The Business Legacies Incubator is for non-profit and charitable organizations that have decided to explore social enterprise, and are considering acquiring an existing business rather than starting up a new one. The program will focus on acquisition readiness and organizations do NOT need to identify a specific business prior to participating.
 
The Incubator will incorporate virtual sessions, homework and coaching from industry experts. The program is comprised of 8-modules with the bi-weekly virtual sessions taking place on Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 pm as per the following dates:
  • Module 1: Intro to Community Acquisition | Oct 21, 2021
  • Module 2: Understanding Risk | Nov 4, 2021
  • Module 3: Building an Acquisition Roadmap | Nov 18, 2021
  • Module 4: Search & Assess Process | Dec 2, 2021
  • Module 5: Due Diligence, Understanding Financials & Business Valuations | Jan 13, 2022
  • Module 6: Financing Your Acquisition | Jan 27, 2022
  • Module 7: Buying the Business (Governance & Legal) | Feb 10, 2022
  • Module 8: Transition to Social Enterprise | Feb 24, 2022

The resources and advisory services provided in this program are valued at over $2,500. Successful applicants will be asked to contribute a nominal program fee of $250. If the program fee is a barrier to participation, bursaries may be available.

If you are interested in participating in the Business Legacies Incubator, please complete the application below. If you have any questions about the application process, please email Alec Wheeler, Coordinator, Business Legacies Initiative at awheeler@scalecollaborative.ca.

Eligibility: The Business Legacies Incubator program is open to non-profit and charitable organizations currently operating on Vancouver Island (excluding Greater Victoria) and select Gulf Islands.

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* 1. Name of Organization:

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* 2. Address of Organization:

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* 3. Contact Details:

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* 4. Are you a non-profit or charity?

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* 5. What is your organization's annual operating budget?

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* 6. If your application is successful, who from your organization will attend? (You can have up to 3 participants. Please list each participant's name and role in your organization. We recommend participants include an organization's General Manager or Executive Direct, Board President/Chair, and one additional Board Member.)

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* 7. Are the individuals listed above available to attend the virtual sessions as detailed in the event description (above)?

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* 8. Can you please describe your organization's experience in operating a social enterprise and/or generating earned income?

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* 9. Has your organization considered purchasing an existing business, as opposed to starting a new one, as a pathway to social enterprise?  If YES, what type of businesses would your organization be most interested in acquiring and why?

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* 10. What would be most helpful in preparing your organization for the possibility of business acquisition and/or what does your organization hope to gain by participating in this program?

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* 11. The resources and advisory services provided in this program are valued at over $2,500. Successful applicants will be asked to contribute a nominal program fee of $250. If the program fee is a barrier to participation, please let us know as bursaries may be available for qualified applicants.

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* 12. If you are selected to participate in the Business Legacies Incubator, are you willing to share your experience and feedback as part of ongoing research and development?

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