Toronto Business Development Centre

The program is a comprehensive funding and support initiative designed to help European startups expand into the North American market, leveraging Canada as a strategic gateway. The program aims to provide European founders with the tools, insights, and connections necessary to successfully scale their businesses across North America.

Objectives:

• Facilitate market validation and feasibility analysis before significant investment.
• Provide executive-level guidance from experienced fractional C-suite executives.
• Guarantee market access through curated customer meetings, investor introductions, and ecosystem connections.
• Support startups in navigating regulatory compliance and fundraising preparation.

Target Beneficiaries:

• European startups with proven traction in European markets.
• Companies with scalable technology or services adaptable to North American markets.
• Startups ready to leverage Canada’s unique position for North American access.
• Businesses with sufficient capital, team, and operational capacity for international expansion.

Key Features:

• Modular program structure with three main phases: Scout, Sprint, and Surge.
  • Scout (4-6 weeks): Tailored feasibility study, market analysis, risk assessment, and expert advisory.
  • Sprint (5 days): Intensive market immersion in Toronto with curated meetings, sales strategy refinement, and compliance guidance.
  • Surge (3-6 months): Ongoing personalized support with strategy sessions, regulatory navigation, go-to-market implementation, and investor readiness coaching.
• Access to a network of over 100 curated partners across Ontario and Canada.
• Government-backed program offering stability and direct access to over 500 million consumers.
• Next application review is December 15, 2025, with the upcoming Sprint Week in February 2026.

Application Process:

• Interested startups apply online.
• Selection based on criteria including market validation, scalability, strategic fit, and resource readiness.
• Successful applicants proceed through the modular phases with dedicated support.

This program is ideal for European startups seeking a structured, supported entry into the North American market with a focus on strategic growth and risk mitigation.