Access to Mentorship Program
IO’s Access to Mentorship Program connects Interactive Digital Media (IDM) studio leaders and professionals, with a roster of industry experts through tailored consultations delivered via an online video conferencing platform.
2025 Mentors
Community Management
$250
in total for 2 hours for IO/Hand Eye Society Members
$450
in total for 2 hours for Non Members
Pitch Training
$200
in total for 2 hours for IO/Hand Eye Society Members
$400
in total for 2 hours for Non Members
Grant Writing & Business Strategy
$250
in total for 2 hours for IO/Hand Eye Society Members
$450
in total for 2 hours for Non Members
Grant Writing
$250
in total for 2 hours for IO/Hand Eye Society Members
$450
in total for 2 hours for Non Members
Marketing & Branding
$700
in total for 2 hours for IO/Hand Eye Society Members
$900
in total for 2 hours for Non Members
Building Lasting IP & Brands
$400
in total for 2 hours for IO/Hand Eye Society Members
$600
in total for 2 hours for Non Members
Bookkeeping, Tax Credits & Reporting Setup
$440
in total for 4 hours for IO/Hand Eye Society Members
$840
in total for 4 hours for Non Members
Legal
$400
in total for 4 hours for IO/Hand Eye Society Members
$1200
in total for 4 hours for Non Members
UX/UI Design
$200
in total for 2 hours for IO/Hand Eye Society Members
$400
in total for 2 hours for Non Members
Program Info
Interactive Ontario’s (IO) Access to Mentorship Program connects Interactive Digital Media (IDM) studio leaders and professionals, with a roster of industry experts through tailored consultations delivered via an online video conferencing platform. Participants apply to the program based on their specific business needs and are matched with mentors who offer strategic guidance in addressing business strategies, marketing and funding models. Each participating studio commits to at least 2 hours of mentorship (depending on the selected mentor), detailed below.
When: October 2025 – March 2026
Where: Virtual
Who: Independent video game / XR companies (additional criteria below). Up to two leading members from the studio to participate in this program (ie. Founders, Managers, or Leads).
Price: Pricing varies depending on the mentor selected, ranging between $100 – $350 / per hour for IO/Hand Eye Society members and $200-$450 per hour for Non-members. IO will contribute at least $100 per hour of mentorship for IO members.
Limited Capacity
Each mentor has limited capacity, so studios will be accepted into the program on a first-come, first-served basis, provided that the applicant meets the selection criteria and the mentor agrees that they can provide meaningful support based on the information provided by applicant.
Cancellation Policy
Please confirm your session timeslots carefully before booking, as cancellations or rescheduling are not permitted.
Disclaimer
Interactive Ontario (“IO”) facilitates mentorship opportunities through the Access to Mentorship Program (“Program”) by providing interactive digital entertainment studios with access to a list of mentors (“Mentors”), enabling them to apply to work with the mentor(s) of their choice, if selected. IO is not a party to, nor does it supervise, the relationship between any Mentor and selected participating studios (“Participants”). All advice, guidance, and information shared by Mentors are provided in their own capacity for educational and informational purposes only, and do not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice unless explicitly stated in writing by the Mentor. IO makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information provided by Mentors. To the fullest extent permitted by law, IO disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or claim arising from participation in the Program and Participants agree to release and hold IO harmless from any such liability. This disclaimer is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
