BC INCUBATOR

POWERED BY DISCOVERY FOUNDATION

Build, launch, and grow your start-up within the circular economy.

WE SUPPORT INNOVATORS WHOSE SOLUTIONS LEAD THE WAY TOWARD A REGENERATIVE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN CANADA.

Project Zero’s free business incubator program offers a foundation of entrepreneurial skills, circular economy expertise, ongoing mentorship, and access to a network of like-minded organizations and leaders.

Credit: Sustain Grooming, 2024 Cohort

HOW IT WORKS

JANUARY

Applications open.

MARCH

Cohort is selected from the applicant pool.

APRIL

Each venture is matched with a business coach, meeting monthly to provide mentorship, facilitate connections, and jump hurdles.

Ventures participate in monthly virtual sessions hosted by industry experts, covering entrepreneurship and sustainability fundamentals.

In tandem with sessions, ventures complete assignments that build towards a comprehensive business plan.

DECEMBER

Ventures compete in the final pitch event, presenting to an audience of investors, industry experts, and media.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

1

BC-based business, non-profit, product, service, or concept.

2

Venture is to be operated in BC.

3

Venture is in the concept stage or has under $500,000 in annual revenue.

The Incubator is designed for entrepreneurs operating within the circular economy.

Waste to resource

(e.g., upcycling)

Product life extension

(e.g., repair services)

Sharing economy

(e.g., container sharing)

Product as a service

(e.g., leasing equipment)

Circular
connectors

(e.g., network or hub)

Clean technology

(e.g., energy)

THE INCUBATOR PROGRAM IS POWERED BY

OUR IMPACT

80

Ventures INCUBATED

$10M

CAPITAL RAISED

160+

GREEN JOBS CREATED

2,650

EVENT ATTENDEES

115

COMMUNITIES IMPACTED

PROGRAM BENEFITS

STRUCTURED PROGRAMMING

Build a foundation of entrepreneurial skills through virtual sessions and assignments, culminating in a complete business plan and investor-ready pitch by the end of the program.

TAILORED SUPPORT

Receive support and connections tailored for whatever phase you’re in, meeting you where you’re at in your start-up journey.

ACCESS TO EXPERTS

Build your network and receive one-on-one feedback from experts in the circular economy, the entrepreneurial space, and more.

ONGOING MENTORSHIP

Meet regularly with your assigned business coach to brainstorm, hurdle jump, and receive feedback.

MEET OUR VENTURES

2025
COHORT

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2024 COHORT

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WITH A BACKGROUND IN BIOLOGY & ECOLOGY, I HAD ZERO KNOWLEDGE OF HOW TO START A BUSINESS. THE SESSIONS HELPED ME WALK AWAY WITH A POLISHED BUSINESS PLAN READY FOR ACTION. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND PROJECT ZERO FOR ANYONE THAT HAS LIMITED KNOWLEDGE OF THE BUSINESS WORLD, OR JUST NEEDS THAT EXTRA PUSH TO GET STARTED."

- Meaghan McDonald, Founder and CEO, Salt Legacy

2020 Incubator Program Participant

GOT QUESTIONS?

get in touch

CIRCULAR ECONOMY ACCELERATOR PROGRAM: 11 FREE SPOTS AVAILABLE. LEARN MORE!