We incubate so you can BUILD organizations that lead the transition to a better economy!
Our solidarity economy incubator provides training, resources, networks, and funding for worker-led businesses!
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Incubator.
noun
a place where newly formed worker-led projects are supported and nurtured into empowered to become self-sustaining organizations with the capacity to change the world for the people and the planet.
How?
- resources & network
- support services
- funding
Like most incubators, we offer funding and networks. As well as a range of services for early-stage enterprise development:
SEIZE offers the “Fundamentals of the Solidarity Economy” 8-week curriculum to anyone who wants a crashcourse in discovering the Social Solidarity Economy and navigating their place within it! Additionally check out our organizational event calendar for other relevant educational events offered by our members and allies across the SEIZE network.
SEIZE accompanies project leaders throughout the ideation and design process. We help your SSE project to reach its potential with consultative support across core functional areas such as: Value Proposition Development, Business Model Validation, Partnerships and Collaborations, Community Development Strategy, and Feasibility Assessments.
SEIZE supports project leaders to build cooperatives and social enterprises by providing resources, guidance, mentorship and a cooperative environment. Specifically, the SSE projects that SEIZE incubates benefit from our development framework, walking project leaders step-by-step to reach key milestones. Our framework integrates traditional components of business planning with SSE-based resources, aligning effective growth with authentic values.
SEIZE empowers people on the ground to develop their SSE projects. Through the Social Economy Mentorship Internship (SEMI) Program, SEIZE is focused on giving people a positive experience in applying the development of their soft and hard skills to the advancement of SSE projects. SEIZE also provides direct organizational development and business planning consultation services to its incubating projects.
The strength of the SEIZE support network comes from continuous ongoing engagement with both our current and past incubated projects. SEIZE builds solidarity across our network through facilitating collaborations, supporting outreach efforts, community mobilizations, and providing consultations and training workshops as needed.
SEIZE isn’t a traditional business incubator – SEIZE strategically incubates sectors and organizations that are leading the transition to a new economy.
To see if your project qualifies, check out our incubation selection criteria below:
Feasibility
Does the idea resonate with people?
- Fitness of concept/idea
- Survivability/durability
- Resources available
Capacity
Does it have the bones to stand on it own?
- Skills around the table/being developed/idea
- Demonstrable dedication to the project
- Additional supports and advisors
Network Synergy
Does it compliment the other seeds we are sowing?
- Opportunities for building solidarity
- Economic integration with the SSE
- Value add to SSE network
Alignment
Does it fit within the direction we are paddling?
- Vision & solidarity alignment
- Scope of incubation support request
- SEIZE internal capacity to provide what the project needs
Your Incubation Journey with SEIZE:
Submit Your Project Idea
Where it begins
Use our Expression of Interest form to share your project concept with us! This helps us understand your goals, needs, and how we might collaborate.
Discovery Meeting
Let’s connect
We’ll schedule an initial 1:1 meeting with you to learn more about your project. We’ll also share what SEIZE offers, discuss next steps, and either:
Direct you to other relevant community resources, or
Co-develop an action plan to move forward together.
Become a Member
Formalize your participation
If it's a good mutual fit, we’ll invite you to complete our Membership Form.
This form:
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Allows us to speak publicly about your project (with consent)
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Helps us understand the services you're interested in
Incubation Support Begins
Choose your support level
We organize projects based on their goals and capacity into one of three flexible tiers:
Tier 1: Networking & Light Touch
Best for emerging projects seeking light-touch guidance and entry into a community of practice.
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Access to networking events and community spaces
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Invitations to SEIZE workshops and open learning sessions
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Promotion of your project through SEIZE’s channels (with consent)
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Basic resource sharing and signposting to relevant supports
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Peer connection opportunities
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Encouragement to self-identify mentorship or sponsorship needs
Tier 2: Mentorship & Guided Growth
Everything in Tier 1, plus:
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Structured mentorship with guidance tailored to your goals
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Action planning and milestone support
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Assistance with outreach, mobilization, and fundraising strategy
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Invitations to apply to the SEMI program
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Customized skill-building workshops
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Support in navigating governance and team structure
Tier 3: Sponsorship & Acceleration
All the above, plus:
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Fiscal sponsorship (e.g., ability to receive grants via SEIZE)
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Legal and administrative infrastructure support
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Equity investment or grant-matching exploration
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Public endorsement and advocacy via SEIZE’s platform and partners
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One-on-one organizational development coaching and strategic acceleration support
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Quarterly evaluation and re-alignment meetings
Ongoing Support & Check-Ins
Stay on track, grow together
We host quarterly check-in meetings with incubated projects to:
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Monitor progress
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Troubleshoot challenges
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Share opportunities and updates
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Adjust support based on evolving needs
Ready to have a discovery meeting with us? Tell us a bit about your project!
Below are some of the current & past projects:
Additional SEIZE Support Programs Include:
The Building Blocks Incubation Program is a four-week, community-based accelerator designed to support early-stage, locally rooted projects. Each round invites five teams from one neighborhood to grow their skills through hands-on workshops, personalized mentorship, and peer learning.
Participating projects receive $1,000 in seed funding for completing the program, with the chance to earn an additional $1,500 through a community-voted graduation showcase.
SEMI Program
Solidarity Economy Mentorship Internship
The SEMI program aims to foster professional development in the world of the social solidarity economy (SSE) by pairing experienced mentors with aspiring individuals seeking to develop a project or to learn new skills. The SEMI program is designed to support the development of your soft and hard skills while you contribute meaningfully to an SSE project. Apply with your own project or be placed as an intern with an active SSE project!
