ELLA was created by York University’s YSpace with funding from the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES). We believe every woman entrepreneur should have access to the community, knowledge, and resources they need to scale their business.
ELLA community
We know it takes a village. That’s why we’re building one.
We are bringing together entrepreneurs, mentors, industry experts, and supporters that believe in our mission of helping women rise in entrepreneurship. When a woman succeeds in building a viable venture, she lifts her clients, family, community and more along with her. Imagine this success on a broader scale, with many women entrepreneurs getting the individualized support they need to be successful in their fields. The benefits to us all are boundless.
Empowering women to rise in entrepreneurship
Reducing the gender gap
Our mission is to reduce the gap of gender inequality in entrepreneurship. We believe every woman entrepreneur should have access to the community, information, and resources they need to scale their business.
Investing in change
Having a world in balance is healthy in many ways. Only 18% of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses are owned by women. Bringing parity in entrepreneurship, i.e. bridging the gap between having 18% of women founders compared to 50%, leads to $150B in opportunity for the Canadian economy.
Committed to diversity
We are committed to empowering women, and we welcome women of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to build programs that are inclusive and have a highly intersectional reach.
For women, by women
Our programs are designed to foster a supportive community and address the unique challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship. YSpace ELLA offers a range of resources, from mentorship to tactical workshops to networking events which are tailored to women’s needs.
Our programs
We’re providing the tailored training and support programs women entrepreneurs need, 100% free of cost. We’ve considered industry, stage of business, growth goals and more to offer these customized programs. Upon completion of all program elements, participants are eligible to receive a certificate of completion.
ELLA Express
ELLA Express is an online asynchronous program that helps first time women founders who are about to launch or have recently launched build a solid foundation for their business. Through this program, entrepreneurs can expect to leave with practical knowledge about the concepts and the tools they need to make smart decisions from the start.
A 4-month program for women-led ventures that have paying customers and sales of over $50,000. Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to connect with a network of experts and entrepreneurs, and learn the skills needed to build a solid foundation for growth.
A 4-month program for women-led ventures that have sales of over $200,000 and are looking to scale rapidly. With one-on-one advice and support, entrepreneurs are able to get the resources they need to expand to new markets.
ELLA is run out of the Office of the Vice President of Research and Innovation at York University. The office also manages YSpace, the university’s overarching entrepreneurship and innovation hub. YSpace works to facilitate and maximize the commercial, economic, and social impacts of research and innovation, and to create a culture of engaged scholarship and experiential learning. The ELLA Team is committed to YSpace’s mandate by providing the tailored support women entrepreneurs need to be successful. Our team consists of experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds in business and entrepreneurship, working together to create lasting impact. It’s our mission to close the gender gap in entrepreneurship.
Apoorva Shastry
ELLA Program Coordinator
Apoorva Shastry
ELLA Program Coordinator
What is your role at YSpace? I coordinate the logistics for programming, workshops and events as well as provide administrative support to accelerate growth for the participating companies.
Favorite Quote "Your focus determines your reality" - Obi-Wan Kenobi
Most memorable moment at YSpace? Meeting my fantastic teammates! Anticipating countless more incredible moments together as we embark on this exciting journey!
What is your theme song? "Flight of the Bumblebee" by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
What is your guilty pleasure? Japanese Ramen
Never have I ever… Watched any sports
What would the title of your autobiography be? "Unfinished Sculpture: From Yesterday's Clay to Tomorrow's Character"
David Kwok
Director, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
David Kwok
Director, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
What is your role at YSpace? Associate Director of Entrepreneurship. I oversee all of YSpace's programming and operations with a focus of providing the ultimate service and support for entrepreneurs across multiple sectors and stages of the product life cycle.
Favorite Quote "I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. I can't accept not trying" - Michael Jordan
Most memorable moment at YSpace? Sounds cliche, but everything! From the first day of opening our doors to all the socials, events, and connecting with the community.
What is your theme song? "Lose Yourself" - Eminem
What is your guilty pleasure? Pho Ga. Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup.
