Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) Apprentice
Co-investing to support the growth of Canada's VC industry.
Overview
The Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) is a Government of Canada program that catalyzes Canada's venture-capital ecosystem by committing public capital to VC funds-of-funds and funds alongside private investors; investments are managed by BDC on behalf of the Government of Canada and policy is owned by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
Program details
Designed for Fund Managers, General Partners. The program is remote.
Who it is for
Fund managers and private venture capital firms seeking co-investment partnership; funds focused on Canadian innovation; life sciences and inclusive growth focused funds.
Check if you are eligible
Check your eligibility for Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) ApprenticeBenefits
Government co-investment capital; accelerated fund raising; validation of fund strategy; support for Canadian startup ecosystem; targeted support for underrepresented founders.
What came of it
Original VCCI: $1.8B raised across 12 funds; Renewed VCCI: up to $450M allocated; increased capital for Canadian startups.
How to go about it
- Read what it asks for
Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.
- Have something to show
Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.
- Apply the way the program asks
The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.
Questions about this program
How do I join the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) Apprentice?
The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.
What is the format and time commitment?
The program is remote.
About Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
From public sources
What the sources say about Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) Apprentice
OECD’s 2025 report classifies VCCI and Renewed VCCI as federal investment mandates implemented by BDC.
Source: Benchmarking government support for venture capital: Country notes, CanadaBDC describes GP Academy as advanced operations and management training for leading Canadian general partners.
Source: Investor Development Educational ProgramsBDC identifies Renewed VCCI as a Budget 2021 initiative for Canadian innovation capital.
Source: Renewed Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative - BDC CapitalBDC reports more than $1.8 billion raised under the original VCCI, a government funding outcome rather than an apprenticeship outcome.
Source: Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative | BDC CapitalBDC reports that the original 2017 VCCI capitalized eight VC funds.
Source: Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative | BDC CapitalBDC reports that the original 2017 VCCI capitalized four funds-of-funds.
Source: Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative | BDC Capital
Similar programs
OtherVenture Forward
Advancing diversity in venture capital and the startup ecosystem.
- Location
- Washington, D.C., United States
- Format
- Hybrid
- Terms
- Pay To Participate
- Deadline
- Jun 10, 2026
OtherCanadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association
Building a diverse talent pipeline in Canadian venture capital and private equity.
- Location
- Canada
- Format
- Remote
- Terms
- Stipend
OtherGenderSmart
Empowering investment professionals to integrate gender-smart capital deployment.
- Format
- Remote
OtherBloom Venture Partners
Private markets advisory firm specializing in institutional-grade investment advisory.
- Location
- San Francisco, California, United States
Superscout Pro
Find faster. Show up verified. Keep your deals private.
$99a year, or $12 a month
Get Pro- Search that narrowsInvestors, programs, accelerators, incubators and studios, by stage, sector and place.
- A verified profileThe people you reach know you are who you say you are.
- A private deal vaultThe startups you are watching, with your notes and your reasons. Nobody else's eyes.
Is this page right?Reviewed · How the research works