peer accelerator peer accelerator
For indie studio founders who want to work differently. Over 10 weeks, you'll develop the operating practices, governance structures, and shared agreements your studio needs, with a cohort of peers figuring out the same things.
What is this program?
It's a ten-week intensive structured around tailored, peer-led support to help you explore worker-led studio models, such as cooperatives, with a community of indie peers. We offer you a private online space, tools, workshops, weekly mentorship, and a $5,000 stipend to help you focus on developing a studio built on a foundation of collective values.
Central Hub Cohort 6 starts spring 2026
Join our mailing list to be notified when applications open.
With the support of:
Eligibility
Your group is:
- at least 3 people, with majority of members from an underrepresented group
- based in Canada
- interested in applying worker-led and cooperative principles
What We Look For
"The Baby Ghosts program not only gave my studio financial security for this year, it also gave me access to an inspiring and inclusive community of peers, collaborators and mentors."
- Sam Ramsay, Cheekynauts Entertainment
"Receiving the Baby Ghosts grant and being connected with the Weird Ghosts community was a dream come true. I was granted the resources and opportunity to take my project STREET UNI X to the next level through some months of full-time development focus after years of only working on the project in your off time between day jobs."
- daffodil, daffodil & friends
Program FAQ
Assessing your fit
The Baby Ghosts Peer Accelerator offers an opportunity to focus on your studio's foundation and structure before pursuing external funding. Our approach helps you build value from within, so you can be sure that your studio's development aligns with your collective values.
Before applying, consider:
- Are you prepared to prioritize your studio's development alongside your current project?
- Can you commit the time and energy required for our program activities?
- Are you open to candid discussions about goals and values with your team and our Peer Supports?
- Do you have a support network to help you navigate potential challenges?
- Are you comfortable communicating your learning preferences and accessibility needs in English?
Note: We focus on pre-formation foundations, not the legal process of incorporation. Already incorporated? You can still apply.
Sessions
- Coop principles & power
- Shared purpose / alignment
- Actionable values & impact
- Coop structures & governance
- Decision-making in practice
- Equitable economics
- Conflict resolution & collective care
- Self-evaluation & pathways
Time Commitment
Here's how your weekly time as a Baby Ghost breaks down:
- Live sessions: 1-1.5 hours
- Async work (Miro activities, journaling, readings, Slack reflections): 1-2 hours
- Studio 1:1s (3 rounds during program): occasional 30-60 min
Total estimated time commitment per person:
~3-4 hours/week over 10 weeks
Note: Actual time may vary based on individual circumstances, studio size, and specific project needs. Participants may choose to invest additional time.
Core Themes
- Anti-capitalist alternatives to growth-at-all-costs models
- Democratic decision-making (consent, consensus)
- Financial transparency and equitable compensation
- Conflict as care rather than failure
- Patience for the pace of trust - moving slowly with intention
- Horizontal power structures vs hierarchical defaults
Peer Supports
Peer supports are practicing co-op founders trained in governance, IP + platform strategy, and trauma-informed facilitation. Many are regionally based as part of our hub network.
Thank you to our past Peer Supports: Brendan Campbell, Derek Kwan, Donna Knox, eileen mary holowka, Henry Faber, Hedy Fu, Hope Docking, june sea, kaitlyn dougon, Lindsay Rollins, Madeleine Patton, Madeline Zaytsoff, Madison Côté, Reese Valentine, Sloane Smith, Titus McNally, Valerie St Gelais, Yannan Ma; and our inaugural facilitators bryan depuy and datejie cheko green.