FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Newmarket, Ontario — August 14, 2025
Treefrog Accelerator is proud to announce a major milestone in its journey to empower Canadian tech entrepreneurs: over 1,000 participants have engaged in its programs since launching four years ago. The Treefrog Accelerator was founded as a key partner of Accelerate Central York (formerly Newmarket), along with the Central York Chamber of Commerce, YSpace and the Schulich School of Business, York University.
This achievement highlights the growing demand for practical, founder-focused support that meets tech entrepreneurs where they are on the complex journey from idea to impact. Treefrog Accelerator offers tailored programming for founders who are ready to scale, pairing essential skill building with expert mentorship, and opportunities to make key impact-driven connections in the startup ecosystem. It also underscores the strength of collaboration across Canada’s startup ecosystem.
Canadian tech founders face real barriers, from limited access to capital and gendered disparities in funding to fewer resources outside major urban centres. Addressing these gaps takes cross-sector collaboration and community-driven solutions. That’s why programs like Treefrog Accelerator, built in partnership with ecosystem allies, are essential to creating a more equitable and competitive startup landscape across the country.
Working with over 1,000 startup entrepreneurs isn’t just a nifty stat – it’s proof that there’s a massive need for founder-first support in Canada. Tech entrepreneurs in our country face structural challenges: funding doesn’t reach startups fairly, resources are concentrated in only a few cities, and ecosystems often overlook the human side of business. At Treefrog, we’ve built a space where founders thrive, because we’re working to solve challenges head-on. Proof, once again, that even when entrepreneurs fall down 999 times, they get up 1000.
— Sean Stephens, CEO, Treefrog Inc.
When we invest in founders, we’re not just supporting individual businesses, we’re building economic resilience. Founder development drives job creation, attracts investment, and strengthens local supply chains. Every hour spent mentoring a founder or connecting them to capital has ripple effects that extend well beyond the startup itself. It’s one of the smartest long-term investments we can make.
— Aamer Siddiqui, CFO, Treefrog Inc.
Hitting this milestone is meaningful because it reflects the stories of so many founders we’ve had the privilege to work with: people turning bold ideas into companies, many with national impact. We’re proud to be part of a growing community that’s making space for innovation in more inclusive and practical ways. This isn’t something we’ve done alone. It’s a shared effort, and it’s working.
— Laurie Baker, PhD, Executive Director, Treefrog Accelerator
Power in Partnership
Treefrog Accelerator’s impact has been amplified through strategic collaborations with ecosystem partners, including innovation centres, academic institutions, municipal and provincial governments, and fellow accelerators. These alliances ensure that founders have seamless access to the tools, insights, and connections they need to thrive.
The Accelerate Central York partnership was a game-changer. By aligning the business community with innovation leaders like Treefrog, we created a bridge between local opportunity and global ambition. This collaboration not only gave founders a platform to grow but also demonstrated how regional partnerships can drive national impact. Reaching 1,000 participants is a testament to what happens when we invest in entrepreneurs right here in our own backyard.
— Chris Emmanuel, CEO, Central York Chamber of Commerce
The Treefrog program really highlights for everyone, the impact of a partnership mindset and framework and what can be accomplished when private sector innovators, post-secondary institutions and government all get together and start building in unison. The Schulich School of Business and Schulich Startups are thrilled to see this impressive milestone achieved!
— Chris Carder, Executive Director, Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Jay Smith and Laura Rapp Chair in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Schulich School of Business, York University
As the pan-university hub for York, we are extremely proud of our partnership to increase resources and support for entrepreneurs in York Region with our partners like Treefrog. Treefrog has really become a staple program in the community and especially for York Region and the Town of Newmarket! This is an incredible milestone to celebrate and we can’t wait to see the program continue to scale and grow!
— David Kwok, Director, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, YSpace
Preparing for the Next 1,000
As Treefrog Accelerator looks to the future, it is doubling down on its commitment to support the next generation of founders, with an emphasis on accessibility, global connectivity, and high-growth potential.
Future priorities include expanding programming for underrepresented founders, developing new investor-readiness curriculum, and working with partners to build out AI-focussed, outcome-based, skill development programs.
About Treefrog Accelerator
Treefrog Accelerator is a founder-first, tech-forward innovation hub and technical foundry headquartered in Newmarket, Ontario. Since 2021, it has helped entrepreneurs across Canada and beyond grow ideas into impactful, scalable companies. Through inclusive programming, deep mentorship, and a globally connected network, Treefrog is reimagining what startup support looks like.
Media Contact:
Laurie Baker, PhD, Executive Director
Treefrog Accelerator
905-836-4442
l.baker@treefrog.biz
https://www.treefrog.biz
Our Programs
Regional Program
Over the duration of the program, founders will explore topics and sessions that will assist them in scaling their business. Through 1:1 mentorship, workshops and lectures, constant pitch practice and feedback and much more, our participants are equipped with opportunities to facilitate collaboration, partnerships, and investment.
International Program
This program is for international entrepreneurs looking to base their business operations in Canada. The Treefrog International Program is a fast-paced program that provides a launchpad for entrepreneurs to successfully relocate to Canada. We do this through hands-on advisory support to ventures, soft-landing skill development, tailored education offerings.
JumpSTART Program
JumpSTART enhances the capacity for business development growth and local job creation among entrepreneurs who have traditionally faced barriers to success. JumpSTART equips participants with the tools and skills to develop and expand their businesses. Regional businesses are the national businesses of tomorrow. This project fosters their growth and nurtures their capacity from the ground up–all from York Region.
The JumpSTART Program is made possible through funding from the York Region Innovation Fund.
CERP Program
The Canadian Entrepreneur Readiness Program is built for international founders and professionals who are ready to bring their ideas, experience, and ambition to Canada — but want the skills, confidence, and connections to make a strong start.
Whether your goal is to start a business, join a startup, or build a stronger professional brand, this one-month program equips you with the communication skills, cultural fluency, and real-world knowledge needed to thrive in Canada’s business landscape.
