Top 5 Questions:
What is the exact, final cost to become an Accelerator, including HST?
The total one-time contribution to become a BIGShift Accelerator is $3,750.47. This consists of a base contribution of $3,319.00 plus $431.47 in Harmonized Sales Tax (HST at 13%). This single contribution is all that is required to activate your Accelerator status and begin the process of receiving your rewards and benefits.
How does the $6,000 rewards program actually work? How is it 'guaranteed'?
The program operates through the BIGShift App. Your account is designated to receive $6,000 in rewards, which you can redeem at participating businesses for products and services. The guarantee is operational: the cash that backs the rewards is generated from profits of businesses operated by BIGShift Canada. To ensure security, your rewards are only activated after we deposit the full cash equivalent into a special, segregated account. Based on conservative projections, we expect to award the full $6,000 to each Accelerator within 12 months, on a "first-in, first-received" basis.
Let's talk about "Neighbourhood Exclusivity." How is a "neighbourhood" defined? How do I know no other business in my category will be an Accelerator in my area?
We are mapping Canada into 3,960 'Neighbourhoods' of approx. 3,300 households each, using Canada Post data. BIGShift Canada guarantees we will only accept one Accelerator per defined business category within each Neighbourhood. Once a Neighbourhood is claimed by an Accelerator in a certain category, it is "off the board" for all others in that category. Neighbourhoods are selected on a sequential, "first-in, first-pick" basis.
How do I access the zero-fee funds for my own portfolio?
Access is a professional, managed process. As part of onboarding, you'll have a consultation with one of our licensed advisors, who will provide the fund's Prospectus. They will guide you through opening a self-directed account where all assets are held by a licensed third-party Custodian. You can then contribute up to your $400,000 maximum at your own pace. Once set up, you can monitor your account directly through the BIGShift App.
The plan to pay off the national debt sounds incredibly ambitious. What are the main assumptions in this model?
It is an ambitious, multi-stage plan. The sequence is: 1) Ultra-Efficient Foundation: We finish a child's retirement investing by their 3rd birthday at a 96% lower cost. 2) Economic Growth: "BIGShift kids" grow up with more disposable income, boosting the economy and tax revenues. 3. Repurposing CPP: Their future CPP contributions can be repurposed for debt reduction. 4. Tackling the Government's Two Largest Expenses: As this generation retires, their need for OAS is phased out (the #1 expense), freeing up funds to pay down the national debt and eliminate its interest payments (the #2 expense).
Frequently asked questions
What is the exact, final cost to become an Accelerator, including HST?
The total one-time contribution to become a BIGShift Accelerator is $3,750.47. This consists of a base contribution of $3,319.00 plus $431.47 in Harmonized Sales Tax (HST at 13%). This single contribution is all that is required to activate your Accelerator status and begin the process of receiving your rewards and benefits.
Is this a one-time contribution, or are there ongoing fees or commitments? This is a one-time contribution.
There are absolutely no ongoing fees, annual dues, or future financial commitments required to maintain your Accelerator status or access your benefits. Your contribution is designed as a single, catalytic event to spark the BIGShift mission, not as a recurring payment.
Is the contribution tax-deductible? Can I classify it as a marketing expense, a donation, or something else?
BIGShift Canada is not qualified to provide tax advice, and the correct classification of your contribution can depend on your specific circumstances. It is essential to consult with your accountant or a qualified tax professional for guidance. However, for most businesses and professionals, there is a strong case for classifying the contribution as a marketing expense, as it gives you access to specific, tangible business-building benefits. As the program provides direct benefits to you, it would not typically qualify as a charitable donation. Ultimately, the final determination should be made by your tax advisor.
What payment methods do you accept? Are there installment plans available?
We offer two primary, secure payment methods: Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and Direct Debit (EFT). Regarding installment plans, the Accelerator contribution is designed as a single payment to create the maximum immediate impact. However, if you would like to discuss a potential flexible payment arrangement, please contact our support team at Accelerator@BIGShiftCanada.com.
What is your refund policy if I change my mind?
We offer a 10-day cooling-off period from the date your contribution is made, during which you are eligible for a full refund. After this 10-day period, the contribution becomes non-refundable. This is because your funds are immediately put to work: a $500 portion is irrevocably allocated to a child's retirement account, and the remainder is committed to funding the essential pillars of the ecosystem.