Startup Women
Dedicated to showing up for women all year round, Startup Women is an annual program offering support to early-stage women-identifying entrepreneurs across Canada. We know that when you support women, you support a nation.
About Startup Women
What is it?
Startup Women stands with women-identifying entrepreneurs to help support their growth and future goals. From topic-focused webinars, industry roundtables, interactive workshops, community events through the Startup Women Empowerment Fund and meetings with Startup Women leaders, this free program will help you navigate the early stages of your business and foster connections with key ecosystem leaders and like-minded entrepreneurs. This programming is for all women, including those in the trans community.
What can you expect?
Throughout the year, beginning in February, Startup Canada will be hosting several webinars, industry roundtables, and workshops 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 2025 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.
Register for a webinar
Industry Roundtables
These industry roundtables will take place once a month between February and November. 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 10 different industries.
Workshops
These workshops will be held in partnership with organizations leading in their field of expertise to provide in-depth sessions to further support the business development and skill set of entrepreneurs.
Workshop registration to open soon
Startup Women Empowerment Fund
Throughout the year, we’ll partner with local support organisations in 6 different cities across Canada to host in person community events in to support and celebrate women-identifying entrepreneurs.
More information on which cities we’re heading to soon
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 on the Startup Canada Tour in Calgary, AB and Mississauga, ON.
Registration opening soon!
Creating Change
Startup Women Advocacy Network
To help showcase women-identifying entrepreneurs from coast to coast to coast, we are delighted to continue the Startup Women Advocacy Network (SWAN) initiative in 2025. There is a lack of awareness and storytelling of early stage, women-identifying entrepreneurs in Canada. As a national convener and true to our core values, we want to connect entrepreneurs with the support they need to help tackle this gap.
Interested in being a part of this year’s SWAN? Do you know an early stage, women-identifying entrepreneur that would be a great fit? Applications for SWAN 2025 are now open! Apply below.
Resources
Equip for success
We built a robust hub to guide you through key tools to fuel your business success. We compiled a resource guide to connect women-identifying entrepreneurs with funding, training, events, and other programming available to support them locally, regionally, and nationally.
Download the Guide
Listen
Startup Women Podcast
As a podcast for women and women-identifying entrepreneurs, the Startup Women Podcast highlights the champions of women's economic empowerment within Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem all year round. 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 for email notifications to be the first to know when Startup Women 2025 launches!
Our program partners
This program would not be possible without the generous support of our partners. We are so happy to be able to continue working with our amazing partners and excited to introduce new partners for 2025.
Co-Presenting Partners
Community Partners
Ecosystem 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 10 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 women@startupcan.ca
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 2025.
These meetings will take place at each of the 2 stops of the 2025 Startup Canada Tour. This year, the Startup Canada Tour will be stopping in:
- Calgary, AB on Tuesday, April 29
- Mississauga, ON on Tuesday, October 21
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 women@startupcan.ca
You register for any and all 2025 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 women@startupcan.ca