Residency
Residency at Volta is the best way to obtain the mentorship, resources and space you need to grow your startup.
As a Resident Company, you’ll have access to advisors, workshops, founder-focused events and much more to help your startup flourish. Volta’s goal is to support high-growth companies within the tech and med-tech space by offering customized support specific to the needs of each of our companies. We support Atlantic Canadian startups within four key areas: advice & education, funding growth, talent attraction & retention and community support.
In-House Residents receive affordable, fully-equipped office or desk space in the heart of downtown Halifax, with flexible month-to-month leases. For those not requiring physical space or located outside of Halifax, Volta offers a Virtual Residency stream.
To learn more about the perks and services included in Volta Residency, visit our Programs/Resources page.
Volta Residency Streams
Volta offers two streams of Residency, Virtual and In-House.
Regardless of the stream, every eight weeks companies will meet with a Volta team member for progress meetings and submit a written update report with an overview of company progress and metrics.
Companies participating in Volta’s Virtual Residency program will be considered program participants for an 18-month period.
In-House Residency
Available to Halifax based technology startups who are looking for physical space to work from. At least one founder must be physically located in Halifax.
In-House Residency offers:
- Access to Volta advisors and mentors
- Access to Office Hours with industry experts
- Access to workshops, speaker events and training opportunities
- Volta Grant Writing Assistance Program to secure non-dilutive funding
- Invitations to founder socials and online peer-to-peer events
- Programs and discounts for startups associated with Volta
- Dedicated physical space with 24/7 access (see more details below)
- Access to shared amenities: meeting rooms, call booths, printer and kitchens
- Use of Volta as company’s registered address
Cost: Teams will be invoiced according to size of space occupied.
Virtual Residency
Available to Atlantic Canadian technology startups who do not require physical space. At least one founder must be physically located in Atlantic Canada.
Virtual Residency offers:
- Access to Volta advisors and mentors
- Access to virtual Office Hours with industry experts
- Access to virtual workshops, speaker events and training opportunities
- Volta Grant Writing Assistance Program to secure non-dilutive funding
- Invitations to founder socials and virtual peer-to-peer events
- Programs and discounts for startups associated with Volta
- Two Network Memberships to utilize Volta’s Co-working Space. Meeting room hours not included.
- 50% discount on Volta meeting room bookings.
Cost: $100/month per team.
Residency Requirements
We’re looking for technology based startups (software and/or hardware), with Founders who are full-time and based in Atlantic Canada. We want to see ambitious entrepreneurs with innovative ideas who want to be part of a collaborative community.
Please note, in order to be considered for Volta Residency, your company must be either federally incorporated or registered within Atlantic Canada.
For both In-House and Virtual Residency, the requirements are as follows:
Idea. Volta’s Residency program is exclusively for early stage technology startups. Approved companies will have a validated idea through customer discovery, tested assumptions and have their minimum viable product complete.
Team. Founder(s) must be full-time, with preference given to companies with two or more Founders. Teams must also have at minimum one full-time team member focused on product development.
Big market. Companies should have global market potential, with opportunity for growth.
Community. Founders and employees must be willing to be active, collaborative participants with Volta events and programming, and share best practices with other community members.
Additional Requirements:
In-House Residency
Location. At least one Founder must be based out of Halifax with a regular presence at Volta.
Time. Companies must be utilizing their dedicated space at Volta at minimum two days per week.
Virtual Residency
Location. At least one Founder must be residing in Atlantic Canada and able to demonstrate proof.
Employees. Companies cannot have more than 15 employees (including Founders).
Not quite ready for Volta Residency, but still looking for space to work and connect with others? Purchase a Network Membership.
Volta Residency Application Process
Apply Online
Interested in joining Volta’s Residency program? All companies must first complete a written application in order for Volta to learn more about you and your startup!
Follow up from Volta team
Once you complete your application, a member of the Volta Startup Services team will reach out within 3 business days with any questions and to schedule a meeting.
Meet with Startup Services team
Companies who are deemed a good fit will meet with the Volta Startup Services team to learn more about your company and how Volta can be of assistance.
Attend Onboarding Session
Residents will be accepted into Volta Residency on the first day of each month. Once accepted, companies will attend a virtual kick-off meeting with the Volta Startup Services Team to have a full understanding of all services offered.
Work Space for In-House Residency
Volta’s thriving community consists of 60 000 square feet in downtown Halifax. For those teams looking for a physical space to grow their business, Volta can provide dedicated open concept desk space or individual office space.
Offices range in size from 160 square feet to 1000 square feet. Physical space is provided to companies based on team size and need. Teams participating in Volta’s In-House Residency program will be invoiced each month according to the size of space being occupied.
Volta Space includes:
- Office furniture
- High-speed internet
- 24/7 space access
- 3 bookable boardrooms and 13 bookable meeting rooms
- 8 call booths
- 3 kitchens
- Administrative services such as mail collection, guest check-in and printing
- Access to our community space on the Lobby level along with the furnished patio
- Coffee bar on Lobby level – complimentary coffee and treats
- Flexible agreement terms – 30-day termination clause
