Accelerator Program Description
The Accelerator Program is a free, public program to support and speed up pre-development processes for mission-driven organizations who wish to invest in their own spaces. The Accelerator is designed for groups developing social purpose real estate projects, with a confirmed site or concept, and in search of support through the pre-development phase of a project. This intensive 6-month program seeks to go beyond building capacity within an organization, focusing on working with groups to start drafting the project details that they need to pitch projects to partners, funders, investors, and government agencies. All participants have the opportunity to pitch their projects to investors and potential project partners from the Accelerator’s ecosystem of collaborators.
In our piece with NRU Publishing (Novae Res Urbis) Manny Wong from Christie Refugee Welcome Centre, who is currently a part of the SPRE Accelerator Program said, “It’s given us confidence. Without that guidance [provided by SPRE], you’re fumbling around in the dark and learning as you go. But now, we’re confident we can do this… I see it almost like a big jigsaw puzzle. Eventually it’s all going to come together.”
Read the full article.
Details
- Programming from November 22, 2023 – May 15, 2024
- 2-hour, bi-weekly online sessions
- Regular mentor check-ins
- Support from the Institute’s in-house consultants (architect, planner, designer)
Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2023 Accelerator cohort, with a deadline of October 19, 2023. Scroll down for program Eligibility and How to Apply.
Read our FAQ here
Key Program
Topics
Organizational Readiness Review
Idea Refinement
Concept Plan & Visualization
Business Plan & Financial Modelling
Addressing Unforeseen Challenges
Making an Investment Pitch
Eligibility
The Accelerator application process is open to all groups that are:
- Able to commit to the full 6-month program;
- A registered charity or non-profit organization;
- Demonstrate that they have an interest in developing a social purpose development;
- Are based in Ontario;
- Able to demonstrate support from the organization’s Board of Directors. Commitment from at least one staff/volunteer, and one Board member to participate in this program will be considered an asset in the application review process;
- If your project is not eligible for the Accelerator, please let us know as we are tracking demand.
Though not mandatory, groups are encouraged to complete the Infrastructure Institute’s SPRE Training Modules and Organizational Readiness Program to prepare for participation in the Accelerator.
How to apply
Submit the online application through this link by October 19, 2023. You can review the application questions here before submitting the online form.
All applicants will be notified of the status of their application after the deadline in early November 2023.
Applications will be reviewed and considered based on the viability of the project and fit with the other projects selected for the upcoming cohort. Questions? Reach out to Alix Aylen, Program Lead, alix.aylen@mail.utoronto.ca
Applications are now closed.
Example projects:
- A nonprofit service provider that owns their building and is looking to redevelop the site with affordable housing while maintaining a footprint on the property;
- A school board that has identified a surplus site to redevelop with a social purpose, or a desire to integrate a school into a building that includes other social uses;
- An Indigenous-led urban housing provider looking to develop an affordable housing or supportive housing project;
- A community land trust aiming to purchase buildings in their community to preserve affordable housing, possibly including renovations to improve living standards.
Questions?
Please contact Alix Aylen, Program Lead, at Alix.Aylen@mail.utoronto.ca