Spark Centre requires at least $200,000 in revenue over the past 12 months to qualify
Post-revenue Canadian startups that generated at least $200,000 in revenue over the preceding 12 months can now apply to a fee-free program that culminates in pitches to investors on both sides of the Canada-US border.
Spark Centre said in announcing the Spark Capital Access Program (SCAP) that the initiative is built to help Canadian startups become investment-ready, access early-stage capital, and connect with investors across Canada and the US.
Access to early-stage investment "remains a significant challenge for Canadian entrepreneurs," said Martin Yuill, executive director of Spark Centre, in the announcement.
Yuill said SCAP is meant to prepare founders, route Canadian deal flow to investors, and build connections across North America.
Eligibility is open to companies based anywhere in Canada, according to Spark Centre's program page, which lists a market-ready product, demonstrated traction, active preparation for a raise, secured or developed intellectual property where applicable, and founder commitment among the criteria.
The program is sector-agnostic, Spark Centre said, and welcomes innovation-driven companies in health and life sciences, cleantech, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, digital media, agri-tech, agri-food, and other emerging sectors.
Advisory support covers pitch deck development, financial statement and projection review, fundraising strategy, and deal room preparation, per the program page.
Spark Centre also said founders receive help organizing due diligence documents, including financial records and intellectual property documentation.
There are no participation fees, and Spark Centre does not take equity in participating ventures.
Investors receive access to screened Canadian companies, which Spark Centre said helps them identify opportunities and improve the efficiency and quality of initial conversations.
Between Demo Days, the organization said it will share curated opportunities, facilitate targeted introductions, and host investor sessions, reverse-pitch events, and sector-specific showcases.
Canadian investors may refer portfolio companies preparing for future financing rounds into the program for fundraising support and connections to a broader network of Canadian and US investors.
"By combining preparation, curation, and ongoing investor engagement, SCAP is intended to make each interaction more productive for founders and investors," said Karan Pandya, SCAP program manager, in the same announcement.
Spark Centre expects the inaugural cohort to include five Canadian companies, which will take part in the first virtual SCAP Demo Day planned for October 2026 after screening and advisory preparation.
Curated Demo Days will be hosted regularly thereafter, the organization said, with applications open now to eligible ventures and investors, incubators, and innovation centres invited to connect with the SCAP team.
