VMSA helps entrepreneurs grow themselves, not just the business.

Julian Mulia
COO & Co-founder, Nanotess

Megan Leslie
CEO & Co-founder, Nanotess

VMSA is a Mentorship Program
for Founders and CEOs.

At VMSA, we follow the MIT Venture Mentoring Service model, and each entrepreneur is matched with a team of three experienced Mentors. These are seasoned entrepreneurs and C-suite leaders who’ve built companies, navigated setbacks, and bring their real-world scars and insights to the table.

Our Mentors provide coaching that’s unbiased, confidential, and conflict-free. They won’t tell you how to run your business - but they will ask the difficult questions that challenge and stretch your thinking.

Think of VMSA as your board of consciousness - a safe, accountable space to have the hard conversations you can’t always have elsewhere. The experience works best when you’re open, candid, and willing to reflect.

Learn more about the criteria of companies we work with 👇

Matthew Eaton
Founder, World of Vici

VMSA supports entrepreneurs who are scaling their ventures - and themselves.

We work with founders who meet the following criteria:

Minimum 10 Employees - You’re all-in on the business and focused on becoming a stronger leader for your team. You likely have a leadership or executive team in place.

Minimum $1M in Annual Revenue - A clear signal that your business model is working and ready to scale.

High-Growth Ambition - You’re building a company with the systems and structures to grow - fast. That could mean entering new markets, launching new products, or hiring rapidly. You’re not coasting on status quo; you’re navigating the complexity that comes with growth.

Mindset Shift from Operator to Leader - You’re starting to realize that what got you here won’t get you there. You’re actively letting go of the need to control every detail, and learning how to lead through others. You’re developing the mindset and skills to coach, delegate, and inspire at scale.

Coachable - You’re willing to be challenged. You’re reflective, open, and action-oriented - ready to do the hard work of personal growth.

👉 Apply Now

Alumni Companies

Don’t take our word for it…

Entrepreneur Testimonials

Featured

Jenna Galloway, Fledge

“The value gained from speaking with experienced professionals who have built and scaled companies is incredible. I feel confident knowing that my advisors are guiding me in a way that builds my own, personal competency as a leader.”

Andrew Renaux, Leaf Ninjas

“I’ve been with VMSA for just over one year, it has been our biggest growth year ever, yet I feel more stable, confident and supported than ever. The longer I work with my Mentors the more value I find in these relationships. I wish I had found this program earlier.”

Program Overview

How much does the program cost?

VMSA is a free program for entrepreneurs. There are no fees - but there is a commitment.

Mentees are expected to show up prepared, engage actively, and commit to doing the work between sessions. The estimated value of the program is $27,000 per year, based on the donated time and expertise of our Mentors. In return, we ask for your full commitment: showing up prepared, engaging actively, and doing the work between sessions.

What are the time commitments for a Mentee?

VMSA Teams typically meet for 90 minutes every month with some additional time required for preparation and post meeting reporting. On average, you can expect to spend 3-4 hours per month on VMSA.

Where do VMSA meetings happen?

VMSA partners with Platform Calgary to offer complimentary meeting space and parking to all teams. We encourage the first three meetings to happen in person - this helps build trust and set a strong foundation. After that, teams can decide what works best: in person or virtual.

Is there a deadline to apply?

Nope. Applications are accepted year-round - we’re here when the timing works for you.

Kaila Hoar
Managing Partner, Grid Group

Andrew Richard
CEO & Co-founder, Automated Rig Technologies

How do you assign Mentors to my team?

There’s no algorithm. Matchmaking is done by our team, who know the VMSA network inside and out. We consider experience, personality, and the kind of support you need most.

How long can I stay in the program?

There’s no term limit. Most entrepreneurs stay in the program for 3-4 years, but there’s no set timeline because you set the pace. As long as you’re actively engaged, meet the program criteria, and continue to find value in the conversations, you’re welcome to stay.

What’s the difference between coaching and advising?

Coaching is about asking the right questions so you can find your own answers. It builds strategic thinking, self-awareness, and confidence - but it takes time.

Advising, on the other hand, is about sharing solutions or “what worked for me” experiences. It’s great when you’re short on time and need a quick path forward.

At VMSA, we focus on coaching. We’re not here to tell you what to do - we believe you already know. Our role is to challenge your thinking, help you slow down, and strengthen your leadership muscle.

How do you ensure confidentiality within the Mentor team?

All Mentors sign a confidentiality agreement and are reminded of this commitment at every internal event. We take trust seriously - what’s shared in the room stays in the room.