Spring Launches Canada’s First Global Impact Accelerator Program

Vancouver, BC (July 6, 2017) — The Global Impact Accelerator Program at Spring is the first in Canada to focus on global impact businesses looking to move to Canada and make the world a better place through their ventures.

“Vancouver is a top-ranked startup ecosystem competing in a global race for smart talent, smart capital and smart business,” says Ian McKay, CEO of the Vancouver Economic Commission. “We congratulate Spring Activator for pulling together some of the best Vancouver has to offer international entrepreneurs: programming by experts on the impact economy, an engaged business community; a global market reach; and a calling card of innovation, creativity and sustainability.”

The Global Impact Accelerator Program at Spring is a comprehensive, 4-month program, under the banner of the Start-up Visa (SUV) Program. SUV targets established, immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build high-growth businesses in Canada, spur innovation and create jobs in the local economy. Spring’s program is focused on businesses in healthcare, sustainability, arts, progressive food and cleantech.

Sana Kapadia, Chief Impact Officer at Spring comments, “In today’s global environment, where businesses are more closely inter-connected than ever before, The Global Impact Accelerator Program at Spring, allows us to bring some of the world’s best impact companies to Vancouver and continue to move the dial on Vancouver and Canada’s position as a leading world-class, startup ecosystem.”

The Global Impact Accelerator Program at Spring is uniquely positioned to provide mission-based businesses with a platform that encompasses knowledge, networking, mentorship, and support needed to grow, scale and amplify their impact on a global scale. The Program at Spring will run on a cohort basis, with a maximum of 6 companies selected to participate. The first intake will also include up to 2 Vancouver companies to speed integration into the community, provide richer market perspectives, and increase the global competitiveness.

“We are looking forward to engaging with some amazing high-growth impact ventures and leaders, providing them with the tools and support needed to unlock growth in the North American market. We believe that not only will this elevate the start-up pool and talent here in Vancouver, but also spur new innovation across the board” says Kapadia.

About Spring Activator

Spring is a startup school for entrepreneurs who want to build a better business. Unlike traditional resources, Spring provides action-oriented training and exceptional support that’s backed by a global community. Over the past three years, Spring has supported over 400 entrepreneurs, 200 companies, has helped create more than 200 jobs in our local economy and enabled early stage funding of over $8.5 million to be raised. http://spring.is/

About The Start-up Visa Program

Canada’s Start-up Visa (SUV) Program is designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs who wish to establish new, high-growth businesses in Canada which will support innovation and job-creation. The Start-up Visa program serves as an important tool for incubators and accelerators looking to source international ventures. Start-up Visa companies have enjoyed much success in Canada, thanks to the quality of support provided by designated entities and Canada’s business-friendly economic policies.