Startup Women
Dedicated to showing up for women all year round, Startup Women is an annual program offering support to early stage and scale up women-identifying entrepreneurs across Canada. We know that when you support women, you support a nation.
About Startup Women
What is it?
Startup Women is committed to advancing women-identifying entrepreneurs across Canada by providing the support, resources, and community needed to thrive. In 2026, the program continues to offer free access to topic-focused webinars, industry-specific roundtables, community-led events through the Startup Women Empowerment Fund, and in-person mentorship with Startup Women leaders.
Whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling an existing business, Startup Women is designed to help you navigate every stage of your entrepreneurial journey. Join the Startup Women community to connect with industry experts, build lasting networks, and shape a more inclusive and innovative Canadian economy.
What can you expect?
Throughout the year, Startup Canada will be hosting several webinars and industry roundtables, as well as in-person mentoring opportunities and community events focused on supporting and celebrating women-identifying entrepreneurs.
This program aims to support entrepreneurs through:
- Connecting women-identifying entrepreneurs directly to women’s-focused support organizations nationally, as well as seasoned entrepreneurs to learn from.
- Providing education, coaching and networking opportunities virtually and in person.
- Advocating for women in business and their needs through storytelling.
Overview of the 2026 Startup Women Program
Webinars
These webinars will support the business development of women-identifying entrepreneurs and give them the tools and know-how to navigate the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey, as well as scaling your business up. This year, we have increased webinars to 90 minutes, to provide more in-depth content.
Register for a webinar
Industry Roundtables
Industry roundtables will begin with the first of five in February and will continue throughout the year.These sessions will feature expert talks from late-stage founders, a panel discussion with support organizations within the industry and networking breakout rooms with attendees and speakers. This close-door, virtual meetup will give women-identifying entrepreneurs all across Canada a sense of community and provide tailored resources and guidance for franchise businesses, creative industries, STEM, food & beverage, and retail & e-commerce.
Register for an Industry Roundtable
Startup Women Empowerment Fund
Through the Startup Women Empowerment Fund, we will partner with trusted local organizations to provide opportunities to celebrate, connect, and empower women-identifying entrepreneurs. These ticketed events will be hosted across Canada and will bring together local and national ecosystem supporters to address regional entrepreneurial needs and create meaningful opportunities for connection and learning.
Events will be announced throughout the year on our Startup Women events page.
Meetings with Startup Women Leaders
Meet with Startup Women Leaders as you pave your own entrepreneurial path. Build your network and meet with women leading and excelling in their industry, subject matter experts and key figures in support organizations who can provide guidance, and support in your business development through their own lived experience. This year, women leaders will be connected live and in person at the Startup Canada Tour in 3 Canadian cities, connecting women from coast to coast.
- Halifax, NS | April 29, 2026
- Victoria, BC | September 29th, 2026
- Mississauga, ON | October 29th, 2026
SWAN
Startup Women Advocacy Network
SWAN is a curated group of early stage, women-identifying entrepreneurs, each representing a province and territory, who advocate and champion the needs of women entrepreneurs from coast to coast to coast. SWAN representatives can amplify their business through our platforms and are given exclusive opportunities to have a seat at roundtables and attend Town Halls hosted by subject matter experts to support them through their business journey and common challenges.
Launching in April
Resources
Equip for success
We have created a robust resource hub to provide you with key resources and tools to fuel your business success. From funding, training, useful templates, and educational literature, these resources are categorised by topic, region, partner and demographics so you can easily navigate to find what you’re looking for.
We will also share resources through the Startup Women newsletter on a monthly basis, be sure to subscribe below!
Listen
Startup Women Podcast
As a podcast for women-identifying entrepreneurs, the Startup Women Podcast highlights champions of women's economic empowerment year-round across Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Listen to our latest episodes on topics that matter to the growth of women's entrepreneurship!
Learn moreStay up to date with Startup Women
Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know about all things Startup Women!
Join the listThank you to our 2026 program partners
The 2026 Startup Canada Tour is made possible by the incredible partners who share our commitment to empowering entrepreneurs nationwide.
Program Partners
Ecosystem Partners
Community Partners
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Each program element is open to every aspiring, emerging and/or established entrepreneur, no matter what stage you’re in.
Absolutely not! We’ve made sure that every element of the program contains general, high-level key takeaways that can be applied to any industry. However, we understand that context matters. We also offer targeted support depending on your area(s) of interest. We will be hosting 5 Industry Roundtables throughout the year facilitated by a subject matter expert with other panelists, followed by an audience Q&A and networking breakout rooms. See which industries we’re covering.
To inquire more about our targeted support, please email [email protected]
All virtual events of the Startup Women program are 100% free. In-person events will be ticketed, prices have been chosen to keep the event as accessible as possible to early stage entrepreneurs.
The Startup Women program runs from February to November 2026.
These meetings will take place at each of the 3 stops of the 2026 Startup Canada Tour. This year, the Startup Canada Tour will be stopping in:
- Halifax, NS on Wednesday, April 29
- Victoria, BC on Tuesday, September 29
- Mississauga, ON on Tuesday, October 29
To register to attend any of these events, please visit the Startup Canada Tour webpage.
You can email us your biography and information on your experience at [email protected]
You register for any and all 2026 Startup Women events here.
Unfortunately, Startup Canada does not offer funding/grants. What we do offer are connections, resources, and tools that can support you in finding the right funding for your business. If you would like to learn more about existing funding opportunities, the Startup Women Resource Guide includes grants and funding opportunities available to women.
Email us at [email protected]