SonyaWe always try to bring awareness and attention to women who are trying to make a difference. Whether it’s within their community, industry, nationally or globally there are many success stories to be shared. It’s not easy for anyone and particularly during this time of recovery from the pandemic. We were happy to learn about the new AccelerateHER program recently.
Created specifically for Canadian women entrepreneurs by established women founders, the program aims to provide much needed support, guidance and access to resources for up and coming women-led businesses.
Why is AccelerateHER launching now? It is due to some clear realities currently facing women. In 2021, women received 2.3% of VC funding in the US, 2% globally and women entrepreneurs have been disproportionately impacted during the global pandemic.
Lissa Mattam, Founder of Sahajan Skincare
AccelerateHER was the brilliant idea started by Canadian entrepreneur Lisa Mattam, founder of Sahajan Skincare, a wellness and beauty brand based on the Ancient Indian Science of Ayurveda.
Lisa knows that quite simply it is hard to grow a business and she knows first hand the many challenges women face starting up a new business. She is forever grateful for the people who have helped her along the way and this is why she, along with so many other industry women leaders are so willing to mentor newer women entrepreneurs. Her goal with AccelerateHER is to help lift up women founders in Canada and has amassed an incredible group of mentors and thought leaders all aligned with the same passion to lend their knowledge and expertise.
Five to eight women founders will be selected as part of the first cohort of the AccelerateHER program and will be aligned with a community of mentors and industry experts, thought leaders and investors on the 2022 roster which includes:
AccelerateHER Mentors:
Alyssa Kerbel – Founder and CEO, mini mioche
Lisa Heath – CEO, MediResource Inc.
Katerina Juskey – Co-Founder, LOHN
Kena Paranjape – Founder, All You Are, and Co-Founder, BRIKA
Nancie Ferron – Co-Founder, La Maison Lavande
Priya Chopra – President and Founder, 1Milk2Sugars
Patrice Mousseau – Founder, Satya Organics
Catriona Smart – Founder , Co-Founder, Halo and Co, Coco and Cowe
AccelerateHER Thought Leaders:
Annie Gaudreault – Founder, VEEV Health & Wellness
Arati Sharma – Founding Partner, Back Bone Angels and Co-Founder of Ghlee
Avery Swartz – Founder and CEO, Camp Tech.
Laura Wright – Food Blogger and Cookbook Author
Stephany Lapierre – Founder and CEO, TealBook
Meera Estrada – Beauty & Culture Expert/Cultural Commentator/Producer & Host
Laura Janney – Chief Merchant at the Bay
Jennifer Green – President, Jade Consulting
Dana Moskowitz – Professor Digital Marketing, Sheridan College
Jasmine Singh Malhorta – IBM Canada Consulting, Chief Operating Officer
Victoria Mierzwa – Co-Founder LOHN
Ingrie Williams – Freelance writer and co-founder of The T-Zon
Eligibility Requirements:
– Founders of product or service company with a minimum of $10,000 CDN of revenue in the last 12 months up to $500,000 CDN
– Owns at least 50% of her business
– Founders must be able to commit to program (a minimum of 3 hours monthly)
Full information is on their site.
Know of any women entrepreneurs who may be interested? Please send share this story. Applications are being accepted until April 22, 2022. For more information visit www.accelerateher.ca
*lead in image by Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com/Unsplash