Women+ Entrepreneurship Program
Have a business idea but need support with your next steps? You don’t have to build alone.
The Women+ Entrepreneurship Program is a free online training program that empowers diverse cis women, trans women and non-binary individuals with the skills and confidence to pursue self-employment.
Whether you want to monetize a hobby, launch a side hustle, or grow a full-time enterprise, the women+ program gives you the structure, care, and community to move forward with confidence.
To be eligible for the Women+ Entrepreneurship Program, you must:
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- Self-identify as having experienced mental health and/or addiction challenges
- Identify as a cis woman, trans woman or non-binary individual
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian or Permanent Resident and live in Canada
It's also important that you:
- Are committed to attending course sessions and submitting all assignments.
- Have a practical idea to start or grow your own for-profit small business in the next 6-12 months (any size, full- or part-time)
- Have access to a computer and reliable internet (smartphones and tablets are not recommended)
About the program
We know that women+ individuals bring unique perspectives, skills and ideas to Canada’s entrepreneurial sector, which contribute to a more diverse and inclusive economy. The Women+ Entrepreneurship Program seeks to harness that power.
Delivered online over 6-9 weeks in a safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed environment, the women+ program combines practical training with group coaching and peer support. Rooted in accessible feminist philosophy, it’s designed to help you build your business in a community with space to share ideas, exchange skills, and shape goals that reflect your lived experience.
The Women+ Entrepreneurship Program features:
- Twice weekly facilitator-led lessons
- Rise-facilitated peer support groups
- Ongoing personalized guidance
- Ongoing business plan development
To graduate, participants must demonstrate commitment through regular attendance, completed assignments, and submission of a business plan that you will pitch at a special virtual graduation event.
Want some more details about what you’ll learn? Here’s an example program schedule: Women+ Entrepreneurship Program Calendar - Example.docx.pdf
What you’ll gain
Feminist-forward, community-centric business skills: Build skills like cash flow, customer mapping and goal setting in a way that’s true to your identity, your community and your needs.
Work with peers & expand your network: Collaborate with like-minded individuals and build connections with fellow entrepreneurs in small-group sessions.
Personalized coaching & mentorship: You’ll receive guidance and support from our expert facilitators in both group and one-on-one sessions.
An actionable business plan & ongoing support: You’ll graduate with an actionable business plan and ongoing access to Rise supports to keep learning and growing.
Counselling support: As a client, you can access short-term counselling and other wellness supports provided by Rise partners.
As a Rise client, you’ll be invited to join the Rise Community:
All Rise clients are invited to join the Rise Community—a dynamic online platform where you can engage with fellow entrepreneurs from across Canada, access exclusive events and learning opportunities, and connect with dedicated subject matter experts for personalized advice, guidance and support. Learn more...
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“No matter what challenges I’m facing in my life, Rise allowed me to understand myself and the business side of things,
and I don’t think I would be here, feel this confident and have so much passion about my business had I not come to Rise.”
- Renata She-Lee, Toronto, ON
Ready to get started?
Our application process is designed to ensure you’re both eligible and ready for the Women+ Entrepreneurship Program—that you’re able to commit to the schedule and in a place where you and your business can benefit from the curriculum.
After you submit your application, we’ll follow up within 3–5 days with a short Google Form to learn more about you, your business, your mental health journey, and why you’re applying now. We’ll also confirm your availability for upcoming cohort dates.
If we need any additional information, we’ll be in touch. Otherwise, you can expect to hear back within 2 weeks.
Upcoming dates:
Our next Women+ Entrepreneurship Program cohort runs from
July 6 to August 10, 2026 (English).
Additional cohorts to begin in:
October 2026 (English)
January 2027 (French)
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and close approximately one week before each cohort start date.
The Women+ Entrepreneurship Program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
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Interested in entrepreneurship, but not quite ready to apply for a program?
Sign up for our self-directed online program, EntrepRISEing You.
It's like an intro to entrepreneurship. Once you create an account, you'll have access to 15 learning modules, including our Idea Generator—a three-part video workshop that will help you explore your ideas and gauge whether or not you are ready to begin your entrepreneurial journey.
Sign up for EntrepRISEing You today!
