ELLA Ascend
Canada
Business support program for women-led product and service-based businesses
grant_single|update January 24, 2025
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 1, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateFebruary 1, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- York University
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grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Access one-on-one help, a community of peers and supporters, tailored resources and knowledge to scale your business, through a
5-month accelerator program designed for women entrepreneurs.
grant_single_labels|projects
The ELLA Ascend accelerator program focuses on activities that support women entrepreneurs in building and refining their business offerings. It emphasizes developing a deep understanding of customer profiles and enhancing key operational strategies.
- Conducting market research to define and understand ideal customer profiles.
- Participating in one-on-one mentorship tailored to business development needs.
- Engaging in bi-weekly Founder Circles for peer support and challenge discussion.
- Attending workshops aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship education and business fundamentals.
- Developing growth frameworks in sales, marketing, finance, and operations.
- Setting and working towards achieving specific business milestones with expert guidance.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 10,000
Developing an online marketplace for local artisans
$ 15,000
Opening a community-oriented bookstore
$ 18,000
Creating an art therapy program for traumatized youth
$ 15,000
Launching a sustainable fashion brand
$ 20,000
Launching a mobile fitness application specialized for senior citizens
$ 25,000
Launching a coding bootcamp for women in tech
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the ELLA - Ascend accelerator program grant, you need to meet the following criteria:
1. You are a woman entrepreneur with at least 50% ownership of a registered business, non-profit, or social enterprise.
2. You are working full-time on your venture.
3. Your business has a minimum annual revenue of $50,000 and paying customers.
4. Your business is located in Canada.
5. You are open to change and looking to step out of your comfort zone.
6. You can commit fully to the requirements of a 4-month accelerator program (around 1-2 days of programming per week).
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Registered businesses
- Non-profits
- Social enterprises
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
ELLA Ascend is specifically available for women entrepreneurs whose businesses are located within Canada. This program supports regional business development by focusing on Canadian enterprises.
- Businesses located in Canada.
grant_single_labels|register
To apply for the ELLA Ascend accelerator program grant, follow these steps:
1. Complete an online application when applications open in early January 2024.
2. Wait for short-listed candidates to be invited for an interview.
3. Final candidates will be selected based on the interviews.
If you have any questions about the application process, you can email ellawomen@yorku.ca for assistance.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- Applicants should be prepared to commit fully to the requirements of the 4-month accelerator program, which involves around 1-2 days of programming per week.
- Attendance at mentorship meetings, Progress Check-ins, Founder Circles, and Workshops is mandatory.
- The program is designed to create a safe space for accepted participants only, external guests are generally not allowed to attend official ELLA programming.
- If applicants have issues accessing content or need assistance, they can reach out to ellawomen@yorku.ca for support.
- The program aims to help participants define growth goals and milestones for their businesses and receive expert advice to work towards achieving them.
