VentureWomen

Overview

The VentureWomen Program is a 4-month accelerator program for female founders and co-founders looking to explore their ideas, increase their entrepreneurial skills and know-how, expand their network, and grow their business to the next level.

Over the course of the program, participants will have access to dynamic expert mentors and advisors, the opportunity to attend tailored workshops and special events, as well as $2,500 in funding on business expenses. The program will culminate on Final Pitch Day, giving participants the opportunity to pitch their idea to a panel of judges for a chance to win additional cash prizes.

This program is valued at over $4,000 and is 100% free of cost to all participants. Applications open Monday, November 13, 2023.

Eligibility

The VentureWomen Program is an accelerator program for female founders and co-founders. All applicants must:

Identify as a women and own at least 50% of the business
Be at least 18 years of age
Be willing and able to operate the business full-time

The business should also be:

A new business or currently operating and looking to attain a sustainable business model
Structured as a for-profit
Located in Windsor-Essex

Program participants must also be available for the following dates:

Program orientation (in-person): Monday, January 8, 2024, at 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Group meetings every other Wednesday starting Wednesday, January 17, 2024, until Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Final Pitch Competition: Monday, May 6, 2024, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Program Highlights

The VentureWomen Program is specifically designed with special attention to the systemic barriers women face in entrepreneurship. Throughout the 4-month program, participants will learn key skills, competencies, and know-how on topics such as:

Leadership, teamwork, and communication
Sales strategy and lead generation
Finance and accounting
Business law and intellectual property law
Product development and design strategy

Benefits

Participants selected for this program will have the opportunity to receive up to $2,500 on eligible expenses. This could include, but is not limited to:

Business registration and incorporation
Prototype development
Intellectual property & legal support
Accounting and bookkeeping
Marketing and branding

Participants will also:

Have access to EPICentre’s co-working space
Work closely with dynamic expert advisors and mentors
Attend exclusive workshops and events with distinguished guest speakers
Connect with EPICentre’s network of entrepreneurs and community members
Pitch during the Final Pitch Competition for the chance to win additional cash prizes

Application

Applications for the VentureWomen program are now open!

Applications close Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 3:00 pm

https://uwindsor.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3q2xJfw7smMKFGS

Key Dates

Application Dates:

Online application open: Monday, November 13, 2023
Online application close: Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Second-round pitch presentation: Wednesday, December 20, 2023, between 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Successful candidates notified: Thursday, December 21, 2023

Program Dates:

Program start date: Monday, January 8, 2024
Program end date and Final Pitch Competition: Monday May 6, 2024, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

All applicants must also be available (in-person) for the following dates:

Program orientation (in-person): Monday, January 8, 2024, at 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Group meetings every other Wednesday starting Wednesday, January 17, 2024, until Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Final Pitch Competition: Monday, May 6, 2024, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Workshops are planned at regular intervals throughout the program’s duration. Typically, attendance is expected. We strive to meet the needs of both program participants and workshop facilitators and will provide advance notice accordingly.

SUPPORTED BY:

QUESTIONS

Contact venturewomen@uwindsor.ca with any questions.

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