BC Business
Apply for the Project Zero green incubator program by March 3
Last December, we covered the winners of Project Zero’s 2024 pitch night. The event—organized by Victoria-based nonprofit Synergy Foundation and sponsored by Vancity—not only marks the completion of Project Zero’s eight-month-long business incubator program, but it also gives graduating ventures the opportunity to win prizes. The program is free and focused on waste reduction. In 2024, Sustain Grooming from Vancouver Island, Wear On Kids Clothing from Langley and The Thingery from Vancouver took home first-, second- and third-place prizes, respectively.
Now, the foundation is seeking applications for its seventh annual incubator program. By participating, businesses will have the opportunity to learn business fundamentals, gain access to mentors and coaches and network with industry leaders. In the end, participants can expect to have a pitch-ready business plan, connections to experts and access to funding.
Since 2019, the Project Zero Incubator has supported 80 ventures across the province. Alumni include Vancouver-based Zipply (a zero-emission delivery company) and Seacork Studio (a company developing acoustic panels from seaweed).
“Victoria’s newest circular economy startup, Shellter, would simply have not come to be without the Project Zero Incubator program,” Raj Behari, founder of Shellter, said in a release. His company is fighting waste by upcycling oyster shells to create fertilizers. “The pace and resources made available throughout the program nucleated an idea, and the diversity and network of professionals brought in helped us grow.”
To be eligible for the program, applicants must be based in B.C., planning to develop their organization locally and making less than $500,000 in revenue. The deadline for 2025 applications is March 3. For more information, click here.