The DMZ Innisfil Launchpad Program is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs validate their business ideas and work towards launching their startup. Program participants will join a 6-week program focused on building a strong foundation for success. The 2026 program runs from May 6 through June 10, 2026. 

The DMZ Innisfil Launchpad program will include: 

• Self-paced online course with 80+ expert-curated lessons to guide your startup journey 
• 3 virtual workshops on idea validation, product development & go-to-market strategies 
• 3 in-person meetups to connect with fellow founders, mentors & local entrepreneurs 

The Town of Innisfil provides the DMZ Innisfil Launchpad program at no cost to aspiring entrepreneurs located in Innisfil and Simcoe County. The program can accommodate 40 aspiring entrepreneurs and spots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Aspiring founders must be able to commit to working on their startup idea 5 hours per week during the six weeks the program will run. Aspiring founders must be able to attend all 3 virtual workshops.

Phase 1: Validation

May 6 to May 15, 2026

• Program Kick-Off Meeting 
• Online course - Chapter 1 and Chapter 2
• Validation Workshop 
• In-Person Peer Coaching Meetup

Phase 2: Product Market Fit

May 18 to May 29, 2026 

• Online Course - Chapter 3 to Chapter 9
• Product Market Fit Workshop 
• In-Person Peer Coaching Meetup

Phase 3: Early-Stage Growth

June 1 to June 10, 2026

• Online Course – Chapter 10 to Chapter 14
• Early-Stage Growth Workshop 
• In-Person Peer Coaching Meetup
• Graduation Networking Event 

Founders will join a customized 3.5-month program with a mix of virtual and in-person learning focused on strategies to help you grow your business. 

During the program, you'll work 1:1 with your coach and expert mentors to set goals, sharpen your value proposition, fine-tune your business model, and build and execute a market strategy that drives results.

Program includes:

• Up to 15 hours of coaching and mentorship
• Access to DMZ All Access workshops and networking events
• Access to co-working space and meeting rooms at the DMZ Innisfil hub

The Town of Innisfil provides the DMZ Innisfil startup incubator at no cost to founders who meet the program requirements. The application process is competitive and there is no upfront guarantee you will get invited to join.

• Founder(s) must live within, or operate their businesses primarily within, the County of Simcoe. We will prioritize founders who live in Innisfil or rent or own commercial / industrial space in Innisfil, or employ Innisfil residents or have otherwise made a significant investment within the Town of Innisfil. Supporting documentation to this effect may be required.
• Startup must be in market and have early signs of traction.
• Founders must be able to commit to working on growth for a minimum of 10 hours per week during the cohort. 

The DMZ Innisfil Business Accelerator is designed to help business owners navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with growing a business. Whether you are looking to increase your sales outreach, focus on marketing or optimize operations, the accelerator has the resources to help you succeed.

We will work with you to build a custom 3.5-month program focused on helping you achieve your key growth goal.

The program includes:

• Up to 15 hours of coaching and mentorship
• Access to DMZ All Access workshops and networking events
• Access to co-working space and meeting rooms at the DMZ Innisfil hub

The Town of Innisfil provides the DMZ Innisfil Business Accelerator at no cost to business owners who meet the program requirements. The application process is competitive and there is no upfront guarantee you will get invited to join the program.

• Founder(s) must live within, or operate their businesses primarily within, the County of Simcoe. We will prioritize founders who live in Innisfil or rent or own commercial / industrial space in Innisfil, or employ Innisfil residents or have otherwise made a significant investment within the Town of Innisfil. Supporting documentation to this effect may be required.
• Businesses must be growth focused and in operation for at least 1 year.
• Founders must be able to commit to working on growth for a minimum of 10 hours per week during the cohort.