YTO Snapshot Program

Experience a Soft-Landing in the Canadian Market

Welcome to the YTO Snapshot Program, your gateway to a seamless soft landing in the Canadian market. Designed for international companies, this program offers 12 comprehensive modules to equip you with the insights and strategies needed for success.

From securing your first customer and hiring your initial team to raising your first round of funding, our program guides you every step of the way. Learn how to leverage SRED credits, navigate grant opportunities, protect your intellectual property, and craft an effective go-to-market strategy tailored to the Canadian landscape.

Our expert-led modules ensure you gain the local market knowledge and connections crucial for establishing a strong presence in Canada. With the YTO Snapshot Program, you'll transform market entry challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.

Experience a smooth transition and build a thriving future in one of the world's most dynamic startup ecosystems.

What to expect

By participating in the YTO Snapshot Program, you will unlock a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to ensure your successful entry into the Canadian market. Our program includes interactive online workshops, one-on-one mentorship from industry experts, and access to a vibrant community of fellow entrepreneurs. Our mission is to provide you with the insights and tools necessary to establish and grow your business in Canada, making your transition seamless and successful.

Throughout the program, you'll gain valuable knowledge and support across 12 specialized modules. These cover everything from securing your first customer, hiring your initial team, and raising your first round of funding, to understanding SRED credits, navigating grant opportunities, and protecting your intellectual property. You'll also develop a tailored go-to-market strategy and receive practical guidance to overcome market entry challenges. Join us in the YTO Snapshot Program and take the first step towards a thriving business presence in Canada.

Community

YSpace Snapshot Program is a year long program that taps into the YSpace Community for continued growth through our support system.

Understanding Canada

Get access to proprietary data, and insights on how your venture can expand in the Canadian market work and make the most of Canadian Tech and Talent.

Market Frameworks

Gain practical knowledge on customer development and go-to-market strategies to launch your product. See how other great startups in Canada did it.

Results Driven

Actively work with peers and quality mentors toward the expansion of your venture. Our programs are goal-driven, using proven frameworks that put founders in the driver seat while we help them reach their end destination.

How it Works

Screening and Selection
Meet with one of our program leads, then apply for the YTO Snapshot Program

Select Programming
Choose from 12 programs which program will allow you to meet your goal in Canada. From the 12 modules offered, we recommend all companies take at minimum two of twelve modules offered.

Establish Timelines
Set up a calendar of programming for virtual and in-person events. Selected ventures have a maximum of one year to complete the program including visit Canada to execute on objectives.

Programs
Complete programs and gain practical frameworks that are geared towards your ventures success.

Application process

Step: One

Interested companies should reach out to one of our program leads for the Snapshot program using

yspace@yorku.ca

Step: Two

Schedule a video Meet and Greet with the YSpace team. An initial meeting will be set up to review the business as well as the current status of the company. This opportunity will also be used to understand the leadership team and concept viability better.

Step: Three

Selected companies will then be invited to sign a contract and pay program fees before onboarding onto the Snapshot Program.

Step: Four

Companies will need to establish and submit their timeline for the virtual and in-person components.

Step: Five

Complete the virtual program and meet us in Markham, Ontario at YSpace for the in-person meetings, interviews and investor pitches.

Ventures will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions about whether the program is right for you, email us at yspace@yorku.ca

Program eligibility

A website and Minimum Viable Product are required for program acceptance. We will be asking for a demonstration of the product.
We are looking for founders with innovative tech concepts. Founders who are driven, coachable, and collaborative with a growth mindset.
Program fees

Frequently asked

The YTO Snapshot program is designed for international companies looking to expand their business into the Canadian market. It is ideal for founders and entrepreneurs seeking a smooth and informed market entry, with tailored support to navigate the unique business landscape in Canada.

No, the program is sector-agnostic. All the resources and support are focused on technology-based ventures across all industries.

The program cost will based on venture needs. Please reach out to us to find out more. We do not take any equity in the company!

The program is open to everyone in the community, as long as they are dedicated founders who are willing to put in the committed time to grow the venture.

Participants are expected to commit 10 hours in the first week, 5 hours in the second week, and one week in person in Markham, Ontario. This structure ensures a comprehensive understanding and hands-on experience in the Canadian market.

There are five (5) key components within the program:

Hands-on workshops with leading industry experts
Office hours with a private network of subject matter experts.

Community engagement with fellow entrepreneurs
Modules covering first customer acquisition, first hire, first fundraising, SRED credits, grants, intellectual property protection, and go-to-market strategy
Practical guidance on overcoming market entry challenges

The program accepts a limited number of ventures to ensure personalized attention and high-quality support. The exact number of ventures may vary based on the specific cohort and resources available.

Apply

Applications for YTO Snapshot are open. We accept applications on a rolling basis.

Please reach out to yspace@yorku.ca if you have any questions.

Newsletter signup

YSpace is committed to working with emerging technology, agrifood, products and services. Get in touch today to find out how you can become a part of our community.

Contact us

For more information, please contact us at
yspace@yorku.ca
416-736-2100 ext. 44940