We incubate so you can BUILD organizations that lead the transition to a better economy!
Our incubator provides training, networks, and funding for worker-led businesses
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Incubator.
noun
a place where newly birthed worker-led projects are supported and nurtured into empowered to become self-sustaining organizations with the capacity to change the world for the people and the planet.
How?
- resources & network
- support services
- funding
Like most incubators, we offer funding and networks.
We also offer a range of vital services for enterprise development
SEIZE offers the “Fundamentals of the Solidarity Economy” 8-week curriculum to anyone who wants a crashcourse in discovering the Social Solidarity Economy and navigating their place within it! Additionally check out our organizational event calendar for other relevant educational events offered by our members and allies across the SEIZE network.
SEIZE accompanies project leaders throughout the ideation and design process. We help your SSE project to reach its potential with consultative support across core functional areas such as: Value Proposition Development, Business Model Validation, Partnerships and Collaborations, Community Development Strategy, and Feasibility Assessments.
SEIZE supports project leaders to build cooperatives and social enterprises by providing resources, guidance, mentorship and a cooperative environment. Specifically, the SSE projects that SEIZE incubates benefit from our development framework, walking project leaders step-by-step to reach key milestones. Our framework integrates traditional components of business planning with SSE-based resources, aligning effective growth with authentic values.
SEIZE empowers people on the ground to develop their SSE projects. Through the Social Economy Mentorship Internship (SEMI) Program, SEIZE is focused on giving people a positive experience in applying the development of their soft and hard skills to the advancement of SSE projects. SEIZE also provides direct organizational development and business planning consultation services to its incubating projects.
The strength of the SEIZE support network comes from continuous ongoing engagement with both our current and past incubated projects. SEIZE builds solidarity across our network through facilitating collaborations, supporting outreach efforts, community mobilizations, and providing consultations and training workshops as needed.
SEIZE isn’t a traditional business incubator – SEIZE strategically incubates sectors and organizations that are leading the transition to a new economy.
To see if your project qualifies, check out our incubation selection criteria below:
Feasibility
Does the idea resonate with people?
- Fitness of concept/idea
- Survivability/durability
- Resources available
Capacity
Does it have the bones to stand on it own?
- Skills around the table/being developed/idea
- Demonstrable dedication to the project
- Additional supports and advisors
Network Synergy
Does it compliment the other seeds we are sowing?
- Opportunities for building solidarity
- Economic integration with the SSE
- Value add to SSE network
Capacity
Does it fit within the direction we are paddling?
- Strategic direction/vision alignment
- Scope of incubation support request
- SEIZE internal capacity to provide what the project needs
Interested in an initial consultation to apply for incubation services from SEIZE?
Up to 5 projects per year are eligible to receive:
- Quarterly coaching sessions
- Access to shared development resources (software, legal, HR, administrative, etc.)
- $1000 in project seed funding
Below are some of the current projects we are supporting to incubate:
Below are some of our past projects we've incubated:
Additional SEIZE Support Programs Include:
Social Economy Mentorship Internship [SEMI] Program
The SEMI program aims to foster professional development in the world of the social solidarity economy (SSE) by pairing experienced mentors with aspiring individuals seeking to develop a project or to learn new skills. The SEMI program is designed to support the development of your soft and hard skills while you contribute meaningfully to an SSE project. Apply with your own project or be placed as an intern with an active SSE project