IncubateNorth, powered by TD

IncubateNorth will welcome entrepreneurs and innovators with a validated enterprise: 

• growth-stage entrepreneurs and innovators with a viable product, service or process with early-stage market acceptance looking to scale in the marketplace

• startups based in the Yukon that are looking for support to grow

• high potential small and medium-sized Yukon businesses who can benefit from a unique support structure to grow their activities in a beneficial way for the Yukon economy and community

IncubateNorth is Yukon’s first full-spectrum business incubation program and offers:   

• flexible workspace at NorthLight Innovation, networking, collaboration   

• customized skill and business development (seminars, workshops, learning programs)   

• 1:1 support from I&E staff, program partners such as TD, mentors, advisors, coaches and experts from within and outside the Yukon

• opportunities to attend conferences and events 

The intake process will be open until 10 businesses have entered the program.

After you submit your application, the selection committee will invite you to showcase your business. Successful applicants will be contacted soon after the interview to start the onboarding process.

An Incubator Committee comprised of I&E staff and advisors will score applicants based on the following criteria:   

• demonstrated market validation of the business idea  

• situated at a crossroads in business growth, such as launch to market, expansion to a new market, export ready, or investment ready  

• great potential to generate new and needed jobs for a changing economy  

• provide the greatest leverage to the economic multiplier effect by bringing wealth into remote communities through income from exports and external sales 

For additional information or to apply by phone, please contact us.

Entrepreneurs will be evaluated on the achievement of set milestones throughout the 12-18 month incubation period. Milestones will be recorded in the initial intake process and revisited regularly with the incubator team. Varying combinations of impact criteria and priority may apply depending on the business and their goals. Individual metrics, post program delivery analytics and incubator performance measures will be evaluated and made readily available for reporting purposes. 

The majority of IncubateNorth program expenses are covered thanks to funding from TD Ready Commitment initiative, Government of Canada’s Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Government of Yukon, while participants are also required to pay a program fee of $5000/year. This amount will be pro-rated in relation to the months spent in the incubation program at $415/month. This investment unlocks a wide range of valuable benefits listed below.  

Financial support is available for Indigenous women and gender diverse people in the Yukon. The Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council (YAWC) supports IncubateNorth through the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program. Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY) provides support for up to two French-speaking entrepreneurs to participate in IncubateNorth. Please contact us to learn more. 

IncubateNorth offers incredible program value of up to $48,746 to participating businesses thanks to major funding from TD Ready Commitment initiative, Government of Canada’s Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), and Government of Yukon. Benefits include:  

• $5,000 kickstart funding toward key business growth milestones, such as professional services, equipment and training.  

• $1,000 mental health support funding, such as counselling/therapy, coaching, and wellness activities. 

• $5,000 brand exposure, awareness and marketing, including promotion through IncubateNorth social media and communication networks, social media promotional video, and logo placement at YukonU I&E. 

• Over 100 hours in business coaching, including intake assessment, incubation plan, assistance with financial applications, and leadership development.

• 24/7 access to office space, including 1-3 desks, high speed internet, printing, meeting rooms, and conference equipment.

Plus powerful intangible benefits:

• A community of peers who provide emotional support, sounding boards, networking, partnerships, collective problem solving, and mentorship. 

• Tap into a network of collaborators, funders, investors, partners, clients, and customers. 

• Achieve commercialization goals faster than you would on your own. 

• Support finding and applying for additional funding.

• Become a more confident, efficient and empowering leader. 

• Recruit and retain top talent, and improve company culture. 

• Develop systems and processes in your business. 

• Sweet IncubateNorth swag and apparel!