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Source verified September 21, 2026
ELLA Express
Advice for early-stage women entrepreneurs
Latest source updateLast Update: September 19, 2026Latest change: ELLA Express moved from a waitlist notice to an open application, with updated eligibility and a rebuilt three-month marketing program.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 19, 2026
Latest change: ELLA Express moved from a waitlist notice to an open application, with updated eligibility and a rebuilt three-month marketing program.
ELLA Express now open with updated eligibility
ELLA Express now shows open applications instead of a waitlist, and the application instructions now point to an apply-now link. The program description has also been rewritten around a three-month online marketing program with seven learning modules and a capstone project. Eligibility was updated to focus on women entrepreneurs preparing to launch or early in growth, with a product- or service-based business in Canada and a commitment to complete the online modules, required activities, and capstone project. The contact email for application questions is now shown as ellawomen@yorku.ca.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Receive advice, tools, and foundational business knowledge, through six workshops training program, if you have a business idea or have recently started a business or not-for-profit organization.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Bite-sized modules on marketing mindset, understanding your customer, brand and messaging, content and marketing channels, reaching your first customers, measuring what works, and founder-led growth.
- Practical assignments applied to your own business.
- A capstone project that brings the learning together.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Women entrepreneurs.
- Women entrepreneurs preparing to launch or in the early stages of growing a business.
- Businesses based in Canada.
- Product or service-based businesses.
Eligible expenses
ELLA Express aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them essential tools and skills necessary for business development. The program comprises workshops and activities designed to enhance business knowledge in key operational areas.
- Business model development workshops.
- Marketing fundamentals and strategy sessions.
- Sales funnel creation and optimization workshops.
- Operations and finance management training.
- Pitching sessions with expert feedback.
- Website optimization and digital presence workshops.
Eligible geographic areas
This program is open to women entrepreneurs whose businesses are located in Canada. The eligibility criteria are designed to provide support to Canadian-based founders in the early stages of their business development.
- Businesses must be located in Canada.
Selection criteria
ELLA Express has evaluation and selection criteria to assess applicants' eligibility and commitment to the program. The criteria are outlined as follows:
- Applicant is a woman entrepreneur who is about to launch or recently launched a business
- Business is located in Canada
- Open to change and willing to step out of comfort zone
- Can commit fully to completing the 6 modules in the online course
How to apply
- Applications for renewed ELLA Express are now open. Apply now and get your spot today.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this program:
- Participants have the flexibility of a self-paced course, allowing them to set their own learning schedule.
- After program completion, participants will have enhanced their understanding of their customer needs regarding their product or service.
- Expert feedback is provided on participant pitches, aiming to refine and enhance pitching skills.
- Networking opportunities with a diverse community of women entrepreneurs are available, potentially leading to partnerships.
- Desjardins powers the program, which may provide additional insights or opportunities linked to financial services.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the ELLA Express Program
What is the ELLA Express?
Receive advice, tools, and foundational business knowledge, through six workshops training program, if you have a business idea or have recently started a business or not-for-profit organization.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the ELLA Express program?
To be eligible for the ELLA Express program, you must:
Applicant must be a woman-identifying entrepreneur.
The business must be located in Canada.
The business should be at a pre-revenue/early stage.
What expenses are eligible under ELLA Express?
Bite-sized modules on marketing mindset, understanding your customer, brand and messaging, content and marketing channels, reaching your first customers, measuring what works, and founder-led growth.
Practical assignments applied to your own business.
A capstone project that brings the learning together.
Who can I contact for more information about the ELLA Express?
You can contact York University by email at ellawomen@yorku.ca.
Where is the ELLA Express available?
The ELLA Express program is available the province of Ontario.
Who are the financial supporters of the ELLA Express?
ELLA Express is funded by York University