Funding Roadmap - Navigating Grant Funding

The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, in partnership with MENTORnetwork, invites Brampton entrepreneurs to apply to join us for a three part online program where you will develop a Funding Roadmap by aligning your business goals with government grants and accessing money to accelerate your growth.

How many times have you entertained the idea of applying to receive funding for your business, but didn't follow through because you were afraid of the process? 51% of Canadians say they are too afraid to try and apply for government funding. Why? Because they don't know how to apply or where to go.

There is a known perception that there are SO many government grants out there for your business to take advantage of, but in reality, SO little time for you to commit to what the process may entail to actually access the funds needed to accelerate your growth. Let us demystify that for you!

Writing your first grant application may seem intimidating. Should you hire a grant writer? Possibly - but it's not necessary. Did you know 60-80% of a grant application can be re-used? Grant funding is a supportive way to grow your business, when the funding aligns with your business goals.

Session 1: Developing Your Funding Roadmap
Thursday, October 13th from 3-4pm

Begin by receiving support with creating a 90-day action plan to pursue funding that supports your hiring, innovation/R&D, export and operational goals over the upcoming year.

Session 2: Funding Program Research & Evaluation
Thursday, October 20th from 3-4pm

Understand the landscape of funding programs and how to find them. By digging into the nature of funding programs, you'll learn to evaluate and assess if they're a fit for your business. Acquire and implement a funding research system to keep your team on top of new grant programs and be notified when they open. Explore free/low-cost tools to continually identify programs that meet your needs.

Session 3: Developing Your Funding Application Building Blocks
Thursday, October 27th from 3-5pm **2hr session

Becoming "GRANTready". Review the most common sections of grant applications to develop copy that will serve as the building blocks for your next funding opportunity.

Founders and CEOs who are ready to receive the support many of their peers already are. Canadian small businesses who will be hiring, investing in R&D, adopting digital technology or exporting in 2022.
Team members who typically attend this program may be from: Operations, HR, Product, Marketing or Finance.
Businesses who want to access government funding without the need for a grant writer or consultant.

Note: Government grants help to support the growth of businesses that have existing revenue or investment and an established team. In our opinion, grants are not an effective strategy to fund the early launch phase of a business.

Understanding and identifying which funding programs the business is eligible for and will support your business goals this year.
The team will have a process to identify, track and quickly assess if a grant program is a good fit for their business to apply to.
Entrepreneurs will have confidence to submit funding applications without the need for consultants and grant writers.

Funding Roadmap - a template to connect your 1-year business goals with a 90-day action plan to apply for funding.
Funding Program Checklist & Scoresheet - a spreadsheet template to evaluate and track prospective funding programs.
Funding Application Building Blocks - a sequence of templates that will help you draft and organize the core sections of your grant applications.

Live Online – 3 Weeks

1. Thursday, October 13th from 3-4pm

2. Thursday, October 20th from 3-4pm

3. Thursday, October 27th from 3-5pm **2hr session

Recordings

Available for duration of the 3-week program and up to 3 weeks after wrap-up

Limited spaces are available and entrepreneurs must submit an application to participate. Once approved, links to the online sessions will be provided.

**Attendance and participation in all three sessions is mandatory.

Program is for Brampton entrepreneurs only
Applications close on Monday, September 26th at 12pm
Accepted applicants will be notified by end of day Wednesday, September 28th
Unique zoom meeting links for each session to be provided upon acceptance via calendar invitation for each approved participant.