EmpowHER Tech Launchpad
EmpowHER Tech Launchpad is a transformative 12-week accelerator program supporting ambitious women-led tech and product-based ventures building scalable solutions. The program is designed to help founders accelerate growth, strengthen investment readiness, and scale impactful businesses through expert mentorship, strategic support, and community.
The program is brought to you in partnership with IDEA and will be delivered in a hybrid format—both online and in person at IDEA Mississauga.
What to expect
Training
Expert-led workshops covering key areas such as accelerating product market fit, developing sales funnel, marketing strategies, and investor readiness.
Mentorship
Personalized in-person mentorship and strategic guidance from experienced founders, operators, and industry experts focused on helping founders grow their business
Office Hours
Dedicated founder support sessions offering tailored guidance, accountability, strategic feedback, and connections to valuable ecosystem resources.
Showcase
Opportunity to present your venture to investors, ecosystem leaders, mentors, partners, and potential customers while strengthening visibility and fundraising readiness.
Program Benefits
- Up to $200,000 in business resources to help scale their ventures
- Pitch coaching and investor readiness support
- Expert-led workshops covering essential business building blocks
- Personalized 1:1 mentorship and coaching tailored to their specific needs
- A strong community of women founders, mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners committed to supporting long-term growth and success.
Timeline
Applications Open
June 26, 2026
Applications Close
July 12, 2026
Program Starts
September 10, 2026
Program Ends
December 3, 2026
Application process
Step: One
Applications are are now closed. Join our waitlist for future programming!
Step: Two
Our selection process prioritizes founders who are building scalable and fundable ventures that meaningfully reduce the gender gap and demonstrate strong growth potential.
Program eligibility
- Business with at least 51% women ownership or leadership
- Post Product Launch stage
- Registered Canadian Incorporation (Provincial / Federal)
- Require a minimum of one founder / CxO to attend all programming sessions in person
- Ability to commit to the full duration of the program
- Priority consideration is given to founders who are working full-time in their business, actively driving traction, and committed to scaling their venture.
- Preference will be given to
- founders building scalable, investment-ready ventures with demonstrated commitment to growth and innovation.
- Entrepreneurs focusing on technology products or services
- Founders should be post-MVP or post-product launch and actively working toward customer growth, traction, and scalability.
Frequently asked question
Join the Waitlist
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now closed. Join our waitlist to stay updated!
Our Partner
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Contact us
For more information, please contact us at
yspace@yorku.ca
416-736-2100 ext. 44940
