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PowerUP Programs

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

Are you looking for a business coach to get you to that next step on your business journey?  The PowerUp Ready program offers a flexible 10-week business training for women entrepreneurs ready to start or grow their businesses.

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 March 27, 2026by 4:30 pm.
• Interviews are on April 7th, 8th (AM), & 9th ​
• Notification of acceptance on April 10th​
• Sustainable Futures webinar on April 14th, 10am – 12 pm.​
• Building your business on Values webinar on April 16th, 10 am-12 pm​
• Week one business planning training begins via webinar April21st,  10 am – 12:30 pm, Tuesday and Thursday for 10 weeks.​
• Last day of classes and graduation are June 25th​

Location: Virtual on Zoom

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!

The PowerUp Explore webinars will be on the following dates:

•  January 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 2026, from 10:00am-12:00 noon

Location: Virtual on Zoom

For more Information, please contact:

Rene Morrison
Business Advisory Manager, Powerup
rmorrison@ywcahamilton.org

For more information about our French Program, please contact Khadija Hamidu: Vice President Of Economic Development at khamidu@ywcahamilton.org
Pour plus d’informations sur notre programme de français, veuillez contacter Khadija Hamidu: Vice President Of Economic Development chez khamidu@ywcahamilton.org

The YWCA Hamilton acknowledges the support of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
Le YWCA de Hamilton reconnaît le soutien de l’innovation, des sciences et du développement économique.