Are you a City of Canning business owner or entrepreneur ready to move from idea to momentum? Applications are now open for the 2026 Plus Eight Pre-Accelerator, proudly supported by the City of Canning.
This fully funded six-week program is designed exclusively for businesses owned or operated by City of Canning residents and forms part of the Canning Business Mentoring Program (BMP). It provides local entrepreneurs with structured guidance, experienced mentorship and a powerful peer network, all focused on helping you build a stronger, more sustainable business.
Whether you’re refining an early idea, launching a new product, or working to generate traction and revenue, the Sprint provides the structure and accountability to move forward with clarity. Each week combines mentor-led workshops with dedicated time to work directly on your business, supported by advisors and fellow founders who are on a similar journey.
The program is intentionally designed to be practical and immediately applicable. Every session is focused on producing real progress inside your business, from strengthening your business model to validating your customers and preparing to pitch with confidence.
Over six weeks, participants explore the foundations of building a sustainable and scalable business.
You’ll refine your business model and unique value proposition, deeply understand your customer’s needs using design thinking principles, and test your product through validation and prototyping frameworks inspired by Lean Startup and Google Design Sprints.
As the program progresses, you’ll develop a clear growth strategy, identify your first customers, define your marketing toolkit, and build confidence around legal structures, team foundations and fundraising readiness.
The Sprint concludes with a Pitch Night celebration on 9 June 2026, where participants present their businesses to family, supporters, mentors and members of the local business community, marking a powerful milestone in their growth journey.
Location & Schedule
The 2026 City of Canning Sprint will be held at CVSO, Canning Vale Coworking, Virtual & Serviced Offices
Program schedule:
Week 0 – Tuesday 21 April 2026
Week 1 – Tuesday 28 April 2026
Week 2 – Tuesday 5 May 2026
Week 3 – Tuesday 12 May 2026
Week 4 – Tuesday 19 May 2026
Week 5 – Tuesday 26 May 2026
Week 6 – Tuesday 2 June 2026
Pitch Night – Tuesday 9 June 2026
Thanks to the support of the City of Canning, full scholarships are available for eligible local businesses, making this an accessible, high-impact opportunity for entrepreneurs in the region.
If you’re ready to challenge yourself, build momentum and connect with a community that wants to see you succeed, this is your opportunity. Apply now here before applications close on March 30, 2026!