Is The Next 36 Right for Your Startup Idea?

If you’re a Canadian founder with a big idea but not much traction, The Next 36 might be something you’re considering. It’s one of the most selective entrepreneurship programs in Canada, accepting only 36 founders each year. The real question is whether your startup idea—and your background—fit what the program is built to support.

This guide explains who The Next 36 is for, what you actually get, and when it makes sense to apply.

What Is The Next 36 and How Does It Work?

The Next 36 is a national entrepreneurship program run by Next Canada, a not-for-profit group. The program focuses on helping founders grow, not on giving out direct funding.

Here are the basics:

Cohort size: 36 participants each year
Who it’s for: Undergraduate students and recent graduates from Canadian schools
Startup stage: Both idea-stage and early-stage startups are welcome
Program focus: Education, mentorship, and a national founder network
Jurisdiction: National (not a government program)
Status: Open, with yearly applications

Unlike many accelerators, The Next 36 does not offer cash first. Its main goal is to help founders learn, build confidence, and connect with others.

Eligibility: Who Should Apply to The Next 36?

The Next 36 is very competitive. Eligibility is more about who you are as a founder than about your company’s paperwork.

You’re a strong fit if:

You are an undergraduate or recent graduate from a Canadian college or university
You have a clear startup idea or an early-stage company
You show strong leadership, academic, or entrepreneurial potential
You can commit enough time to the program along with school or business work

You do not need:

Revenue
Venture capital
A finished product

The selection team looks for founder quality and ambition more than polish.

Does The Next 36 Provide Funding?

Many founders ask about money, but The Next 36 works differently.

The Next 36 does not offer a traditional startup grant or guaranteed cash funding. The program is non-dilutive and education-focused.

What you get instead:

Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and operators
Training from award-winning faculty
Exposure to investors and the startup community
A national alumni network with more than 1,000 founders

If your business needs cash right now, The Next 36 may not be enough. GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find cash-based grants in your province and industry quickly.

When The Next 36 Is a Good Fit—and When It’s Not

The Next 36 may be right for your startup idea if:

You want to build a venture-scale business, not just a small lifestyle company
You value coaching and networking more than short-term funding
You are early enough to change your idea based on feedback
You plan to look for grants, angel investors, or VCs after the program

It may not be a good fit if:

You are a seasoned founder who is not a student or recent grad
Your business is already growing fast, with revenue and staff
You mainly need non-repayable funding in the next few months

In those cases, other programs or government grants might suit you better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking it’s a grant program
The Next 36 focuses on mentorship and education, not cash payouts.
Applying with a weak personal story
The selection team cares about your leadership potential, not just your idea.
Waiting until your startup is “perfect”
Idea-stage founders are welcome. Over-polishing can actually hurt your chances.
Ignoring time commitment
The program requires real effort. Treat it like a serious business task.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you need an incorporated business to apply?
No. You can apply with just an idea or an early-stage startup. Incorporation is not required at the application stage.

Q: Is The Next 36 equity-free?
Yes. The program is non-dilutive and does not take equity in your company.

Q: How competitive is The Next 36?
Very competitive. Only 36 participants are chosen across Canada each year.

Q: When do applications open?
Applications run annually. Next Canada announces deadlines each year.

Q: Can The Next 36 help me access grants later?
Indirectly, yes. Many alumni use the skills and connections they gain to apply for grants or find investors later. GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant programs across Canada that may fit your business profile.

Next Steps

If The Next 36 matches your founder profile, it can be a strong launchpad before raising capital. Combining programs like this with government grants can help your startup last longer and grow faster. GrantHub lets you see which funding options fit your stage, location, and goals so you can plan your next move with confidence.

Is The Next 36 Right for Your Startup Idea?