WEtech Alliance is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the ninth cohort of its award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, designed to propel growth-ready tech and innovation-based companies to their next stage of success.

Building on the momentum of last year’s expansion—made possible through a renewed four-year commitment from Libro Credit Union and a new partnership with Communitech, through the Scale Up Platform funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)—this year’s program goes even further. ScaleUP, a 6-month intensive accelerator program, will now extend up the 401 corridor, supporting companies throughout broader Southwestern Ontario in collaboration with Communitech and its Scale Up Platform partners: Accelerator Centre, Conestoga College, and MACcelerate.

“With the help of Libro and Communitech, we are excited to open the ScaleUP Accelerator program to founders across more of Southwestern Ontario than ever before,” says Adam Castle, Director of Venture Services and Partnership at WEtech Alliance. “The Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions offer incredible value to innovators building products for the municipal, industrial, logistics, and agricultural sectors. Beyond that, we serve as a connection hub to the rest of North America. This is an opportunity to support companies who are proactive in creating meaningful, long-term impact in our region.”

With this expansion, the program now welcomes applications from:

• Companies headquartered in Windsor-Essex or Chatham-Kent
• Clients of the following Scale-Up Platform partners:
  • Communitech
  • Accelerator Centre
  • Conestoga College
  • MACcelerate

“This partnership with WEtech is about giving founders more ways to grow across regions and across sectors at the foundational stage of company growth. By opening new doors between Waterloo Region and Windsor-Essex, we’re helping founders access the coaching, community, and support that move them forward,” says Christina Wood, Vice President, Founder Programs at Communitech. “As a proud partner, Communitech is excited to support the expansion of the ScaleUP Accelerator and help more early-stage companies take their next steps with confidence.”

Program Offerings:

• 30 hours of direct engagement with expert Growth Coaches
• Strategic support in: Product development, Customer acquisition, Financial strategy, Leadership and team building, etc…
• Opportunity to present during the final Showcase event
• A chance to compete for a $20,000 grand prize

“We’re so excited to see ScaleUP growing! At Libro, we know that when regional businesses thrive, our communities thrive,” says Lori Atkinson, Regional Manager, Libro Credit Union. “This expansion means more entrepreneurs will get the support they need to reach their potential, and with that comes greater economic and social impact across Ontario. The ScaleUP Accelerator program continues to spark bold, creative problem solving, and we’re proud to support it. We can’t wait to see what exciting solutions emerge next.”

ScaleUP Accelerator Impact to Date:

• 38 companies supported from Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent
• 170 new products and services brought to market
• 206 jobs created
• Over $39 million in new revenue generated

The deadline to apply for the ninth ScaleUP cohort is 11:59pm on September 7th, 2025.

Applications, program information, and registration for the info session can be found at www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup.