The Next 36 and NEXT Founders Programs: How to Apply

The Next 36 and NEXT Founders Programs: How to Apply

If you are an ambitious Canadian founder or student entrepreneur, the Next 36 and NEXT Founders programs are two of the most competitive startup development opportunities in Canada. Both are run by NEXT Canada. They focus on building world-class companies, not short-term pitch competitions. Choosing the right program for your stage is important. Preparing a strong application is essential.

NEXT Canada selects only a small number of participants each year from hundreds of applicants. This means you need to be ready and make sure you are a good fit before you apply.

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Understanding the Next 36 vs. NEXT Founders Programs

Although often mentioned together, the Next 36 and NEXT Founders programs are designed for different types of founders.

The Next 36 Program (Student and Recent Graduate Founders)

The Next 36 is a national entrepreneurship program for undergraduate students and recent graduates who want to build scalable companies.

Key details:

• Who it’s for: Undergraduate students or recent graduates in Canada
• Business stage: Idea-stage or early-stage startups
• Cohort size: 36 participants selected each year
• Program focus:
  • Venture creation and validation
  • Learning from experienced founders and faculty
  • Developing founders for long-term success
• Support provided:
  • Mentorship and coaching
  • Access to a national alumni network (1,000+ founders)
  • Structured curriculum for building and scaling startups
• Funding: No direct cash grants; support is educational and in-kind
• Status: Open

The Next 36 does not offer government funding. It is a selective program that helps founders build high-growth companies over time.

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NEXT Founders Program (Growth-Stage Entrepreneurs)

NEXT Founders is for founders who are already scaling a Canadian company and want to grow faster.

Key details:

• Who it’s for: Growth-stage Canadian founders
• Citizenship:
  • Canadian citizens or permanent residents
  • Founders obtaining PR may apply with notarized documents
• Incorporation requirement:
  • Startup must be incorporated in Canada
• Program length: Six months (flexible delivery)
• Support provided:
  • Curriculum led by business leaders
  • Workshops tailored to each founder
  • Access to investors, mentors, and peer founders
  • Pitch events and networking opportunities
• Funding: No direct cash funding; value is in mentorship, connections, and resources
• Founder limit: One founder per venture (dual-founder acceptance is rare)
• Status: Open

NEXT Founders is highly selective and meant for founders with proven traction.

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How to Apply to the Next 36 and NEXT Founders Programs

Both programs use a competitive application process. It is important to follow each step carefully.

Application Process

1. Check program fit

   • Apply to The Next 36 if you are a student or recent graduate.
   • Apply to NEXT Founders if you are actively scaling a Canadian startup.

2. Prepare your application

   • Share your founder background and leadership experience.
   • Describe your business idea or company.
   • Show evidence of traction (for NEXT Founders).
   • Explain your long-term vision.

3. Submit the online application

   • Applications are submitted through NEXT Canada’s website.

4. Interviews and assessments

   • Shortlisted applicants are invited for interviews.
   • Questions focus on resilience, ambition, and coachability.

5. Final selection

   • Only a small cohort is accepted each year.

If you want to compare other founder programs and funding options, you can use GrantHub’s eligibility matcher to filter by province and business stage.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying to the wrong program
   Student founders applying to NEXT Founders, or growth-stage founders applying to The Next 36, are often screened out early.

2. Focusing too much on the idea instead of yourself
   NEXT Canada programs invest in people first. Weak founder stories can hurt your application.

3. Assuming funding is included
   Neither program offers direct cash grants. The value is in mentorship, network access, and credibility.

4. Ignoring time commitment expectations
   Participation is mandatory for key sessions and events. Even though the schedule is flexible, you need to be available.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between The Next 36 and NEXT Founders?
The Next 36 is for students and recent graduates at the idea or early stage. NEXT Founders is for experienced entrepreneurs scaling an incorporated Canadian company.

Q: Do these programs provide grant funding?
No. Both programs offer in-kind support such as mentorship, education, investor access, and networks rather than direct funding.

Q: Do I need to be incorporated to apply?
For NEXT Founders, yes — your startup must be incorporated in Canada. Incorporation is not required to apply to The Next 36.

Q: Can two co-founders apply together?
NEXT Founders usually accepts one founder per venture. Dual-founder acceptance is rare and not guaranteed.

Q: Can I combine NEXT programs with other Canadian grants?
Yes. Since these programs are non-dilutive, you can often combine them with government grants and other accelerator programs.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and accelerator programs across Canada. You can check which ones match your business profile.

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Next Steps

The Next 36 and NEXT Founders programs are best for founders who are serious about building large, globally competitive companies. Before you apply, make sure your stage, commitment, and goals match what NEXT Canada offers.

If you are also looking for non-dilutive funding or other accelerators, GrantHub can help you compare options and find programs that fit your business now and as you grow.

See also:

• What Do Startup Accelerators Offer Beyond Funding?
• What Skills and Support Do Canadian Business Accelerator Programs Provide?
• How Venture Studios and Startup Support Programs Help Canadian Companies Scale Globally