Founded in 2022 as a non-profit, we saw that new business owners and entrepreneurs needed a new type of accelerator – one that helped them overcome business obstacles by getting into the trenches and getting the work done.
Catapult is a non profit embodies a vibrant community of seasoned entrepreneurs dedicated to empowering aspiring and emerging Canadian entrepreneurs in establishing their own enterprises. Whether embarking on modest entrepreneurial endeavors, navigating the growth of medium-sized companies, or igniting innovative startups, our initiatives are meticulously crafted to facilitate your launch and, crucially, ensure success amidst the complexities of today’s competitive business landscape.
Within Catapult, a mosaic of experience and expertise converges to offer unparalleled support and guidance to budding entrepreneurs. Our collective wisdom, garnered through years of firsthand entrepreneurial trials and triumphs, serves as a beacon illuminating the path to success for newcomers in the business arena.
Embracing diversity in business models and aspirations, Catapult tailors its programs to cater to a spectrum of entrepreneurial ambitions. Whether you’re nurturing a fledgling idea into fruition, propelling an existing venture towards expansion, or pioneering disruptive innovation, Catapult provides the resources, mentorship, and networks essential for realizing your entrepreneurial vision.
Navigating the labyrinth of modern business demands resilience, adaptability, and strategic acumen. Catapult equips you with the tools and insights necessary to navigate this intricate terrain with confidence. From refining your business model to accessing funding opportunities, from cultivating a robust network of collaborators to honing your leadership skills, Catapult offers comprehensive support at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey.
Furthermore, Catapult fosters a culture of collaboration and community, where knowledge sharing, networking, and peer support flourish. By fostering connections between seasoned entrepreneurs and emerging talents, Catapult cultivates an ecosystem of innovation and growth, where ideas are nurtured, challenges are surmounted, and successes are celebrated collectively.
Daniel Monzon
CEO, Co-Founder
Daniel Monzon is an Entrepreneur. Born in Lima, Peru and raised in Calgary, Alberta Canada. Being born with one arm and one leg has taught me the importance of having a good support system, the value of persistence and having a positive attitude.
I started Creative//Social, an Information Management Company in 2015, which grew into a Management Consulting Firm that helps people and organizations bring their ideas to life.
Over the past 10 years I have experience working in a number of industries including construction, technology, supply chain, finance, energy and all three levels of government: Federal, Provincial and Municipal.
I have volunteered at the Shriners Hospital, as an English-Spanish translator, and at the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, helping Immigrants with resume building and networking skills.
Julian Dobre
Lawyer, Co-Founder
Julian Dobre is the founding lawyer of DOBRMAN, a boutique law firm based in Calgary, Alberta that serves a core base of new economy clients including entrepreneurs, software developers, content creators, influencers, agencies, and brands.
Julian is deeply involved in Alberta’s innovation and art scenes. He is a co-founder and lecturer at Catapult Ventures, has launched several software brands, and was, prior to law, a performing musician and guitarist
Ritesh Pais
Director, Strategic Partnerships
Ritesh is a results-driven leader with a unique blend of experience in high-growth, fast-paced environments in previous startups, financial services, and as a capital markets professional in the corporate foreign exchange industry. This experience gleaned from closely working with numerous business-owners of small-medium enterprises and middle-market firms across different industries has resulted in a deep commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success as a key driver of positive social change. As a first-generation immigrant himself, Ritesh is empathetic to many of the barriers that face newcomers in their journey towards achieving their Canadian dream.
As Director, Strategic Partnerships at Catapult Startups, Ritesh leverages his extensive network and expertise in financial analysis, strategic planning, and risk management to identify and build partnerships that empower early-stage ventures to fuel economic growth within the Alberta and Regional ecosystem.
Steve Blair
Marketing, Co-Founder
I graduated with a degree in English from the University of Calgary in 1999. After spending time in Halifax, Toronto and Edmonton I moved to Calgary in 2007 to take over the local Consumer Strategies Group office.
With over 25 years of marketing experience, I have had the pleasure of working hand in hand with many entrepreneurs as they have sought to launch their companies.
In 2012 I stated my own agency Blair and Co, and in 2016 I opened Salesmatic. Over the past 3 years I have also started Knowfo, an information and data brokering agency. In 2021 I worked to start Polity – an ambitious imagining of the election process and our place within it.
I come from three generations of small business entrepreneurs and believe in the power and importance of small business. My desire has been to work with potential business owners and help them overcome the barriers of entry they may experience.
Jesse Lalli
Marketing, Co-Founder,
Having graduated from the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business, I began my career journey by joining Blair & Co in 2015.
Prior to that, I worked in a non-profit student organization called AIESEC, working to help bridge cultural barriers globally. I was primarily involved in marketing and conference organization and management.
At Blair & Co. Advertising, I really started to build my toolbox and today I work as an Account Director alongside our creative and programming team to help our clients realize success on many different real estate projects in Alberta, B.C., and other areas in Canada.
Alongside my partner, Shanna, we have launched our own small business – Tigers & Wolves; a pet accessories store offering modern and stylish products to help enrich the bond between owners and their pets.
Harnessing the entrepreneurial power of New and Young Canadians
Our mission is to enhance and diversify our economic landscape by empowering startups and SMBs to achieve successful launches.
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