MNP x BCF Ventures Launches the Virtual NextSteps Program & Pitch Competition
BCF Ventures is pleased to announce their launch of a Virtual NextSteps Program & Pitch Competition in partnership with MNP, a leading national accounting, tax and business consulting firm in Canada. The Canadian tech ecosystem is filled with talent, while navigating the logistics of building a company may seem overwhelming, the right guidance and feedback is the missing puzzle piece to seeing Canadian startups thrive!
NextSteps is an exclusive program aimed at helping Canadian early-stage tech companies in achieving their growth objectives through guidance from strategic advisors and connection with a well-suited investor to provide capital.
If you are a founder or a founding team seeking to find the right growth partners to achieve your next step, apply now to participate in the NextSteps Program and Pitch Competition. You will work with mentors and strategic partners from BCF Ventures and MNP as we share knowledge, experience, and access to capital that will elevate your business.
5 Reasons to Participate
NextSteps is an all-in-one program providing answers to founder’s most jarring questions. It gives tech startups the opportunity to develop a sound understanding of business fundamentals, solidify their market positioning and learn more about key concepts that will protect and optimize the operations of their new venture.
Here are 5 benefits and reasons for participating in the program:
1 Learn about effective IP strategies and practices — The IP experts at your disposal will highlight important aspects a venture should focus on and are available to answer questions concerning your startup’s IP road map and process.
2 Learn about available Canadian financial resources available to startups — Our experts at MNP will help you navigate different financial resources at your disposal through the Canadian government and large financial institutions. Notably, learn more about the Canadian Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) Program, which is a $3B/yearly source of non-debt & non-dilutive capital supporting innovation and growth of Canadian startups.
3 Learn how to a build bulletproof pitch deck from a VC’s perspective — Our team at BCF Ventures will highlight important aspects that investors look at when considering to invest, while simultaneously building and refining your current pitch skills.
4 Networking opportunities — We strongly believe that being surrounded by individuals who have the adequate expertise and knowledge is key to a company’s success. Participating will enable early stage companies to create a supporting and reliable network.
5 It’s FREE and time-efficient — The participation is FREE of cost to you. Receiving valuable guidance on the highlighted key pillars of your business is efficient and cost effective, since the event will be streamlined in three sessions of one-hour. If you are already seeking to find these subject matter experts, then the event will be to your advantage at no cost from your end.
Location & Timeline
From September 13th to October 11th, 2021 — Join our program as it will consist of a structured VIRTUAL multi-week initiative beginning with a 3-week Bootcamp and a final Pitch Day.
The Bootcamp aims to boost knowledge between the participating ventures and the subject matter experts. After the Bootcamp, the top startups will be selected to present at the final Pitch Day on October 11th.
- Sept 15th — Building a pitch deck
- Sept 22th — Intellectual Property
- Sept 29th — Financial resources (SR&ED, IRAP, grants, loans, etc.)
- Oct 13th — Pitch Day
Prizes 🎉
The winner of the final Pitch Competition will be granted multiple prizes:
- A $2000 cash prize from our friends at OVHcloud
- OVHcloud Credit — Technology credits to access exclusive resources, training and advice from the Cloud Infrastructure Team
- One-on-one consultation with practicing IP experts at BCF Business Law
- Professional mentoring, guidance and advice from BCF Ventures — and access to their network of investors and VCs
- Professional mentoring, guidance, and advice from an MNP Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Partner
- An investment from an investor who has vested interest in your vertical of tech.
- Online exposure through MNP and BCF Ventures’ web and social platforms
How to Apply?
If you are an early stage Canadian tech startup headquartered in Canada, do not miss out on this opportunity! The application deadline is Friday, August 13th at 12pm ET.
For any questions, please contact Bonnie from BCF Ventures at bonnie.chau@bcfventures.vc.
Who are we?
MNP is an entrepreneurial firm built for entrepreneurs who are proud to support Canadian businesses and entrepreneurial business leaders. MNP is truly dedicated to the mid-market industry in Canada and understand the complex needs of technology companies starting their business journey in Canada.
BCF Ventures, a spin-off of BCF Business Law Firm, is a pioneer in the Canadian investment scene and one of the first corporate venture capital funds to be launched by a law firm. BCF Ventures benefits from the expertise, resources, and insights of the law firm and invests jointly with other successful funds across North America and Europe.
