How much funding can be received?

Take part in a 12-week pilot program (virtually or in person) that includes one-on-one mentorship, peer support, market research guidance and more. Learn how to grow your business whether you're in the early stage of development or taking your business in

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is specifically available to businesses registered and operating in Prince Edward Island. The focus is to aid women-owned businesses within this geographical area to foster growth and development.

Businesses registered in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$5,000

Launch a community-driven urban garden with educational workshops

$5,500

Implement a local art exhibition space for emerging artists

$8,000

Initiate a digital literacy program for seniors

$7,500

Develop an eco-friendly fashion line with sustainable materials

$8,000

Create a networking hub for tech start-ups

$25,000

Establish a mobile health clinic to serve remote areas

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the business ownership and operation status in Prince Edward Island.

The applicant must be a for-profit business that is at least 51% owned by a woman or women.
The business must be currently registered in Prince Edward Island.
The business must have been in continuous operation for at least one year.
Preference may be given to underrepresented populations, including indigenous women, women of colour, rural women business owners, women in trades and STEM disciplines, newcomers, and women with disabilities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

All women-owned, for-profit businesses (defined as being at least 51% owned by a woman or women) in any sector currently registered in Prince Edward Island that have been in continuous operation for at least one year are eligible to apply for the Accelerate HER PEI program. Preference may be given to underrepresented populations including but not limited to indigenous women and women of colour, rural women business owners, women in trades and STEM disciplines, newcomers, and women with disabilities.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Accelerate HER PEI program offers various activities and components designed to support early-growth phase women entrepreneurs in Prince Edward Island. It provides a comprehensive combination of mentorship, learning sessions, and networking opportunities to accelerate their business development.

Dedicated workspace available at the Rural Women’s Business Centre in Central Bedeque.
Two hours per week of group learning sessions, either in-person or virtually.
Opportunities for peer support and networking with other women business owners.
Weekly goal-setting and access to preparatory resources.
A pool of expert presenters offering insights on various business topics.
One-on-one matchmaking with experienced mentors from relevant fields.
Bi-weekly meetings with an assigned mentor for personalized guidance.
Access to business advisory support and program resources.
An orientation session to kickstart the 12-week program.
Participation in interviews for selection into the program.
Twelve weekly accelerator meetings that include diverse activities such as goal setting and expert presentations.
Supplementary one-on-one advisory sessions with experts in various fields.
Follow-up sessions and program evaluation for continual improvement.

grant_single_labels|criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Accelerate HER PEI program. The selection process is based on specific eligibility requirements and a thorough evaluation of applicants' businesses and potential for growth.

Women-owned, for-profit businesses registered in Prince Edward Island for at least one year
Preference given to underrepresented populations such as indigenous women, women of color, rural women business owners, women in trades/STEM, newcomers, and women with disabilities
Businesses in the early growth stage or exploring new directions
Commitment to attend weekly group meetings, engage with expert presenters, and participate in one-on-one mentorship

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Applicants must ensure they have a for-profit business registered in Prince Edward Island that has been operating continuously for at least one year.
Step 2: Complete the application form with all required information and submit it for consideration.
Step 3: Selected participants will engage in a 12-week program involving group learning, one-on-one mentorship, goal-setting, expert presentations, and networking sessions.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The program offers a dedicated workspace exclusively available at the Rural Women’s Business Centre for participants during the program and alumnae afterwards.
Participants will have the opportunity for flexible after-hours access to the workspace upon request.
The workspace includes amenities such as comfortable desks, high-speed internet access, private offices, and a kitchen.
Program participants can network with other women entrepreneurs using the designated workspace.

grant_single_labels|contact

office@peibwa.org

902-892-6040

Apply to this program

Empowering Women's Entrepreneurship in Prince Edward Island

The Accelerate HER PEI program offers a structured, 12-week support initiative designed to foster growth among early-phase women-owned businesses in PEI. By connecting participants with mentors and providing access to resources, this program aims to cultivate a thriving community of women entrepreneurs.

Detailed Insight into the Accelerate HER PEI Program

The Accelerate HER PEI program is a pioneering initiative by the Prince Edward Island Business Women's Association (PEIBWA), crafted specifically to bolster the entrepreneurial ventures of high-potential women in Prince Edward Island. With a comprehensive design, this 12-week program straddles both accelerator courses and personalized mentorship, responding to the unique demands of women-led enterprises in their growth stages or those pivoting toward new directions. Importantly, the program operates without financial cost to participants, thanks to its funding under the Atlantic Canadian Women in Growth Partnership, making it an accessible opportunity for growth-oriented businesswomen in the region.

Participants in the program are privileged to engage in weekly group sessions interspersed with one-on-one mentorship, ensuring tailored guidance in a supportive framework. These structured interactions are pivotal in facilitating business development, providing insights through the shared experiences of peers and the wisdom of seasoned mentors from similar or complementary fields. The Rural Women’s Business Centre in Central Bedeque acts as both a physical and virtual base for the course activities, fostering a collaborative environment where interaction and learning can thrive either in person or online, depending on individual preferences and circumstances.

By assembling a cohort of women business owners who share similar ambitions, Accelerate HER PEI curates not only a supportive network but also an enriched learning environment through its expertly moderated sessions. Here, participants are encouraged to explore various aspects of business growth, such as goal setting, strategic planning, and resource management. The program also places significant emphasis on integration and networking, providing interaction points with industry experts, community leaders, and successful entrepreneurs who contribute valuable presentations that align with participants' identified needs.

Selection criteria are purposeful, focusing on women-owned businesses—defined as at least 51% ownership by a woman or women—that have operated continuously for no less than a year in Prince Edward Island. This specific targeting ensures that the program attracts businesses with foundational stability yet sufficiently agile to transform through structured guidance. Special encouragement is extended to underrepresented groups, such as Indigenous women, minorities, women in rural settings, trade, STEM, and those with disabilities, underscoring an inclusive agenda that seeks to elevate diverse perspectives within the business community.

The program's design facilitates robust engagements through several core activities. These include provision of dedicated workspace at the Rural Women’s Business Centre, two hours of group learning each week, and bi-weekly mentoring sessions for personalized focus. Such engagements are further complemented by a range of expert-led presentations, providing participants with substantive insights into pragmatic business solutions and strategic challenges.

In essence, the Accelerate HER PEI initiative is not just a program but a transformative journey for women entrepreneurs; it empowers them to hone skills, expand their networks, and drive their enterprises toward significant impact and sustainability in today's competitive landscape. The program also prides itself on being adaptable, providing a designated workspace for both past and current participants at the Rural Women’s Business Centre, equipped with essential amenities needed to facilitate productive work and networking. This commitment to sustained engagement ensures that the value provided transcends the program duration, offering a continuum of support that can redefine the entrepreneurial trajectories of its alumnae.