VentureWomen

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

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

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

Applications for the VentureWomen program are now open!

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

Application Dates:

• Online application open: Monday, November 13, 2023
• Online application close: Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 3:00 pm
• 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.