'Access to Capital' Sounds Like a Buzzword. Here’s What It Actually Looks Like.

Let’s get real for a second.

“Access to capital” gets thrown around in every government deck and panel event — but what does it actually mean when you’re a founder on the ground?

It’s not VCs knocking on your door. It’s not a cheque after Demo Day.

More often than not? It’s a hacked-together grant app at midnight, crossing your fingers you didn’t miss a hidden clause on page 43.

So this week, we're cutting through the fluff and highlighting actual funding opportunities you can apply for right now.

🎯 5 Canadian Grants You Can Still Apply for (By Aug 1)

We double-checked dates and links — no stale info, no dead ends.

1. Futurpreneur – Side Hustle Program
   💰 Up to $15,000 for part-time founders
   📅 Rolling applications

2. Western Accelerator – Fall 2025 Cohort
   🚀 $12,000 in funding + programming
   📅 Deadline: July 30

3. Canada Media Fund – Conceptualization
   🎬 Up to $75,000 for early-stage IP
   📅 Deadline: July 31

4. IRAP – Youth Employment Program
   👩‍💻 Salary support for technical hires under 30
   📅 Rolling

5. Startup Global Pitch Competition (Export Dev. Canada)
   🌍 Pitch your startup + win up to $30K
   📅 Deadline: July 29

🧵 Real Talk, Real Stories

Last week, we asked you to share the founder moments that don’t make it onto LinkedIn. This week, we’re kicking things off with one of our own.

👇 Scroll to read how Cathy (FiC co-founder) got ghosted… 3 days before launch.

And while you’re here? Send in your own story too.

📬 Submit your startup story — we might just feature you next.

🚨 Spotlight Drop: The Developer Ghosted… 3 Days Before Launch

(Written by Cathy)
→ Skip to full story version 

⚡ Builder Boost

📅 Events You Shouldn’t Miss: FiC Luma Calendar
💬 Builder Group Chat: Join the WhatsApp Club
🌐 Explore FiC: Founded in Canada

Want a hot take on the funding process? A spotlight on overlooked grants? A no-fluff explainer on IRAP or SIF?

Reply to this email with “SHOW ME THE MONEY” and we’ll make it happen 💰

Let’s make funding actually accessible.

— The FiC Team