WINDSOR, ON (August 16, 2023) - WEtech Alliance is excited to announce Cohort 7 of the award-winning ScaleUP accelerator program.
The WEtech ScaleUP accelerator program, powered by Libro Credit Union and Invest WindsorEssex, is back for its seventh cohort with the theme of ScaleUP (+ Out). This year’s focus is on exploring new markets by leveraging WEtech’s global network of innovation partners. Participants will do deep dives into the markets and industries they wish to explore and receive invaluable mentorship and guidance from experts that moves participants beyond borders.
Participants will also pitch for a capital prize of $20,000 for their market expansion plan. The program provides intensive growth coaching, expert insight, strategic planning, and potential financial assistance to tech entrepreneurs in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent looking to scale their business. These in-kind resources are valued at up to $78,000 per participant.
“Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent serve as amazing test markets for growing startups, but it’s a very big ocean out there, and this year we want to help these companies sail beyond their comfort zone. Boats, like businesses, might be safe when they are docked in the harbour, but they were meant for tougher stuff than that,” says Adam Castle, Director of Venture Services for WEtech Alliance. “Over the next 4 months, our team of growth coaches and workshop mentors will help these companies put together a strategy for exploring new opportunities, and bringing the wonderful things we create here in YQG, to the rest of the globe.”
To date, ScaleUP has supported 30 companies with impressive results.
Lori Atkinson, Regional Manager for Libro Credit Union Windsor-Essex and a founding supporter of the ScaleUP Accelerator, has seen tremendous impact come out of the program since its inception. “When you start to look at the multiplier effect this program has had in 6 years, having created over 180 jobs and $26+ million in revenue, it’s easy to see why we continue to invest in this world-class program.”
Without further ado, meet the 2023 ScaleUP(+ Out) Cohort:
Beloga is a next-generation blogging platform that leverages web3 technology to empower real insights. They are dedicated to assisting journalists and developing a blogging platform that ensures the lifespan of content and protects the truth, while also building a trustworthy environment for free speech and accurate information sharing in the digital world.
“As we chart our company’s path forward, a pivotal objective is to optimize our user acquisition process and elevate the scale of our business operations. Joining the distinguished 7th Cohort of WEtech Alliance’s ScaleUP program emboldens us, offering tailored mentorship to navigate and conquer the upcoming phase of expansion for our organization.” – Wilson (Wei Sheng) Co-Founder, CTO, Beloga
Combinetic is a Kingsville-based SaaS company transforming tech management for businesses. Their user-friendly device management software keeps computer systems up-to-date and secure, requiring no technical expertise. Alongside their primary direct-to-consumer service, they offer managed services for Windows devices. Combinetic removes the need for complex IT implementation overhead and outsourcing and allows you to manage your Windows devices anywhere there’s an active internet connection.
“Joining the WEtech ScaleUP Accelerator marks a significant milestone for Combinetic! We’re incredibly excited about this opportunity and are eager to leverage it to elevate and enhance our product vision and growth. Our goal is to take tech management to the next level, making it simpler and more efficient for small and medium businesses, as well as startups.” – Devin Pavao, Founder, Combinetic
Elev8 is a web development team focused on helping companies deliver great website experiences on WordPress. During ScaleUP, Elev8 will be focused on a ready-to-scale software product called WE Data Tools (also based on WordPress) used by workforce planning boards, employment services providers, economic development agencies, and various levels of government.
“We’re excited to be a part of the WEtech Alliance ScaleUP Program Cohort #7. Our WE Data Tools product has already been successful across Ontario, with 25 of 26 workforce planning regions running the software. With WEtech’s help, we’ll be expanding our data coverage and product offering Canada-wide” – Jason Pomerleau, President, Elev8 Web Studio.
Osmosis Glow is a luxury LED neon, acrylic, and wood signage business. In a world where experiences and creativity hold greater value than material possessions, Osmosis Glow thrives by crafting custom-made signage. They aim to bring brightness and positive moments to people’s lives by assimilating ideas, wisdom, and modern technology. Their signs offer a blend of nostalgia and contemporary aesthetics, ensuring they become an integral part of significant life events and cherished memories.
“One of our main goals as we grow as a company is to tap into the American market; specifically because of how close we are positioned to the American/Canadian border. We are extremely excited to be a part of the 7th Cohort of WEtech Alliance’s ScaleUP program, where we can get specific mentorship on how to tackle and overcome this next phase of growth in our company.” – Chayron Rennie, Founder, Osmosis Glow
Picsume eliminates the need for a resume through the creation of live dynamic work profiles, containing only relevant, pertinent, and verified information. Their proprietary technology extracts current job postings to their platform, pairing candidates directly with employers through curated opportunities across Canada. Furthermore, they have built out software and ATS to assist with recruiting and hiring for SMBs.
“We’re thrilled to participate in Cohort #7 of the WEtech Alliance ScaleUP Program. Our platform has garnered significant interest and endorsement from local employers, organizations, community partners, and job seekers since its launch in Windsor-Essex. We are well-prepared to embark on a ScaleUP sprint, driving our growth in this region and beyond through strategic planning and expert insights.” – Jordan Goure, COO, Picsume
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