By Gazette Staff
November 11th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
You read about these university-level students who come up with these brilliant ideas and create a new business.
How does that happen? A lot of hard work and some good mentoring is part of the process. The Innovation Factory, located in Hamilton, is there to help. Link below could get you started.
Innovation Factory’s Founders Fast Track is an 8-week intensive training program that offers your business a free, comprehensive curriculum covering essential topics, including pitch refinement, investor communication, funding strategies, and due diligence preparation. Eligible start-ups gain access to mentorship, network-building activities, and educational workshops.
What is the Innovation Factory?
It is a business accelerator, passionate about driving the growth of Ontario businesses. Whether you are an entrepreneur bringing new ideas to market or a scaling business trying to get to the next level, the Innovation Factory is there to help.
Innovation can happen anywhere, their goal is to make it work everywhere. They work to elevate key industry sectors, including advanced manufacturing, clean tech, information technology, smart transportation, life sciences & health care and social innovations.
Learn more about what they might be able to do for you. Click HERE
The Fast Track program culminates in a speed pitching event where your company will have the opportunity to connect and pitch to a minimum of three angel or pre-seed/seed stage investors.
Apply by December 7, 2025.
Program Timelines
Week 1 – Program Kick-off and Funding Essentials: Meet your cohort and receive a program introduction. Learn what angels and VCs look for in a start-up and about the different types of funding available for your stage.
Week 2 – Founders Unplugged: Network with your cohort and hear from successful later-stage founders as they share their growth journeys and valuable insights.
Week 3 – Investor Communications: Learn how to communicate effectively with investors. Develop strategies to tackle objections and master the art of the Q&A portion of your pitch.
Week 4 – Dollars, Data & Diligence: Learn the do’s and don’t’s of establishing your valuation. Focus on building your data room and ensuring your financials are ready for investor due diligence.
Week 5 – Pitch Practice: Deliver your pitch to an expert advisor and receive specific feedback. This essential session helps you strengthen your narrative and refine your investment pitch.
Week 6 – On-demand Learning and Partner Office Hours: Explore critical funding options beyond equity through our on-demand course. Connect one-on-one with our partners across finance, legal, and intellectual property for focused feedback.
Week 7 – Demo Day Rehearsal: Your final preparation. Practice your 5-minute pitch in front of an expert advisor and a former LiONS LAIR judge to ensure your presentation is flawless for Demo Day.
Week 8 – Investor Demo Day: Deliver your 5-minute pitch to investors, build early relationships, and potentially qualify for the final pitch competition.
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