EPIC VentureWomen

Overview

This program is aimed to provide tailored training and support for women changemakers looking to reimagine the future. EPICentre strives to build a more inclusive innovative ecosystem for women by providing female founders and co-founders the opportunity to explore their ideas, increase their entrepreneurial skills and know-how, expand their network and build a business that is future proof.

This program is valued at over $7,500 and is 100% free of cost to all participants. Now is your opportunity to build and test your ideas; start by applying today!

Applications will be open February 11^th, 2021

Eligibility

You identify as a woman and are the founder or co-founder of a startup/ new venture
You can demonstrate some evidence of idea validation and have undertaken some primary and secondary market research
Your startup/ new venture has a unique value proposition
You have an initial mock-up of your product/ solution
The business will (or is) based in Windsor-Essex
The business is 2 years old or less (the business can be early stage, as long as you meet the criteria above)

Program Highlights

The EPIC 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

Participants selected for this program can also expect:

Exclusive access to private events with distinguished guest speakers
Bi-weekly group meetings with the cohort
Bi-weekly meetings with our EPIC Program Lead
Regular meetings with industry experts
Connection with EPICentre’s network of entrepreneurs and community members
Tools and resources specific to your business

Please note: EPICentre is driven to help meet the needs of the program participants; therefore, all meeting dates and times will be determined by the availability of the program participants (this will be determined when the final candidates are selected). Program participants should expect to commit 15 hours a month for all program related activities. All activities will be hosted virtually for the duration of this program.

Benefits

Startups and new ventures selected for this program will:

Have the opportunity to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges at the end of the program for a chance to win one of two $3,000 cash prizes, sponsored by Lucas Imagine Fund and Shibley Righton
Have access to up to $2,500 in funding on eligible business expenses such as:
- Marketing activities – website design and hosting, print marketing, digital marketing and business cards
- Accounting services – bookkeeping, taxes, and technology adoption
- Product Development – prototyping, 3D printing, program development, and other technical support services
- Legal Services – incorporation registration, and assistance with intellectual property (trademarks, copyright, patents, etc.)
- Other Support – additional qualifying expenses at the discretion of the program administration