ELLA Ascend

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program was April 30, 2024.

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the ELLA Ascend?

ELLA Ascend is funded by York University

Q: Who is eligible for the ELLA Ascend program?

To be eligible for the ELLA Ascend program, you must: • Applicant must be a woman entrepreneur with at least 50% ownership of a registered business, non-profit, or social enterprise. • Applicant's business must have a minimum annual revenue of $50,000 and paying customers. • Business must be located in Canada.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the ELLA Ascend?

You can contact York University.

Q: Where is the ELLA Ascend available?

The ELLA Ascend program is available across Canada.

Q: Are women eligible for the ELLA Ascend program?

Yes, women are eligible to apply for the ELLA Ascend program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Business support program for women-led product and service-based businesses

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : March 25, 2024
Closing date : April 30, 2024

Financing Type

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

York University

Program status

Closed

Overview

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.

Activities funded

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

Eligibility

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).

Who is eligible?

- Registered businesses - Non-profits - Social enterprises

Eligible geographic areas

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.

How to apply

Fill out an online application.

Applications are currently closed. Click the button below to sign up for the waiting list for 2024.
If you have any questions about the application process, email us at ellawomen@yorku.ca.

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview.

Candidates are finalized.

Additional information

- 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.

Documents and links

ELLA Ascend

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the ELLA Ascend Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the ELLA Ascend. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the ELLA Ascend?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under ELLA Ascend?

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.