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Women and Youth Specific Programs

Registration Deadline: Ongoing

Cost to Participate: Free to participate

Program Delivery: Online

 

About the Program:

The Women+ Entrepreneurship Program empowers diverse women, trans women and non-binary individuals (women+) with the skills and confidence to pursue self-employment. Delivered over 8-10 weeks, you’ll experience free, virtual business training led by expert facilitators, group mentoring sessions enhanced by Rise Mentors, access to bespoke tools and resources, and the community-centric support of your women+ peers.

Whether you want to monetize a hobby, launch a side hustle or build a full-time enterprise, the Women+ Entrepreneurship Program is the place to start.

 

Eligibility: 

  • Are 18 years of age or older

  • Identify as a cis woman, trans woman or non-binary individual

  • Self-identify with mental health and/or addiction challenges

  • Are a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident

  • Have a practical idea to start or grow your own small business within the next 12 months (any size, full or part-time)

 

Program Benefits: 

  1. Feminist-forward business skills: Using a feminist lens, you will build practical business skills in areas such as cash flow, customer mapping and goal planning to build stronger, more responsive enterprises

  2. Personal development and self-care: You will work in an inclusive, supportive environment where you can build confidence, practice communicating your personal and professional needs, and learn how to prioritize self-care

  3. A community of support: You will connect with your peers, mentors and other experts in the women+ program community to exchange skills, opportunities and resources

  4. Networking : You will meet like-minded individuals and have the opportunity to network with fellow program participants, mentors and other entrepreneurs and business professionals

  5. Post-program support: As a graduate, you will receive up to $1,200 in products and services to launch and develop your business. You will also join the Rise alum community, where you can continue to access Rise resources and explore other options for ongoing support

Learn More Here

Dates: TBA

Registration Deadline: Not indicated

Cost to Participate: Free to participate

Program Delivery: Online

 

About the Program:

Are you a female newcomer with a business idea?

The Women’s Business Accelerator (WBA) is a free, online workshop series that will equip you with the tools you need to launch a profitable business in Canada. 

 

Eligibility: 

  • You have a business idea

  • Interested in starting a business in Canada 

  • Permanent Resident, Convention Refugee with a Notice of Decision, a Ukrainian Temporary Resident or a Live-In Caregiver with a legal right to work in Canada

 

Program Benefits: 

  • Develop your idea and craft a business plan

  • Receive coaching support to enhance your learning

  • Network with other entrepreneurs and industry professionals

  • Practice and refine your pitching skills

  • Compete in a pitch competition

Learn More Here

Registration Deadline: Currently accepting participants for the Fall 2026 waitlist

Cost to Participate: Pricing is offered on a sliding scale - you choose the price point that works best for you. 

We recognize that systemic marginalization means that wealth has not been equitably distributed or accessible in the same way for everyone. We also understand the realities of running a business and that cost can be a barrier to participation.

Program Delivery: Online

 

About the Program:

E-Series is an intensive program for self-identifying women, non-binary & trans-femme entrepreneurs.

We know your needs shift as your stage of business evolves.

That's why E-series is thoughtfully designed for both early- and intermediate-stage business owners. It offers a deep dive into the skills and topics you’ll need to take your business to the next level.

 

Eligibility: 

This program is designed for both early- and intermediate-stage businesses. You are eligible to register if you are a self-identifying women, non-binary, or trans-femme majority or equal stakeholder, (co-)founder, or (co-)owner actively leading a business operating in Canada; or an employee in line to lead the business who is currently a key decision maker.

  • This includes a woman manager or staff member who is a key decision maker in an Indigenous band- or community-owned business

  • This includes a woman who is in the planning stages for launching a business

  • You must also be a legal resident of Canada

 

Program Benefits: 

  • 6 days of live virtual seminars, breakout sessions, and community connects led by industry professionals and seasoned entrepreneurs

  • Program is delivered in English. French captions and French workbooks will be available

  • Digital workbook in English and French to help you move through the program

  • Replayable video recordings in English or with French captions

  • Optional 12 months of additional 1:1 mentorship upon graduation

  • Exclusive 2-month access connecting you with The Forum's community of experts for individual conversations addressing your specific business questions and challenges

Learn More Here

Registration Deadline: N/A

Cost to Participate: Free to participate

Program Delivery: Online self-directed

 

About the Program:

It’s time you had access to the financial knowledge you need to be wildly successful in business.

