Vancouver is one of the best places in the world to start and grow an impact business. Boasting a rich ecosystem of social enterprises, resources and community, it is an ideal home for committed and growing impact startups who want to make the world a better place.

The Program

Last year, we officially partnered with Fledge and the Government of Canada to launch the nation’s first impact startup visa program. After receiving over 60 applications, our first cohort of 7 companies will be arriving in Vancouver in a week to officially kick off the program.

Each of the companies have been receiving online pre-mentoring leading up to their arrival. They will now be immersed into the intensive 4 month program introducing them to the Canadian entrepreneur ecosystem, acceleration and growth workshops and break-out groups, impact measurement, legal and financial support and capital raising tools. 

The Companies

These amazing companies will be immigrating from the UK, France, Switzerland and Brazil. They include Idiagram, a digital platform that creates interactive systems maps of complex sustainability issues, Ideateem, a marketplace connecting home improvement, event and business professionals with customers, Lolaguide, a platform that connects tourists, tour guides and travel agencies, FuelActive, delivering a clean diesel fuel platform for transportation companies and diesel manufacturers, Pineapple, an online wedding stationery printing company focused on using innovative and sustainable methods of printing and distribution, Sport On Campus, creating access to sports scholarships at colleges and universities for students in need of financial assistance, and Schoccolatta, producing premium raw, vegan chocolates that are gluten free and nut free.

Meet the Cohort

Meet the companies and learn more about what they do, or just come cheer on these amazing impact startups and support them as they start their Canadian journey by attending the IMPACT StartUp Visa Meet and Greet event on January 23.