A sales accelerator program at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John has received additional funding to help support its growth.
The Axis Accelerator is getting $248,000 in federal funding through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, officials announced Friday.
It will allow for an enhanced program with expanded offerings as well as more collaboration and partnerships across the region.
Director Matt George said 13 companies have already become part of the program since its launch less than two years.
“Having 13 companies now that are raising money, that are accelerating sales and growing revenues, we hope it continues in the next batch that comes in in September,” George told our newsroom.
The 12-month program offers entrepreneurs a comprehensive sales accelerator experience through two key activities. Founders receive support in designing a custom lead growth acquisition strategy and executing that strategy in the field.
From there, a select number of teams are invited into full-time residency in the Axis Accelerator space on Charlotte Street, where they receive custom coaching and mentorship for another one to three years.
Among those who have gone through the program is Dr. Ivan “Zak” Zakharenkov, the CEO of Serenity Vet, a platform that connects relief veterinarians and hospitals.
Zakharenkov said the accelerator has been critical for his venture, particularly when it comes to learning about sales and financial projections.
“I usually look at any accelerators or incubators as the place to network, and you always don’t know what you don’t know, and it’s very hard to find that out until you listen to people that are smarter than you, which I prefer in this journey,” he said in an interview.
Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long, who announced the funding, said the program will help propel businesses ot thrive both locally and globally.
George agreed, adding that these ventures will have a wider impact on the community as a whole.
“The more that we’re investing in New Brunswick founders, helping them grow businesses from here — there are some hurdles to overcome building a business here, but there are some great advantages, too,” he said.
“Building companies that are sustainable, that are growing, that are hiring. It’s wonderful.”