Because we promise you, access to the right people and information is the only thing stopping you from feeling comfortable managing your finances. Digestible. Focused. Developed by and for Real Entrepreneurs.

Consider our Financial Fundamentals course your access to a new, highly attainable skill set.

 

Eligibility: 

  • This course is for self identified women entrepreneurs from anywhere in Canada, with any level of experience with business finances. Even if that level is none at all

 

Program Benefits: 

  1. Video Lessons: Every lesson is video based and supported by presentation decks, so you get a more dynamic, in-depth learning experience that feels attainable

  2. Instant Lifetime Online Access: This course is available on-demand from wherever you are in the world and you'll have access to it for as long as you need

  3. Exercises & Resources: The course includes exercises & resources for financial literacy, so you can immediately get to work applying these principles to your own business

  4. Private Online Community: You get access to a private online community of women entrepreneurs that are also taking the course, so you can learn together

  5. Self-Paced: Learn on your own schedule and fit lessons in when it makes sense for you. Complete the course in as little as 3 hours or go at your own pace and complete it in more time

Learn More Here

Registration Deadline: N/A

Cost to Participate: Free to participate

Program Delivery: Online self-directed

 

About the Program:

The Mental Health Resilience Program focuses on helping self-identifying woman entrepreneurs learn how to plan for adversity, pivot during challenging times, and develop a resilient, confident mindset when it comes to business ownership.

 

Eligibility: 

  • This program is for all Canadian self-identifying woman entrepreneurs -- no matter their industry, size or stage. Whether you’re new to entrepreneurship or well established in your industry, there are lessons everyone can take away from this program and apply to their businesses

 

Program Benefits: 

  1. Event Replay on Thinkific - To kick things off we hosted a live virtual conversation called #Resiliencels with Jennifer Hollinshead, Peak Resilience, and Yamila Franco, Nyoka Design Lab, moderated by Paulina Cameron, The Forum

  2. Self-Paced Video & Podcast Lessons - Every lesson is video or podcast based so you get a more dynamic, in depth learning experience that works with your busy schedule

  3. Detailed Digital Workbook - Organize your thoughts and practice what you learn with an additional resource available to you to download or print

  4. Bonus Financial Fundamentals Course - Continue your education with our free Financial Fundamentals course on day-to-day money management so you can invest in your future with confidence

  5. Access to the Sharing Platform - In the spirit of practicing community as a verb, the WEKH/The Forum: Sharing Platform is a digital space to ask for what you need and to generously give of what you have, all while building relationships across the country

Learn More Here

Training Dates: 2026 cohort dates not released yet

Cost to Participate: Free to participate

Program Delivery: Online

 

About the Program:

What if you could learn to read the story of your business, one number at a time? What if business finance was less of a mystery? How would that change the connection you have to your business, and shape the decisions you make and how you feel about them?

 

The Forum Business Finance Essentials presented by TD Bank Group will build your financial confidence and capabilities, and help you connect more deeply to your business financial well-being. The program has also been designed with acknowledgement of the systemic barriers faced by women, especially Black and Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQ+ people. 

 

Eligibility: 

  • The program is designed for self-identified women, non-binary or trans-femme entrepreneurs. We especially invite people identifying as Black, Indigenous, and/or 2SLGBTQ+ to join

 

Program Benefits: 

  1. Live Experience & Mindset: Explore the role of lived experience in entrepreneurship and the influence our money mindset has on decision-making

  2. Goal-Setting: Discuss the importance of aligning personal and entrepreneurial goals

  3. Financial Storytelling: Investigate the dynamics of profit and the different stories it tells, and the role of financial statements and how they build a story

  4. Cash & Solvency: Delve into how to turn profit into cash and keep your business profitable

  5. Preparing for the Future: Determine how to prepare your business for the future with goals, projections, and budgets

  6. Financing: Learn about the different types of financing for your business and how to assess what is right for you

Learn More Here

Training Dates: Starting February & September 2026

Contact them for more information and how you can register.

