We incubate so you can
BUILD organizations that
lead the transition to
a better economy!
Our incubator provides training,
networks, and funding for
worker-led businesses.
Incubator.
noun
seize edits
a place where newly birthed worker-led projects are
supported and nurtured into empowered to become
self-sustaining organizations with the capacity to change the
world for the people and the planet.
How?
-resources & network
-support services
-funding
Like most incubators we offer
funding and networks.
We also offer a range of vital
services for enterprise development:
Discover
SEIZE offers the “Fundamentals of the Solidarity Economy” 8-week curriculum to anyone who wants a crashcourse in discovering the Social Solidarity Economy and navigating their place within it! Additionally check out our organizational event calendar for other relevant educational events offered by our members and allies across the SEIZE network.
Design
SEIZE accompanies project leaders throughout the ideation and design process. We help your SSE project to reach its potential with consultative support across core functional areas such as: Value Proposition Development, Business Model Validation, Partnerships and Collaborations, Community Development Strategy, and Feasibility Assessments.
Build
SEIZE supports project leaders to build cooperatives and social enterprises by providing resources, guidance, mentorship and a cooperative environment. Specifically, the SSE projects that SEIZE incubates benefit from our development framework, walking project leaders step-by-step to reach key milestones. Our framework integrates traditional components of business planning with SSE-based resources, aligning effective growth with authentic values.
Develop
SEIZE empowers people on the ground to develop their SSE projects. Through the Social Economy Mentorship Internship (SEMI) Program, SEIZE is focused on giving people a positive experience in applying the development of their soft and hard skills to the advancement of SSE projects. SEIZE also provides direct organizational development and business planning consultation services to its incubating projects.
Support
The strength of the SEIZE support network comes from continuous ongoing engagement with both our current and past incubated projects. SEIZE builds solidarity across our network through facilitating collaborations, supporting outreach efforts, community mobilizations, and providing consultations and training workshops as needed.
SEIZE isn’t a traditional business incubator – SEIZE strategically incubates sectors and organizations that are leading the transition to a new economy. To see if your project qualifies, check out our incubation selection criteria below:
Feasibility
“Does the idea resonate with people?“
□ Fitness of concept/idea
□ Survivability/durability
□ Resources available
Capacity
“Does it have the bones to stand on it own?“
□ Skills around the table/being developed
□ Demonstrable dedication to the project
□ Additional supports and advisors
Network Synergy
“Does it compliment the other seeds we are sowing?“
□ Opportunities for building solidarity
□ Economic integration with the SSE
□ Value add to SSE network
SEIZE Alignment
“Does it fit within the direction we are paddling?“
□ Strategic direction/vision alignment
□ Scope of incubation support request
□ SEIZE internal capacity to provide what the project needs
To schedule an initial consultation and apply for incubation services from SEIZE, please fill out the expression of interest form below:
Up to 5 projects per year, are eligible to receive:
□ Quarterly coaching sessions
□ Access to shared development resources (software, legal, HR, administrative, etc.)
□ $1000 in project seed funding
Here are some of the businesses that
we’ve incubated:
Some of our current projects include:
Additional Support Programs Include:
Social Economy Mentorship Internship [SEMI] Program
The SEMI program aims to foster professional development in the world of the social solidarity economy (SSE) by pairing experienced mentors with aspiring individuals seeking to develop a project or to learn new skills. The SEMI program is designed to support the development of your soft and hard skills while you contribute meaningfully to an SSE project. Apply with your own project or be placed as an intern with an active SSE project.
To learn more about our projects, get in touch with our General Coordinator at projects[@]solidarityeconomy.ca