PowerUp Programs

Develop your skills to successfully start, run and grow your business.

Accepted small businesses will attend a free, intensive ten-week program including interactive lessons provided by trained business coaches, with one-to-one learning provided weekly with an assigned business coach. Upon program completion, graduates will have a professionally developed business plan ready to take to financial institutions.

Activities include:

• Learn about the business tools and strategies to run and grow a business
• Develop your business’ unique value proposition
• Receive training and support on how to write a Business Plan
• Receive training and support around creating Marketing and Financial plans

Workshops focus on the following training with the final outcome of a business plan:

• Business Model Canvas
• Market Research
• Marketing Strategy
• Sales and promoting your business
• Business Operations
• Digital strategies and adoptions
• Financials includes pricing, forecasting, cashflow
• Developing your business pitch

Key Dates: 

• Applications are due June 15, 2026 by 4:30 pm.
• Interviews are on June 22, 24
• Notification of acceptance June 26
• Sustainable Futures webinar July 7- 10am - 12:00 pm
• Building your business on Values webinar July 9, 10 am-12 pm
• Week one business planning training begins via webinar July 14, 10 am - 12:30 pm, Tuesday and Thursday for 10 weeks.
• Last day of classes and graduation are Sept 17

Location: Virtual on Zoom

Register for Information Session

Explore Self Employment with our expert Business Advisors.

PowerUp Explore addresses distinct gaps in accessible services/training offering women”discovery” training.

This program is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs who are exploring the idea of self-employment. Participants will take part in interactive assessments and training sessions with Business Advisors to get them started on their journey to entrepreneurship.

A few things you will learn:

• What is Self-Employment and Am I Ready For It?
• How to Build An MVP (Minimal Viable Product)
• Financial Considerations and Personal Budgets
• AND MORE!

For applicants who have an idea, or two or may have registered a business but not done anything with it. This is a step to take before you do a formal business plan, especially if you are not sure what self-employment is all about and if it is right for you.

The PowerUp Explore webinars will be on the following dates:

• July 22, 29, Aug 5, 12, from 10:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

Location: Virtual on Zoom

For More Information Click Here