eastern Ontario. Over the course of the program, LPAP will support 80 newcomer startups, including 24 female-founded businesses, while driving the creation of 80 jobs, 80 intellectual property assets, and millions in direct regional investment.
Through a cohort-based model, LPAP strengthens the EN3 ecosystem by expanding the network of resources and support available to emerging founders. The program places a particular emphasis on inclusion, ensuring that newcomer founders, female entrepreneurs, and high-demand talent have access to the tools, connections, and capital needed to grow and thrive in eastern Ontario.
Program Offerings
Team of up to two (2) dedicated advisors (Entrepreneurs in Residence) working with founder(s)
and leadership team.A customized action plan to meet the acceleration/growth needs of the company.
Access to masterclasses.
Access to support networks in eastern Ontario and beyond through the eastern Ontario Innovation Corridor (EOIC) initiative.
Leadership and development coaching for the company’s founder(s) and leadership team.
Access to targeted workshops – customer acquisition/retention, developing your hiring strategy, capital acquisition/management.
Access to exclusive perks through Spark Centre and Launch Lab
Membership to PARO Centre for Women Enterprise for Female Founders.
Support in protecting IP assets including nomination to various IP funding opportunities (based on
eligibility).Curated industry knowledge-sharing and networking events across eastern Ontario.
Accelerator grant of $10,000 with $10,000 co-investment awarded upon completing
the program to help drive growth.Access to non-collateral loans of up to $10,000 from Rise Helps.
Access to non-collateral loans of up to $50,000 for female founders from PARO.
Program Eligibility
Must be a female-led business OR a newcomer to Canada (PR less than 5 years).
Must be coachable and willing to commit to requirements of the program.
Must register as a Spark Centre or Launch Lab client.
Located in or desire to locate within eastern Ontario (residence and/or business operations).
Less than 500 employees (for businesses).
Demonstrated traction (for businesses).
Filling talent needs in crucial sectors (for talent).
A program entry fee of $2,500.
Each founder must commit to reciprocating 20 hours of advisory/mentorship to other founders in the future.
