The Axis Accelerator at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) in Saint John is receiving a second round of funding from the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to support the growth of its entrepreneurship services.
With ACOA's new funding of $248,211, the Axis Accelerator plans to continue to enhance the sales accelerator program and offerings to student and faculty entrepreneurs, as well as expand collaboration and partnership with colleagues in the entrepreneur development ecosystem across the region.
"I am thrilled that our government, through ACOA is renewing its investment in this initiative, which will propel businesses to thrive both locally and globally," said Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John - Rothesay. "Congratulations to the Axis Accelerator team for their relentless efforts in fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and making a lasting impact on our region."
MP Long spoke on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
Launched as a pilot through the faculty of business in Saint John in early 2023, the Axis Accelerator aims to help startups acquire lead growth customers, accelerate sales and secure their first two rounds of financing.
The Axis Accelerator now has a portfolio of 13 companies and will welcome its third batch of aspiring entrepreneurs this September.
"The growth of our portfolio companies has been promising thus far. It's exciting to work with growth and export-oriented founders, not only developing the culture of entrepreneurship at UNB and in the province, but across the region," said Matt George, director of the Axis Accelerator. "We're looking forward to partnering with our colleagues in the entrepreneurship ecosystem in 2025 and beyond."
Within the Axis Accelerator is a unique 12- month Axis Sales Accelerator program that offers eager entrepreneurs a comprehensive sales accelerator experience through two key activities:
- Supporting founders in the design of a custom lead growth acquisition strategy
- Supporting founders in the execution of that strategy in the field
Following this, a select number of promising teams are invited into full-time residency in the Axis Accelerator space where they receive custom coaching and mentorship for an additional one to three years.
"I am incredibly proud of the remarkable progress the Axis Accelerator team has made since 2023," said Dr. Petra Hauf, provost and vice president academic at UNB. "The program has already achieved significant success with businesses like SerenityVet, SeafarerAI and MedReddie. I am eager to see the impactful and innovative ventures that future cohorts of entrepreneurs will bring to our communities. Thank you to the Government of Canada and ACOA for your continuous support."
If you are a sales leader and eager to build a growth stage business and export beyond our region, discover more about UNB's Axis Accelerator.
