EPIC VentureWomen

Background 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!

 

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 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

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:

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

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 cash prizes totaling $4,000, sponsored by Shibley Righton LLP and the 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

Application

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

Key Dates

Applications open: Monday, July 19, 2021
Applications close: Monday, August 9, 2021, 5:00 PM
Program Start Date & Orientation: Monday, August 23, 2021
Program End Date: Friday, December 10, 2021

Please Note: if accepted into the VentureWomen Summer/Fall 2021 Program, participants must be available for following:

  • Program Orientation: Monday, August 23, 2021 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
  • Biweekly group meetings: every other Thursday, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm starting September 2, 2021
  • Scheduled workshops and events throughout the program. Workshops generally range from 1-3 hours. Participants should be available and flexible for events during our business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm).
  • 15-20 hours *per month* for program-related activities (between the business hours listed above). All workshops, events and mentor meetings are mandatory.

Info Sessions

Now more than ever, we need tenacious business models that support our evolving landscape of modern challenges. The EPIC VentureWomen Program allows women led startups and women co-founders with innovative solutions to explore their ideas, increase their entrepreneurial skills and know-how, expand their network and build a business that is future proof.

Throughout the 4-month program, participants will have the opportunity to attend workshops, as well as work with advisors and mentors on topics such as: leadership, networking, sales, finance, marketing, branding, and more. Participants will also have access to up to $2,500 in funding on eligible business expenses AND have the opportunity to pitch their business for a chance to win a $3,000 cash prize. This program is valued at over $7,500 and is 100% free of cost to all participants.

This webinar is intended to give you:

  • Overview of EPIC VentureWomen Program;
  • Review of eligibility and requirements;
  • Detailed information about the application process; and
  • Opportunity for Q&A.

Click here to register for one of our info sessions:
July 23, 2021
July 29, 2021

Logo EPIC VentureWomen
FUNDING
Govermnet of Canada Logo
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IN COLLABORATION WITH
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QUESTIONS

Contact venturewomen@uwindsor.ca with any questions.

venturewomen

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past

Participants
Team member
Jennifer Charron, Founder of Logic Executive Search & Workplace Solutions
"As female entrepreneur who launched her business during the pandemic, I am so thankful for the VentureWomen program. The tools, resources, mentorship, business advisors and support that I have received from this program has been invaluable in the success of my business thus far and I will continue to utilize the knowledge that I have gained from this program as I continue to build my business for years to come."
Jennifer Charron, Founder of Logic Executive Search & Workplace Solutions
"As female entrepreneur who launched her business during the pandemic, I am so thankful for the VentureWomen program. The tools, resources, mentorship, business advisors and support that I have received from this program has been invaluable in the success of my business thus far and I will continue to utilize the knowledge that I have gained from this program as I continue to build my business for years to come."
Jennifer Charron, Founder of Logic Executive Search & Workplace Solutions
"As female entrepreneur who launched her business during the pandemic, I am so thankful for the VentureWomen program. The tools, resources, mentorship, business advisors and support that I have received from this program has been invaluable in the success of my business thus far and I will continue to utilize the knowledge that I have gained from this program as I continue to build my business for years to come."
Team member
Stephanie Pilon, Founder of Modern Worm Co.
"The VentureWomen program was what we needed to get our business off the ground while (virtually) surrounded by a supportive community of women following their dreams."
Stephanie Pilon, Founder of Modern Worm Co.
"The VentureWomen program was what we needed to get our business off the ground while (virtually) surrounded by a supportive community of women following their dreams."
Stephanie Pilon, Founder of Modern Worm Co.
"The VentureWomen program was what we needed to get our business off the ground while (virtually) surrounded by a supportive community of women following their dreams."
Team member
Abeer Ahmed, Founder of Avid Sensory Wellness
"Priceless mentorship opportunity that provided great support to initiate product development process and develop my business."
Abeer Ahmed, Founder of Avid Sensory Wellness
"Priceless mentorship opportunity that provided great support to initiate product development process and develop my business."
Abeer Ahmed, Founder of Avid Sensory Wellness
"Priceless mentorship opportunity that provided great support to initiate product development process and develop my business."
Team member
Melissa Hopper, Founder of Om Ice
"Thank you to everyone at EPICentre for what you are doing to help entrepreneurs in our area! I previously believed that programs like these only existed in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver. We are extremely fortunate to have your programs and services available right here in Windsor-Essex."
Melissa Hopper, Founder of Om Ice
"Thank you to everyone at EPICentre for what you are doing to help entrepreneurs in our area! I previously believed that programs like these only existed in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver. We are extremely fortunate to have your programs and services available right here in Windsor-Essex."
Melissa Hopper, Founder of Om Ice
"Thank you to everyone at EPICentre for what you are doing to help entrepreneurs in our area! I previously believed that programs like these only existed in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver. We are extremely fortunate to have your programs and services available right here in Windsor-Essex."
Team member
Carla Braganca - Co-founder of Bazar Brazil
"I am so thankful that I had the chance to participate of the program and I learned so much about different aspects of my business and personal growth. I can't recommend them enough. They are experienced people, that embrace you and your business and put you in contact with the advisors and resources that you and your business are in need. I hope I can use their space and get to meet them in person soon."
Carla Braganca - Co-founder of Bazar Brazil
"I am so thankful that I had the chance to participate of the program and I learned so much about different aspects of my business and personal growth. I can't recommend them enough. They are experienced people, that embrace you and your business and put you in contact with the advisors and resources that you and your business are in need. I hope I can use their space and get to meet them in person soon."
Carla Braganca - Co-founder of Bazar Brazil
"I am so thankful that I had the chance to participate of the program and I learned so much about different aspects of my business and personal growth. I can't recommend them enough. They are experienced people, that embrace you and your business and put you in contact with the advisors and resources that you and your business are in need. I hope I can use their space and get to meet them in person soon."
Team member
Sarah Haefling, Founder of Elevate Podcast & Co.
"This is such an amazing program for new business owners. Having access to so many mentors and resources is incredibly helpful in those early stages of the business. I am so grateful I got to network with other female business owners as well, including networking nights. I would highly recommend this program!"
Sarah Haefling, Founder of Elevate Podcast & Co.
"This is such an amazing program for new business owners. Having access to so many mentors and resources is incredibly helpful in those early stages of the business. I am so grateful I got to network with other female business owners as well, including networking nights. I would highly recommend this program!"
Sarah Haefling, Founder of Elevate Podcast & Co.
"This is such an amazing program for new business owners. Having access to so many mentors and resources is incredibly helpful in those early stages of the business. I am so grateful I got to network with other female business owners as well, including networking nights. I would highly recommend this program!"