MaRS Momentum Program Eligibility for Scaling Startups

If your startup is growing fast and early-stage accelerators no longer fit, the MaRS Momentum Program is built for Canadian scale-ups ready for major expansion. It supports companies that are on track to reach $100 million in revenue within five years (Source: MaRS Discovery District). Instead of cash, the program provides hands-on executive advisory and expert guidance.

What Is the MaRS Momentum Program?

MaRS Momentum is a selective program run by MaRS Discovery District in Ontario. It is not a traditional grant. There is no direct cash contribution. The value comes from high-level advisory services, diagnostics, and access to global experts.

Companies accepted into Momentum receive support such as:

Data-driven growth diagnostics and benchmarking
Custom executive advice in areas like:
- Sales acceleration
- International expansion
- Organizational design and leadership
- Financial controls, risk, and M&A readiness
Peer learning with other high-growth executives
Help with PR, media, regulatory, and public affairs
(Source: MaRS Discovery District)

This program is a good fit for founders who already manage complex teams, multiple markets, and fast revenue growth.

MaRS Momentum Eligibility Criteria

Momentum is for companies ready to scale, not those just starting out. Based on MaRS’ requirements, your company must meet these key conditions.

Company Requirements

Your business must:

Be headquartered in Canada and have strong global ambitions
Show significant market traction, including recurring revenue
Be on a credible path to $100 million in revenue within five years
Operate as a high-growth company, often in technology, health, cleantech, or other innovation-focused sectors
(Source: MaRS Discovery District)

There is no fixed minimum revenue, but Momentum is for companies that have moved beyond the startup phase.

Leadership Requirements

Momentum focuses on executive performance. MaRS looks closely at your leadership team.

You should have:

A dedicated executive team (not a solo founder)
Leaders who are actively scaling teams, not just products
Openness to outside advice and structured diagnostics
Experience managing growth and guiding a company through expansion
(Source: MaRS Discovery District)

If your leadership team is not growing with your company, it may hurt your application.

What Momentum Is Not

It is important to know what Momentum does not offer.

❌ Not for seed or pre-revenue companies
❌ Not a pitch competition or demo day
❌ Not a source of non-dilutive cash funding
❌ Not for lifestyle or slow-growth businesses

If you mainly need funding, consider combining Momentum with grants or financing programs. Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find Ontario and federal programs that fit your needs.

Application and Selection Process

Getting into MaRS Momentum is competitive and selective.

The process includes:

Online application describing your traction, revenue path, and leadership team
Internal review by MaRS to check your growth readiness and fit
Follow-up conversations or interviews with MaRS advisors if you are shortlisted
(Source: MaRS Discovery District)

There is no set intake deadline. Momentum accepts companies on a rolling basis, as cohorts become available.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying too early
Momentum is not for MVP or pilot-stage companies. Weak or inconsistent revenue often leads to rejection.

2. Treating Momentum like a grant
There is no cash funding. Applications focused only on “needing capital” miss the purpose of the program.

3. Overlooking leadership gaps
MaRS checks if your leadership team has experience managing growth. If founders do everything themselves, it’s a warning sign.

4. Not showing a real $100M growth plan
You don’t need $100M now, but MaRS expects a clear and believable plan to reach it.

FAQ: MaRS Momentum Program

Q: Is the MaRS Momentum Program a grant?
No. MaRS Momentum does not provide direct funding. It offers high-value advisory services and scale-up support (Source: MaRS Discovery District).

Q: How much funding do you get from MaRS Momentum?
There is no cash contribution. The value comes from executive advisory, diagnostics, and expert access rather than dollars.

Q: Does MaRS Momentum cost money?
MaRS does not publicly list standard program fees. Some services may be subsidized, but cost discussions usually happen after acceptance (Source: MaRS Discovery District).

Q: Can non-tech companies apply?
Yes. While many participants are technology-enabled, MaRS Momentum supports innovation-driven, high-growth companies in different sectors.

Q: Can startups outside Ontario apply?
Yes. Your company must be based in Canada, but Momentum supports national companies with global goals (Source: MaRS Discovery District).

If you want more scale-up support, check out:

Ontario Scale-Up Programs: Support Options for Growing Tech Companies
How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?

Next Steps

The MaRS Momentum Program is a strong fit for companies with traction and ambition that need sharper execution to scale. Advisory programs like Momentum often work best when combined with grants, SR&ED credits, or growth financing.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and support programs across Canada. Exploring which funding options match your scale-up stage can help you build a full growth strategy around Momentum, instead of relying on just one program.

MaRS Momentum Program Eligibility for Scaling Startups