Never have I ever… Gone waterfall jumping.
What would the title of your autobiography be? "Learning Myself"
Jessica Gedge
ELLA Senior Program Officer
Jessica Gedge
ELLA Senior Program Officer
What is your role at YSpace? I'm the Senior Program Officer for ELLA and will be working on the planning and implementation of programs to accelerate growth for participating companies.
Favorite Quote "If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." - African Proverb
Most memorable moment at YSpace? Getting the chance to meet such a warm, welcoming and diverse group. I'm looking forward to working together and making a big impact together!
What is your theme song? "It was a good day" - Ice Cube
What is your guilty pleasure? Anything salty, especially chips.
Never have I ever… Skydived, nor would I want to!!
What would the title of your autobiography be? "From Inspiration to Creation - Chronicles of a Dreamer"
Judy Wong
CPG Program Advisor & Leadership Coach
Judy Wong
CPG Program Advisor & Leadership Coach
What is your role at YSpace? Food & ELLA Program Advisor. I help founders navigate the wonderful world of entrepeneurship and the Consumer Packaged Goods industry
Favorite Quote "Start the day with a grateful heart" - Anonymous
Most memorable moment at YSpace? All the amazing events where we got to meet founders from multiple cohorts over the last 3 years (Food, ELLA, BEA Launch!)
What is your theme song? Mo-eh-yo (Ignite) - Fujii Kaze
What is your guilty pleasure? Ramen and pretty much anything with noodles and broth.
Never have I ever… Played never have I ever (until now)
What would the title of your autobiography be? "WIP"
Nicole Troster
ELLA Entrepreneurship Manager
Nicole Troster
ELLA Entrepreneurship Manager
What is your role at YSpace? Entrepreneurship Manager, ELLA (on parental leave): I developed and oversee YSpace's suite of programs to accelerate the growth of women-led businesses
Favorite Quote "Ideas without action are useless" by Helen Keller
Most memorable moment at YSpace? Pivoting ELLA programs at the start of the COVID-19 programs. We made it work in such a short period of time!
What is your theme song? "Fighter" by Christina Aguilera
What is your guilty pleasure? Chocolate!
Never have I ever… Done rally racing and had podium finishes every time
What would the title of your autobiography be? Driven Woman
Snehal Phatak
ELLA Program Coordinator
Snehal Phatak
ELLA Program Coordinator
What is your role at YSpace? Program Coordinator, ELLA. I coordinate the logistics for programming, workshops and events as well as provide administrative support to accelerate growth for the participating companies.
Favorite Quote Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it ‘The Present’ – Eleanor Roosevelt
Most memorable moment at YSpace? Meeting my wonderful teammates! Waiting for many more to come!
What is your theme song? “Happy” - Pharrell Williams
What is your guilty pleasure? Eating home baked cakes
Never have I ever… Gone for Skydiving
What would the title of your autobiography be? Me, Myself & Happiness
Our Advisory Board
Our advisory board is composed of accomplished entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and subject matter experts who bring diverse perspectives and invaluable expertise to our accelerator. They guide our strategic direction, help connect us with resources within the ecosystem, and ensure our programs are aligned with the evolving needs of women entrepreneurs. Their support is vital in fostering innovation and driving the success of our community.
Jackie Dinsmore
Co-Managing Partner, Caravel Law LLP & Founding Partner/Strategic Advisor, Extra Innings Ventures Inc.
Jackie Dinsmore
Co-Managing Partner, Caravel Law LLP & Founding Partner/Strategic Advisor, Extra Innings Ventures Inc.
Julie Ellis
CEO & Founder, Julie Ellis & Co
Julie Ellis
CEO & Founder, Julie Ellis & Co
Marilyn Horrick
Senior Vice President, Market Growth, Brand Expansion and Partner Relations Outside Quebec, Desjardins Group
Marilyn Horrick
Senior Vice President, Market Growth, Brand Expansion and Partner Relations Outside Quebec, Desjardins Group
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.