 

About the Program:

The Let’s Start Up program is an innovative program in collaboration with YWCA Toronto who will provide concrete ways for women to develop their skills through training, individual coaching and financial aid.

In this way, women are making a fresh start towards long-term financial independence, through entrepreneurship, post-secondary studies or a reintegration into the job market.

 

Eligibility: 

  • Women and gender diverse individuals aged 18 and over who are ready to take action to become financially independent

 

Program Benefits: 

  1. Develop your Professional Potential 

  • 8 weeks, 8 workshops, individual meetings

  • Professional assessment 

  • Work on 18 essential skills

  • Putting into perspective the possible and realistic avenues to consider

  • Psychometric test

​​

    2. Get Into Action

  • 10 weeks, 10 group workshops, individual coaching

  • Ideation and development of business plan 

  • Certification from Concordia University 

  • Coaching by entrepreneurship experts

  • Access to microloans: up to $10,000

​​

    3. Stay Engaged

  • Join the Let’s Start Up community: a dynamic group of women that promotes networking, the creation of solid ties and provides access to training on relevant professional issues (webinars, conferences and coffee chats)

Learn More Here

Training Dates: Contact Futurepreneur for more information.

 

About the Program:

Futurpreneur’s Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative will offer networking events, peer-supported communities and tailored workshops to help women entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses with confidence.

 

Eligibility: 

  • Women-owned and women-led businesses across Canada. 

 

Program Benefits: 

Through networking events, a strong peer-supported community, and expert-led workshops, participants will develop critical business skills in areas like financial management, marketing, access to capital, and international expansion. They’ll also gain access to coaching and valuable resources through both in-person and virtual connections. 

Learn More Here

Programs for Youth

Registration Deadline: Ongoing

Cost to Participate: Free to participate

Program Delivery: Online

 

About the Program:

YSBP is a bit like a beginner’s business school—but with a twist. Delivered online over 8-10 weeks, this isn’t your traditional lecture-style classroom course. It’s a flexible, participatory program founded on positive mental health practices that place you and your unique needs at the centre of your learning. Open to all levels of experience, YSBP uses a mix of facilitator-led lessons, group mentoring sessions, and collaborative peer support to help young people learn how to build a business, step by step. Best of all, you’ll graduate with a practical business plan and the skills to put it into action.

 

Eligibility: 

  • 16 - 29 years of age 

  • Are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident 

  • Self-identify with mental health and/or addiction challenges

 

Program Benefits: 

  1. Business development: You will build practical skills in areas such as financial literacy, business registration, creating customer personas and pitching your ideas. You will also develop 30-, 60- and 90-day action plans to take your small business to the next level

  2. Personal development: You will work in a supportive, mindful environment where you can build your confidence and work on how you communicate your business. Plus, you’ll have the chance to practice interpersonal skills and improve how you accept and deliver constructive feedback

  3. Networking & mentorship: You will meet like-minded individuals and get guidance and support from Rise Mentors, who have real-world business experience to help you navigate challenges and bring your ideas to life

  4. Financing: As a graduate you will be eligible for a $500 start-up grant

Learn More Here

Training Dates: Ongoing

Cost to Participate: Free to participate

Program Delivery: Online

 

About the Program:

Youth for Entrepreneurship (Y4E), is a National Program providing awareness to youth ages 15 to 24 who are interested in entrepreneurship. The program is offered across 3 provinces — Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick — with a francophone component in New Brunswick. Y4E will support youth in learning facts, digital skills and practical ways to start their business journey!  

 

Eligibility: 

  • Youth ages 15 to 24 who are interested in entrepreneurship

 

Program Benefits: 

  • Youth entrepreneurship foundational topics

  • Youth entrepreneurship opportunities 

  • Digital literacy for youth entrepreneurs 

  • Financial know how for youth entrepreneurs 

  • Marketing and social media 

Learn More Here
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