Our Programs

Programs currently offered Women Entrepreneurship Centre include:

Start My Business (SMB) Program

The Start My Business Program is best suited for entrepreneurs who are in the "Startup" stage of life for their company.

Typical situation for companies in the Startup stage of life:

• The company has been established but makes no money...yet.
• Many different ideas may be being worked on and even new business ideas arise all the time.
• There isn’t enough money to pay the owner’s full salary or to pay the first employees.

Three typical challenges for companies in the Startup stage of life:

• Finding the right customers to create revenue, in the short, and the long term.
• Developing and creating the right product portfolio that is attractive to customers.
• Learning all the basic disciplines needed to build a business.

Registration Now Closed

Grow My Business (GMB) Program

The Grow My Business Program is best suited for entrepreneurs who are in the "Pre-Growth" stage of life for their company.

Typical Situation for companies in the Pre-Growth stage of life:

• Your company has five (5) quarters of revenue.
• The company has regular customers and a steady income.
  The company is busy and to some extent there is a feeling of a state of chaos due to lack of systems.
• Sales efforts are sporadic or reactive because a certain number of customers look for the product themselves.

Three typical challenges for companies in the Pre-Growth stage of life:

• Systematizing sales efforts and ensuring continuous increase in customers from existing or new markets.
• Establishing systems that document the company’s business processes so they can be delegated to new employees.
• Finding the right market position to make the company an attractive alternative to the customers.

Registration Now Closed

Indigenous Women Entrepreneur (IWE) Program

The Indigenous Women Entrepreneur program is best suited for Indigenous women entrepreneurs who are in the "Pre-Start" stage of life for their company.

Typical situation for Indigenous companies in the Pre-Start stage of life:

• Your company is still in the ideation stage and not completely thought through...yet.
• There may be some hesitation to actually start your company.
• There are uncertainties about a lot of issues, and the entrepreneur may be afraid that their business idea may be stolen.

Three typical challenges for companies in the Pre-Start stage of life:

• Finding the right idea and developing it into a business idea.
• Establishing the right network around the company (first customers, suppliers, advisors and partners).
• Taking the right initiatives and solving initial challenges and completing tasks.

Registration Now Closed

FAQs

What if I miss a class?

It’s ok if you miss a class. All classes are recorded and available on My Learning Space, Laurier's learning management system for virtual and classroom-based courses. We encourage you to attend live, to interact with the group, ask questions in real-time, and move through the process at the same pace.

What are the qualifications for applying?

You can apply if:

• You identify as a cis or trans woman, non-binary, gender-fluid or gender nonconforming person
• 50% or more of your business is owned by a cis or trans woman, non-binary, gender-fluid, or gender nonconforming person
• You are open to feedback and new ideas.
• You are open to providing regular constructive feedback to the program.
• You are ready to start and grow your business.
• For the Grow My Business Program, you must have 5 quarters of revenue and have a registered business.
• For the Indigenous Women Entrepreneur Program, you must identify as Indigenous.

Note: No franchise operations can apply, and no multi-level marketing businesses can apply.

What is the process for applying?

For your application to be considered, it must be completed in full and submitted prior to the deadline. If you have any questions, email wec@wlu.ca.

What is the refund policy?

• Up to 10 days before the start of course: Full refund less 15% administrative fee.
• 1-9 days before start of course: Full refund less 30% administrative fee.
• No refunds will be issued as of the first day of the course.

Do I have to be a Wilfrid Laurier University student or alumni?

No, our programs are available to anyone, you do not have to be a current Wilfrid Laurier University student or alumni.

Do I have to live in Southern Ontario?

No. Entrepreneurs in Southern Ontario will receive grant funding through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario; however, anyone is eligible to participate in the program.

How many hours are in a course?

In-class hours: 14 hours

Outside of class hours: 7.5 hours

Do I need a business background or business education?

No.

Who is typically in the programs? Will I fit in?

Entrepreneurs from all industries are welcome into our programs. Typically, we have seen a slightly higher number of participants in the health care, professional services, and retail sectors, however people from many different industries have excelled in our courses. Years of service for participants range from 0 to 20+ years.

Are all classes virtual?

Yes.

Next Steps

• Join Our Newsletter to stay up-to-date on upcoming applications.