Level up your business! Apply to IDEA Mississauga’s Step-Up Program

Are you an entrepreneur ready to unlock new opportunities and grow your business? IDEA Mississauga’s Step-Up Program is back and now accepting applications for its 2025 cohort.

Successful participants will gain access to an exclusive network of partners, events and valuable resources, and join a distinguished alumni community that includes some of Mississauga’s top entrepreneurs in medical technology, freight, food services, education and more.

If you are ready to elevate your business, make a meaningful social or environmental impact, and represent the diversity of Mississauga, this program is for you!

What is the Step-Up Program?

The Step-Up Program is a six-month initiative designed to support diverse, underrepresented, high-potential businesses overcome barriers, and reach new heights.  The program gives founders access to tools and connections that are essential for growth, like specialized training and mentorship sessions, access to investors, and much more.

Eligibility criteria

The Step-Up Program may be right for you if your company:

• Is in Mississauga or planning to relocate here
• Earns between $100,000 and $2 million annually
• Has patented innovations or pre-seed capital
• Specializes in life sciences, advanced manufacturing or technology

Why apply?

Since its launch, Step Up has helped many Mississauga companies expand their reach and make meaningful impacts to the local community. This is because the Step-Up Program provides entrepreneurs with a variety of resources that can help drive growth and change, including:

• C-Suite training sessions with experts in accounting, law and intellectual property
• Entrepreneurs-in-Residence who provide tailored one-on-one support
• Mentorship from IDEA Mississauga business advisors and industry experts
• Networking opportunities with investors and corporate partners
• The chance to pitch and showcase your company at a highly anticipated event attended by investors, partners and City staff
• Access to resources valued at more than $200,000 including grants, memberships, perks and prizes.

Learn more at an upcoming information session

If you’re eligible and interested in the Step-Up Program, attend an upcoming information session:

• Thursday, October 9 – Virtual information session
• Thursday, November 13 – In-person information session

Submit your application by November 30. All successful applicants will begin the program in January 2026. For full details and to apply, visit the Step Up Program webpage.

Quotes

“The Step-Up Program is one of the many ways IDEA Mississauga and Invest Mississauga are helping to transform entrepreneurs’ ideas into reality, while supporting the next generation of leaders. We’ve seen incredible success from past alumni, with innovations spanning life sciences, wellness, education, finance, and technology. Each business brings something unique to the table. We’re excited to launch the 2025 cohort and continue fostering growth, innovation, and meaningful change in Mississauga.” – Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Invest Mississauga

Tags

• Economic Development