New accelerator program looks to support Canada's youth

New accelerator program looks to support Canada’s youth | Insurance Business Canada

Life & Health

New accelerator program looks to support Canada’s youth

Insurance-led initiative is designed to support young entrepreneurs

Life & Health

By
Miko Pagaduan

nowly and Teachers Life Insurance have announced the launch of the Press Start CoLab program for Canadian youth.

As per Press Start, this 10-week accelerator program is designed to support young entrepreneurs as they address the Mental Health Crisis in Canada.

Applications are open to individuals between the ages of 18-29 and will close on June 2, 2023. The program kicks off the week of July 3.

The Press Start CoLab Program is a unique opportunity for the next generation of leaders to collaborate, innovate, and develop solutions to pressing social issues.

The program is open to Canadian entrepreneurs who are passionate about addressing mental health issues in their communities.

Participants will receive access to industry experts, mentors, and grant money, in addition to in-kind business services. Fifty participants from across the country will be selected to participate in the program.

The program will also feature a variety of inspirational speakers, including Larissa Crawford, Guy Felicella, Teddy Syrette, Dr. Susan Biali Haas, Dr. James Makokis, and Anthony Johnson.

“For more than 80-years, Teachers Life has invested in our communities, and the Press Start CoLab Program is a significant expansion of this commitment,” said Martha Turner Osborne, chief marketing and innovation officer for nowly and Teachers Life, “By supporting youth who wish to make positive social change with the Press Start program, we are now playing a more active and impactful role creating meaningful outcomes in our communities.”

The Press Start CoLab Program is open to Canadian entrepreneurs between the ages of 18-29. Applicants must submit a proposal outlining their solution to the Mental Health Crisis in Canada. Proposals will be evaluated based on their originality, quality, clarity, viability, desirability, feasibility, and potential impact.

Selected proposals will receive grant funding from a pool of $50,000, in-kind grants from affiliated partners, and three $500 awards, including People’s Choice, Community Choice, and the Teachers Life award.

The CoLab program is a significant expansion of Teachers Life’s commitment to investing in communities across Canada.

With more than 80 years of experience, Teachers Life has a proven track record of supporting social innovation, community building, and positive change.