EmpowHER Launchpad Program

EmpowHER Launchpad

EmpowHER Launchpad is a transformative 12-week accelerator program designed to support women and women-led businesses. This program aims to accelerate growth, foster innovation, and empower participants to scale their ventures effectively.

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.

Meet the 2024 Cohort

Testimonials

What to expect

Training

Comprehensive workshops covering key areas such as accelerating product market fit, developing sales funnel, marketing strategies, and investor readiness. All sessions are led by industry experts and successful entrepreneurs.

Mentorship

One-on-one guidance from experienced mentors who provide personalized advice and insights. Opportunities to connect with successful women in tech and gain valuable perspectives.

Office Hours

Regular office hours with program facilitators for tailored support and troubleshooting. Access to a network of professionals for additional resources and feedback.

Showcase

Opportunity to showcase your business to the community of experts, mentors, potential investors, and potential clients.

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 supportive network of like-minded female founders

Timeline

Applications Open

June 23, 2025

Applications Close

July 11, 2025

Program Starts

September 4, 2025

Program Ends

December 4, 2025

Application process

Step: One

Applications for EmpowHER Launchpad program are now closed. Join our program waitlist to stay updated!

For any questions, please contact IDEA at idea@mississauga.ca.

Join Waitlist

Step: Two

Candidates finalized.

Once the selection process is complete, the YSpace team will personally contact the chosen candidate.

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
Preference will be given to
- Newcomer women founders – residing in Canada for less than 10 years
- Entrepreneurs focusing on technology products or services
- Entrepreneurs in the post Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage

Frequently asked question

Women founders of tech businesses who have moved beyond the Minimal Viable Product (MVP) stage and are seeking to refine their growth strategies.

Founders must be present in or around Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and commit to the entire 12-week program. The program commitment is for about 2-3 hours per week.

No, selected participants will be offered this program at no cost.

The program leads are:

Marlina Ramchandran
ELLA Entrepreneurship Manager, YSpace and Office of the VP, Research & Innovation

Sneha Punwani
Supervisor IDEA Innovation Hub, City of Mississauga

For any inquiries, please contact IDEA by e-mail at idea@mississauga.ca with the subject line: EmpowHER 2025.

Participants must be 18 years or older to apply and be considered.

Please note that attendance for all program components is mandatory. However, we understand that sometimes there are extenuating circumstances. If you are not able to make a session, please email IDEA Mississauga at idea@mississauga.ca to let us know and make alternative arrangements.

Join Waitlist

Applications for EmpowHER Launchpad program are now closed. Join our program waitlist to stay updated!

Join Waitlist

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YSpace is committed to working with emerging technology, agrifood, products and services. Get in touch today to find out how you can become a part of our community.

Contact us

For more information, please contact us at
yspace@yorku.ca
416-736-2100 ext. 44940