The Pre-Startup Cohort is a joint initiative by Starta Canada and CBGA that brings together aspiring founders from around the world who want to launch a venture in Canada. Whether you already have a business idea or relevant entrepreneurial experience, but lack a team, this program matches you with co-founders who share your drive and vision.
Unlock mentorship & Canadian market access.
Program Overview
We curate groups of participants with complementary goals, skills, and backgrounds, then guide them through a series of strategic sessions. By the end of the cohort you will have:
How It Works
A committed team ready to execute
A refined, market-tested business concept
Clear go-to-market plan for Canada
Who Should Apply
You have an idea but need partners to bring it to life
You want to scale in Canada but don’t know who to team up with
You have technical or managerial expertise but no specific concept yet
What You’ll Gain
Mentorship from Starta Canada and CBGA Team during the critical team-formation stage
Like-minded co-founders ready to build alongside you in Canada
Hands-on workshops, strategy sessions, and pitch practice with Canadian entrepreneurs and investors
If your team proves its strength and your project shows genuine promise, we can endorse you for Canada’s Start-Up Visa program. After a positive internal assessment, we facilitate introductions to designated organizations and guide you through every stage of securing permanent-resident status.
Immigration Pathway
Important Notice. Participation in the Pre-Startup Cohort does not guarantee future collaboration with Starta Canada and CBGA or automatic eligibility for the Start-Up Visa. We reserves the right to withdraw any team or participant at any time for low engagement, unmet criteria, professional or ethical violations, or insufficient entrepreneurial potential as determined by our internal review.
Once you send in your application or your CV, our team will carefully review your profile. If we see a strong fit, you’ll be invited to an introductory Zoom call where we’ll preview the cohort, connect you with other promising founders, and map out what happens next. Because we focus on quality over quantity, seats are strictly limited.
Join a hand-picked cohort of global founders.
After You Apply
Have Questions?
Let's Begin
If you’re interested in learning more about the Start-Up Visa program or want personalized guidance on your entrepreneurial journey, our team is here to help. Contact us today for more information.
Your
Journey
Legal Information
The information on this resource is for guidance only and does not constitute comprehensive legal or immigration advice.
At the time of publication, the data complies with legal regulations, however, it should be taken into account that regulations and legal provisions may change, so there is always possibility that certain information is outdated over time.
At the time of publication, the data complies with legal regulations, however, it should be taken into account that regulations and legal provisions may change, so there is always possibility that certain information is outdated over time.
The reliability of all data should be checked on the official websites of the Canadian government.
Disclaimer
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The website administration is not responsible for any damage that may be caused in any form due to the use, incompleteness, or incorrectness of the information posted on this website.
The website administration is not responsible for any damage that may be caused in any form due to the use, incompleteness, or incorrectness of the information posted on this website.
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