Innovation Cluster – Women Breaking Barriers

ByMaurice

Description:

Women Breaking Barriers is the first virtual accelerator program that promotes women pursuing innovative careers through science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and social innovation in Peterborough and the Kawarthas OR interested in relocating the business to Peterborough and the Kawarthas region.

Comments on Funding:

No funding provided.
At the end of the six month program, each business will have the opportunity to pitch directly to angel investors through Innovation Cluster’s partnership with the Peterborough Region Angel Network for investment.

Eligibility:

Applicants must:

  • be involved in science (agriculture, clean technology, healthcare, commercialization of research and more), technology (ICT, SaaS, video game, digital solutions and more), engineering, mathematics (STEM) and social innovation; OR
  • have Intellectual Property (IP) based business; OR
  • have a New Innovation;
  • be early-stage (under two years in market/operation *some exceptions made), a new business idea or in the early stages of planning the business OR an existing business with new innovative product development;
  • have under 10 employees;
  • have under $1M in revenue (or if the business is pre-revenue);
  • be a female-identified/woman is, or female-identified/women are, driving the direction of the business as Founder, Co-Founder, CEO, C-Suite Executive (i.e. CTO, CFO, COO, etc.), Owner-Operator, Principal, etc. and/or the business is owned by a woman or women (combined) that have majority ownership (a minimum of 51% equity stake);
  • be interested in introducing new and innovative solutions to current business problems, practices or products;
  • be a driven, coachable and collaborative founder/team;
  • be able to work with the Innovation Cluster virtually and participate in all programming for the duration of the 6 month accelerator program (potential to continue working with the Innovation Cluster following the initial 6 month program for further support);
  • be based in the region of Peterborough and the Kawarthas (including but not limited to: City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, Apsley, Lakefield, Bridgenorth, Curve Lake, Millbrook, Haliburton, Bobcaygeon, and more – see the map for our full catchment area) OR interested in relocating the business to Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

One is considered ‘tech’ if its primary business objective is to develop and distribute custom built technology, excluding re-distribution/consultancy. 

Other Things to Note:

  1. This program will intake two cohorts of 10 women aged 18 or older through six months (per cohort) of fast-tracked programming and mentorship to reduce barriers for female founders to grow and scale their businesses.
  2. As an accelerator program, Women Breaking Barriers is a more intensive time commitment than our regular incubation program. Expect to attend 1-2 virtual workshops per week, a monthly challenge or assignment, and regular meetings with your advisor.

Program Contact:

Women Breaking Barriers

About the author

Maurice

Maurice (Moe) Muise learned the ins-and-outs of government while an employee of the Government of Canada in Ottawa for 10 years. His current focus is helping small businesses in Ontario to identify and maximize government grants to grow their business. Click here to learn more about Moe’s background and how he can help your business.

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