Deadline: August 25, 2025
Applications are open for the Ocean Wise Eco-Action Accelerator 2025. The Eco-Action Accelerator is a 6-month part-time microgrant program that provides Canada Service Corps (CSC) alumni with the tools to scale up a service project idea and produce expansion plans that focus on the long-term sustainability of the project.
The program consists of 3-interconnected components that support the development and delivery of grantee service projects: a 3-day in-person retreat, 6 entrepreneurial workshops, and regular mentorship with a program coach and network of peers. The program will run from September 15, 2025 to January 5, 2025, with a 3-day in-person retreat from October 3 to 6, 2025.
Benefits
Grantees are expected to spend approximately 5-10 hours/week working on the program to meet the deliverables, and will benefit from:
- Funding from one of three competitive streams up to $5,000.
- Guidance to develop a long-term sustainable business plan for successful delivery or scaling of their project.
- A collaborative approach to project development that taps into participants’ knowledge and experience to build a unique network of support.
- Access to professional resources and subject matter experts.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be 19 to 30 years old at the time of application;
- Be an alum of a Canada Service Corps (CSC) program;
- Have a service project idea contributing to positive environmental change by addressing climate change, plastic & pollution, or overfishing either directly (ex. reducing reliance on single-use plastics, restoring habitats, improving access to sustainable seafood, etc.) or indirectly (ex. encouraging nature connectedness, promoting accessibility & inclusivity in environmental spaces, raising awareness of environmental issues, combating climate anxiety & eco-grief, etc.); and
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person granted refugee status in Canada.
Expectations
During the 6-month program, Accelerator Grantees are expected to:
- Participate in a 3-day retreat (costs associated with the in-person retreat will be covered including: food, lodging, transportation);
- Engage fully in 6 virtual workshops and discussions tailored to developing appropriate skills;
- Engage fully in regular mentorship opportunities with peers;
- Lead an individual or collaborative project that contributes to positive change for the environment either directly or indirectly (see examples in Eligibility above);
- Keep all relevant receipts to submit an expense report and a final report prior to the program end date; and
- Develop and submit a scale-up and/or long-term sustainable project plan
Application
This application does not permit saving your progress, so they recommend preparing the following in advance:
Project Proposal: Express your interest in applying for the Eco-Action Accelerator. This section can be written (max 750 words) or a video recording (max 5 min). Up to five photos/visuals can be included in the submission as supporting materials. Your Project Proposal should:
- Outline the service project you wish to further develop or scale-up, including the scope, audience, and goals of the project;
- Describe why you want to participate in this program;
- Explain how your project will effect positive change for the environment, increase national awareness of ocean conservation, and/or promote an inclusive and accessible environmental sector.
For more information, visit Ocean-wise Eco-Action Accelerator.
