Empowering Startups and Communities to Grow Together

The Merge Program

Empowering Startups and Communities to Grow Together

What is the MERGE Program? 

The MERGE Program connects startups with municipalities within the Capital Region of New Brunswick to validate products/services, reduce risk for first sales, and accelerate growth. Highlight the dual focus on rural and urban contexts to foster inclusive economic progress. 

Why join the MERGE Program?

For Municipalities:

  • Solve local issues with innovative solutions

  • Invest in community growth and development

  • Foster innovation by collaborating with startups

For Startups:

  • Access resources and mentoring to support business development

  • Validate your product or service in a real-world project

  • Access to Ignite’s full list of programming to support your growth through the development of the MERGE Program

  • Up to $25,000 for selected startups to develop and validate their projects

How does it work? What are the steps involved?

Click on the + plus signs for more details

  • Municipalities Identify Issues: Municipalities will be invited to participate in the MERGE program by identifying specific, well-defined challenges or issues they are facing, along with potential solutions they've identified. These should be focused on particular areas that directly impact economic development. The program will help municipalities refine their scope and guide them on how to proceed with their proposed solutions to achieve effective outcomes.   

    Submission of EOIs: Municipalities will submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) that outlines the issue they wish to address through the Merge program.  

  • Evaluation & Selection of EOIs: Ignite and a selected committee will review the submitted EOIs to ensure they align with the program’s goals and objectives. The committee will be formed with partners in the Economic Development ecosystem, business experts and related fields. The issues will be assessed for their potential to benefit from innovative solutions and their relevance to economic development. A selection of the most pressing and impactful issues will be made. These chosen projects will form the basis for the next stage of the program. 

  • Invitation to Startups: Once the projects are selected, Ignite will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to startups. Startups will review the RFP and choose the projects that best match their expertise and capabilities. Each startup can select one or more issues that align with their innovative solutions. Startups will sign up for a Pitch Day where they will share their solutions, and the committee will Short List Startups to formally apply for the RFP Process.  

  • Review of Proposals: The RFP Evaluation Committee will review the submitted proposals. Proposals will be evaluated based on their feasibility, innovation, potential impact, and alignment with the needs of the municipality. 

  • Project Implementation: The selected startups will start their program at Planet Hatch and will begin working on their projects, collaborating with the municipalities to address the identified challenges. 

    Monitoring and Support: Our team at Planet Hatch and Ignite will monitor the progress of the projects, providing support as needed and ensuring that the solutions are being effectively implemented. 

  • Outcome Evaluation: Upon completion, the projects will be evaluated to assess their effectiveness in addressing the municipal challenges. 

    Sharing of Results: The results and impacts of the projects will be documented and shared with other municipalities, startups, and stakeholders to inspire further innovation and collaboration. 

This step-by-step process ensures that the MERGE program effectively connects municipalities with innovative startups, leading to the development and implementation of solutions that address real-world challenges.

Ready to make an impact?

Municipalities

Capital Region municipalities will benefit from solving local issues with innovative solutions, fostering community growth, and investing in infrastructure and economic development. They also gain access to startup-driven innovations that can address unique challenges in their community.

RESOURCES FOR CAPITAL REGION MUNICIPALITIES

Startups

Startups gain the opportunity to validate their products or services in a real-world setting, access mentoring and business development support, and receive funding up to $25,000 to work on their projects. This experience can accelerate their growth and open doors to further opportunities. 

RESOURCES FOR STARTUPS

See MERGE in Action

Frequently Asked Questions?

  • The program is open to municipalities in the Capital Region of NB looking to solve local issues and startups or new businesses seeking to validate and grow their products or services through real-world projects. Both rural and urban municipalities are encouraged to participate. 

  • Municipalities submit issues they want to address through an Expression of Interest (EOI). These issues are then turned into Requests for Proposals (RFPs) that startups can respond to with their solutions. A committee matches the selected startups with municipalities to work on the projects, providing resources, mentoring, and support.

  • Municipalities must be willing to invest 25% of the project cost, up to a maximum of $6,000. They should also assign a lead contact to represent the municipality, provide a clear description of the issue, and outline the project’s goals, milestones, and timeline. 

  • Startups should have a solution that addresses the specific issues outlined in the RFPs. They must submit a comprehensive proposal detailing their solution, execution plan, budget, and how their project will contribute to their business growth. Selected startups will become Planet Hatch members and gain access to Ignite’s full list of programming and resources. 

  • A committee evaluates all EOIs, and RFPs based on a predetermined rubric. The selection process includes an initial evaluation, committee deliberation, and an interview stage to ensure the best fit between the municipality’s needs and the startup’s solution. 

  • Startups receive one-on-one mentoring and coaching, access to Ignite’s programming, and guidance from a Business Development Officer. The program also provides funding to help startups implement their projects and grow their businesses. 

  • The MERGE Program accommodates a cohort of five participants for one year. During this time, startups and municipalities will work together to address the identified issues, with ongoing support from the program. 

  • Municipalities can apply by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), while startups can respond to the RFPs. Detailed instructions and forms are available by clicking on the appropriate button in the above section (Resources for Capital Region Municipalities / Startups) 

  • The timeline includes phases for EOI submission, RFP submission, project matching, and implementation. Specific deadlines and milestones will be communicated to participants once they are selected.

  • If your application is not selected, you may receive feedback to help improve future submissions. You are also encouraged to stay connected with Planet Hatch for other opportunities and programs that may be a good fit. 

  • Yes, if your project is not selected, you are welcome to reapply in future rounds of the MERGE Program, as long as the program continues to run. 

Do you still have question, or need more information? 

Reach out to merge@planethatch.ca