Propel ICT is Atlantic Canada's StartUp Accelerator, driven by a mentorship network formed in 2004 in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada under the direction of a group of visionary tech leaders who were embarking on their own technology start-up ventures. Our goal is to launch over 420 companies over the next 3-4 years. Through cooperation with the University of New Brunswick, a “DNA” study was compiled of the current state of the ICT sector is the south western New Brunswick, Canada region which identified a key feature: businesses born from an NBTel heritage were significantly more successful than those with no connection to the legendary corporation. Implying that a network of people was essential for technology start-up success, Propel ICT was established to find effective ways to extend this network out to entrepreneurs looking to start a business and those with an interest in supporting these entrepreneurs. Propel ICT has been funded and supported by leading IT firms in the province as well as other interested organizations. Nearly two dozen private sector firms have provided funding.