Volta - Boost

Boost

Boost is a new program, created in partnership with the Black Business Initiative, Ulnooweg, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency that will support the growth and development of Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada. We encourage and welcome applications from all Black and Indigenous founders; however, given the need to increase representation within the sector, preference will be given to applicants who identify as women and/or members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

With dedicated space to grow their skills and build out their business idea over a 16-week period, the Boost cohort will participate in expert-led, intensive training sessions each week focusing on subjects such as:

  • leadership
  • branding
  • the Lean Business Model Canvas
  • Customer discovery and validation
  • brainstorming and creating a minimum viable product (MVP) using design thinking methodologies
  • how to pitch, and much more. 
The program will include weekly training sessions, facilitated by leading experts, and participants will have access to a working lab, located inside of Volta’s Co-Working Space, that will provide a dedicated space to apply their learnings and develop their business or idea. They also will receive an honorarium for their participation.

Program facilitators and advisors will also be available each week to answer any questions and help tackle any obstacles participants may face through office hours.  

Applications for the program open on Friday, January 22 and have been extended to 11:59pm on Wednesday, February 25, 2021. Follow the link below to complete an application. Workshops will take place Wednesday evenings for the duration of the program. 

Submit an application

How to get involved

Step One:

Attend the program information session on Tuesday, January 26 at 4pm to learn more about the program and ask questions.

Register to attend the virtual event by following the link below.

Register to attend

Step Two:

Submit a program application before Thursday, February 25 at 11:59pm to be considered for Boost. Follow the link below to get started.

 

Submit an application

Step Three:

Following the application deadline (Feb. 25 at 11:59pm), select applicants will be invited to meet with program advisors to learn more about their goals for the program and determine if they are a good fit.

Step Four:

Participants will be notified if they are selected for Boost on or before Wednesday, March 10, 2021. The program begins on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 and will run for 16-weeks. 

Workshop series overview

Week One

Onboarding/Icebreakers + Leadership Workshop

Week Two

Purpose-driven Business

Week Three

Owning your Power

Week Four

Lean Business Model Canvas

Week Five

Are you Ready to Startup?

Week Six

Validating your Idea

Week Seven

Product Management 101 + Tech Basics

Week Eight

Branding, Product Design and No-Code Apps

Week Nine

Volta Cohort Pitch Event – Participants are invited to watch the event and learn the value of a strong pitch

Week 10

Creating your Online Presence

Week 11

Legal Considerations for your Business

Week 12

Persuasive Proposals and Writing

Week 13

Funding your Business

Week 14

Pitch Fundamentals

Week 15

Virtual Pitch Night

Week 16

Future of Work: Hiring and Building a Team

Ideal participants for this program will:

  • have an early stage business idea or a professional development goal
    • preference will be given to applicants with a tech-enabled startup idea, though no technical experience is required 
  • Be willing and eager to learn/apply new skills from industry experts
  • Be able to commit to a 16-week term to build out their idea 
  • Be based in Atlantic Canada
  • Given the need to increase representation within the sector, preference will be given to applicants who identify as women and/or members of the LGBTQIA+ community

This program is proudly presented by

This program is proudly sponsored by

 

 

Complete the following application before Thursday, February 25 at 11:59pm. Select applicants will be contacted for an interview to learn more about their goals for participating in the program.

The application period is now closed. Stay tuned to our social media and website for the next program intake dates.