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SVZ Roam

A new way to step into the world of social entrepreneurship.

SVZ Roam is a short-term, entirely-virtual SVZ membership program, allowing you to begin your social innovation journey with us — wherever you are.

The Social Ventures Zone has always been committed to creating impact far beyond our physical space on the TMU campus in downtown Toronto.  We have held workshops and virtual consultations with social entrepreneurs across Ontario and around the world - and many SVZ startups have gone on to establish themselves in other cities, regions, and countries, spreading social impact far beyond the scope of a typical incubator.  In Spring 2024, we’re launching SVZ Roam, a new virtual program for early-stage social innovators who are located outside of Toronto or have barriers to physically accessing our in-person incubator space.  

What is SVZ Roam?

SVZRoam is a new, completely virtual offering from the Social Ventures Zone. The eight week program will bundle the key features of our popular incubation supports with virtual events and four months of access to the perks that come with being an SVZ member.

The SVZ Roam program is a one-semester, incubation-ish membership.  At the end of the eight weeks, participants who are based in Toronto (and can benefit from the SVZs in-person supports) may be able to continue as a fully-incubated venture and join the 30+ startups that we incubate at any given time.

No. A ‘virtual cohort’ has been a long-standing request for the SVZ. We completely understand that it's not possible for everyone to join us in our in-person space, and don’t want this to hinder your ability to create a successful social enterprise. The reason we’re separating the SVZ Roam program from our Incubation program is that the SVZ lacks the capacity required to build a strong enough online community to deliver a comparable experience to in-person SVZ incubation, and that there are many online incubators available in the market.

Our in-person Incubation program builds on the community and collaboration that comes from having innovators occupy a shared space. With this vital aspect as the cornerstone, the SVZ continually offers ongoing mentorship, access to funding and employees, between one another, and to be able to regularly check in with our team regarding their progress as a venture.

Due to University regulations for registration, applicants must be:

  1. Not yet receiving academic credit for the work you are doing on your social change idea
  2. A high school graduate (or equivalent)
  3. 17 years of age or older
  4. A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, visa/permit holders, or refugee claimant

If you check all these boxes, you can be currently based anywhere in the world and take part in the program! We’re taking the SVZ energy worldwide in 2024!

 

Applications for SVZ Roam use the same portal as the SVZ's Incubation & Ideation applications. After you click the 'apply' button below, you'll apply as if you're applying to a traditional incubation cohort. The only difference will be to specify 'Remote' in the question that asks "will you be attending the SVZ Incubation program in-person or remotely?" (as seen below).

*In order to apply, please follow the link above and click "Register an account". From there, please follow the prompts.

Applications are now closed.