Canada Catalyst SOFT LANDING (ventureLAB): How to Apply

Canada Catalyst SOFT LANDING (ventureLAB): How to Apply

If you’re an international technology company considering entering the Canadian market, the Canada Catalyst SOFT LANDING program by ventureLAB is designed for that stage. It helps established global startups try out Canada as a base for growth before making a full move or setting up a new company here. The program runs on a set schedule and targets businesses with real sales and customers—not just early ideas or prototypes.

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What Is the Canada Catalyst SOFT LANDING Program?

Canada Catalyst SOFT LANDING is a 3‑month hybrid market entry program run by ventureLAB, a leading innovation hub in Ontario. “Hybrid” means some activities are online, while others are in-person. The program supports international companies that build advanced technology—like hardware (physical devices) or complex software for other businesses or industries.

You might hear the terms “HardTech” and “DeepTech” used. In simple words, “HardTech” means technology with physical parts, like devices or equipment. “DeepTech” means technology based on new scientific discoveries or engineering, such as advanced software or tools for industries.

The main goal is to help these companies learn about, enter, and start setting up in the Canadian market, especially in Southern Ontario.

Key program features include:

• 3 months total, including 1 month in-person in Canada
• Information on Canadian customers, partners, and rules
• Help with selling your product and making it fit the market
• Introductions to corporate partners, investors, and customers
• Access to Canadian talent, innovation centres, and business networks

This is not a grant. It is a paid program that helps businesses expand, rather than giving direct funding.

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Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The program is for companies that are already growing, not for brand-new startups.

To qualify, your company must meet all of the following:

• Be an international company (outside Canada)
• Work in hardware-based technology (“HardTech”) or advanced science/engineering-based technology (“DeepTech”), such as:
  • Hardware products or devices
  • Enterprise or industrial software (complex software used by other businesses)
• Have a working product that is already being sold
• Have paying customers in your home country
• Earn at least $150,000 CAD in revenue over the last 12 months
• Plan to set up a long-term presence in Southern Ontario
• Apply with no more than two founders or C‑suite executives

Companies that are not eligible

• Startups without any sales
• Companies without a finished product
• Apps for consumers only or businesses that do not use technology
• Companies with less than $150,000 CAD in recent revenue

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Program Benefits

The Canada Catalyst SOFT LANDING program offers several benefits beyond just learning about Canada:

• Hands-on support: Get advice from mentors and experts who know the Canadian market.
• Business connections: Meet potential customers, investors, and partners.
• Workspaces: Use office and innovation spaces during your visit to Canada.
• Help with setup: Get guidance on hiring, legal steps, and setting up your business in Ontario.
• Future funding opportunities: Many companies use this program as a first step to qualify for Canadian grants, tax credits, and investment after they set up in Canada.

For example, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you discover which Canadian programs you may qualify for once you have a presence in Canada.

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Program Cost and What You Get

The program has a $17,000 CAD fee.

This fee covers:

• Structured programming to help you enter the market
• Customized mentorship and business advice
• Introductions to investors and customers
• Workspace and access to business networks in Canada
• Support for understanding how to incorporate, hire, and follow rules in Ontario

While there is no direct funding, the program can help you prepare for later grants and funding opportunities.

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How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Here’s how you can apply:

1. Online application
   Fill out the application on ventureLAB’s Canada Catalyst SOFT LANDING page. Provide information about your company, product, and revenue.

2. Eligibility screening
   ventureLAB checks your revenue, business progress, and technology type.

3. Interview stage
   If you pass the first check, you’ll be invited to talk with the ventureLAB team.

4. Acceptance and onboarding
   If accepted, you confirm your spot, pay the fee, and get ready for the program.

Applications are reviewed until the group is full, so it’s best to apply early.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Thinking this is a grant
   This is not free funding. Focus your application on how you will grow your business in Canada.

2. Not showing enough revenue
   You must clearly show at least $150,000 CAD in sales over the past year.

3. Being unclear about your plans for Canada
   You need a real plan for expanding to Southern Ontario.

4. Applying too early
   If you don’t have paying customers yet, wait until you do.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Canada Catalyst SOFT LANDING program a grant?
No. It is a paid program, not free funding. The value comes from support, connections, and learning about the Canadian market.

Q: Do we need to move to Canada for the program?
No. The program is partly online and partly in-person. Only one month requires you to be in Canada.

Q: What do HardTech and DeepTech mean?
HardTech means technology with physical parts, like hardware devices or equipment. DeepTech refers to advanced technology based on science or engineering, such as complex software or tools for industries.

Q: Can this program help us get Canadian grants later?
Yes. While it doesn’t give direct funding, it can help you get ready for programs like SR&ED or Ontario innovation grants after you set up in Canada.

Q: Does ventureLAB help with setting up a company in Ontario?
Yes. The program includes guidance and connections to help you start your business in Southern Ontario.

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See Also

• What Skills and Support Do Canadian Business Accelerator Programs Provide?
• How Venture Studios and Startup Support Programs Help Canadian Companies Scale Globally
• Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada: Program Examples Explained

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Next Steps

If Canada is part of your growth plan, Canada Catalyst SOFT LANDING can help you test the market before making big commitments. When you’re ready to explore grants, tax credits, and expansion funding, GrantHub tracks hundreds of active Canadian programs and helps you see which ones match your business profile as you enter the ecosystem.