EPIC VentureWomen

• 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 is 2 years old or less (the business can be early stage, as long as you meet the criteria above)
• You are available for the mandatory sessions listed in Key Dates
• You have a flexible schedule and can dedicate up to 15-20 hours per month for program-related activities

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:

• Mentorship and Advisory services
• Exclusive access to private events with distinguished guest speakers
• Connection with EPICentre’s network of entrepreneurs and community members

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 a $3,000 cash prizes, sponsored by Lucas Imagine Fund.
• 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

Applications are now closed, thank you for your interested in the EPIC VentureWomen program

Applications open: Thursday, February 11th, 2021

Applications close: Sunday, February 28th, 2021 at 5pm

Program Start Date & Orientation: Monday, March 8th, 2021

Final Pitch/ Program End Date: Thursday, July 8, 2021

Please note: if accepted into the VentureWomen Winter/ Spring 2021 Program, participants must be available for following:

• Program Orientation – Monday, March 8th – 1:00 – 2:00 pm
• Biweekly group meetings: every other Thursday, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm starting March 11th, 2021
• Other workshops and events will be scheduled at the needs of guest speakers/ workshop facilitators, as well as the cohort
• Participants should be available and flexible for events during our working hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm)

Please note: All activities will be hosted virtually for the duration of this program.