MONTREAL, QC, April 23, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Montreal-based entrepreneur and business strategist John Haber has officially launched a free mentorship program aimed at supporting first-time founders as they navigate the earliest and often most uncertain stages of building a business.

The initiative builds on Haber's work over the past several years, during which he has informally advised dozens of early-stage founders through one-on-one sessions, incubator programs, and university networks. Now formalized, the program will offer structured monthly office hours, small-group sessions, and targeted guidance—at no cost to participants.

The program is expected to support 50–75 founders in its first year, with a particular focus on underrepresented and immigrant entrepreneurs, who often face additional barriers when entering the startup ecosystem.

"Early-stage founders don't usually struggle because they lack ideas," said Haber. "They struggle because things feel unclear. What problem are they solving? Who is it for? What should they focus on first? Once that becomes clear, momentum builds quickly."

Startup data consistently shows that nearly 70% of startups fail, with lack of product-market fit and unclear positioning among the most common reasons. Haber's work focuses on addressing these early challenges—especially around onboarding, messaging, and what he calls the "first win," the moment when a user clearly understands and experiences value.

Through the mentorship program, founders will receive guidance on:
Defining their product in simple, clear language
Identifying their ideal customer and early use cases
Improving onboarding and reducing user friction
Building confidence in decisions and direction

Sessions are designed to be practical and conversational, focusing on real-world challenges rather than theory.

Haber's approach is shaped by his background in customer success and product operations, where he observed that many startups struggle not because their ideas lack potential, but because users don't know how to engage with the product. His work centers on simplifying these early experiences so companies can gain traction more effectively.

Beyond business, the program reflects Haber's ongoing commitment to Montreal's entrepreneurial community. He has regularly mentored founders, including first-generation and immigrant entrepreneurs, and supports initiatives focused on education access and youth development.

"Sometimes people just need a clearer way of seeing their own idea," Haber added. "If they can explain it simply, they can build it more confidently."

Applications for the mentorship program will open later this month, with the first cohort expected to begin shortly after. Sessions will be available both in-person in Montreal and virtually.

John Haber is a Montreal-based technology entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of Haber Strategies Inc., a firm that supports early-stage startups in product positioning, onboarding, and operational clarity. Since founding the company in 2018, he has worked with dozens of startups across Canada, helping them move from early concept to early traction. Known for his practical, human-centered approach, Haber focuses on simplifying complex ideas and building systems that support sustainable growth. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University and remains actively involved in Montreal's startup and mentorship communities.

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