for women by women

This program will provide founders with the tools, skills, connections and support they need to grow and thrive in their businesses.

Accelerate

is an early-stage accelerator targeted specifically for women founders to gain the much-needed guidance, support and insight to grow their businesses.

THE PROGRAM

  • 1:1 MENTORSHIP

    Direct relationships and knowledge from proven Canadian entrepreneurs.

  • INTERACTIVE SESSIONS

    Hands-on interactive sessions from industry experts.

  • LEADERS

    Access to other entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and networks.

What you’ll get

 

THE PROGRAM

Our 6-month Accelerator program is aimed to bridge the gaps that many women founders face while scaling their businesses. This will be done through customized workshops, one-on-one mentorship and peer-to-peer networking. This program will provide founders with the tools, skills, connections and support they need to grow and thrive in their businesses. The initial cohort will comprise of 5-to 8 founders.

The Founders:

  • Founders of product or service company with a minimum of $10,000 of revenue in the last 12 months up to $500,000

  • Own at least 50% of her business

  • Based in Canada

  • Founders are able to commit to the program (requirement min 3 hours- per month)

WHY ACCELERATE

  • THE REALITY

    Women currently comprise 28% of all entrepreneurs in Canada, according to a 2019 BDC study, but only a small percentage of high-growth firm founders. While women face the challenges of most start-up entrepreneurs, access to networks, relatable role models, and systemic bias amplify those challenges.

  • THE CHALLENGE

    Women entrepreneurs consistently face not only gender bias and systemic discrimination through the growth of their business but challenges accessing capital, services and support. This is amplified in the BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ communities.

  • FUNDING

    Women entrepreneurs have been disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 Pandemic. In 2021, women received 2.3% of VC funding in the US, 2% globally.

FAQs

 

I haven’t launched my business yet- can I apply?

Businesses must be operational (not in pre-launch or ideation stages) with a minimum of $10,000 in revenue in the last 12 months with a maximum of $500,000 in revenue to qualify.

Will the programming be offered in French?

The programming will be offered in English but we do have French-speaking mentors.

I am Canadian but living abroad- can I apply?

Yes- you can apply- we look forward to seeing your application.