Broadening Innovation: WEtech’s Premier ScaleUP Accelerator Program Expands Regionally

WEtechAlliance Expands ScaleUP Accelerator for 2023

WEtechAlliance proudly announces the expansion of its renowned ScaleUP Accelerator program, which is now open for applications for its ninth year. Sponsored by Libro Credit Union and supported by the Government of Ontario, this six-month intensive program aims to empower tech and innovation-driven businesses across a broader geographic area. In collaboration with Communitech and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), the program will now extend its reach to more founders in Southwestern Ontario.

Adam Castle, Director of Venture Services at WEtechAlliance, expressed excitement about this expansion, highlighting the incredible potential of the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions for innovators in sectors such as municipal, industrial, logistics, and agriculture. The program aims to develop impactful solutions while also serving as a vital link to the broader North American market.

To date, the ScaleUP Accelerator has successfully supported 38 companies within Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent, facilitating the launch of 170 new products and services. This has resulted in the creation of 206 jobs and generated over $39 million in new revenue for participants. With the recent expansion, applicants from the Kitchener-Waterloo region who aim to contribute to the regional economic landscape will also be welcomed.

Christina Wood, Vice President of Founder Programs at Communitech, emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting that it provides diverse pathways for founders to grow across various regions and sectors. The ScaleUP Accelerator acts as a crucial support system, offering coaching and community to help early-stage companies advance.

Participants in the program will benefit from 30 hours of interactive sessions with expert Growth Coaches. These sessions cover essential topics like product development, customer acquisition, financial strategy, and leadership. The program culminates in a final Showcase, where participants can present their ventures and compete for a grand prize of $20,000.

The ScaleUP Accelerator is open to tech or innovation-based companies located in Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, or those associated with WEtech’s partners, including Communitech, the Accelerator Centre, Conestoga College, and MACcelerate.

Lori Atkinson, Regional Manager at Libro Credit Union, expressed enthusiasm for the program's growth, stating that thriving regional businesses contribute significantly to community well-being. The expansion of ScaleUP is anticipated to provide essential support for more entrepreneurs, fostering greater economic and social impact across Ontario. Atkinson highlighted the program's role in inspiring innovative problem-solving and expressed eagerness for the exciting solutions that the upcoming cohorts will generate.

The application deadline for the ninth ScaleUP cohort is September 7th, 2025, by 11:59 PM. Interested companies can find application details, program information, and registration for the information session at www.WEtech-alliance.com/scaleup.

In summary, this expansion signifies a commitment to nurturing and supporting high-potential tech and innovation companies, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and community needed to thrive in today's competitive landscape.