Building on the success of the Southwestern Ontario Power Panel Program, piloted from November – March 2021, the CAN/U.S. Canada Power Panel program aims to expand mentorship and strategic connection opportunities for women-owned technology and innovation companies in Southwestern Ontario. Participating companies will have the opportunity to accelerate their skills development and be able to leverage US high-powered, influential mentors from outside of their usual networks. This is particularly important for women-identifying how to capture growth opportunities in new or adjacent markets as the economy recovers post-COVID.
The CAN/U.S. Power Panel program is supported by the U.S. Consuls General in Canada’s Building Back Better Program aimed at strengthening support for women entrepreneurs during COVID-19.
Why focus on business advisory & mentorship?
According to a recent Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub The Impact of COVID-19 on Women Entrepreneurs report, access to concierge, advisory, coaching and mentorship services were listed as top needs of women surveyed. This report sheds light on what’s working and what could be improved to meet the needs of diverse women entrepreneurs.
Throughout the duration of the program, WEtech and partners will connect 12 female entrepreneurs from across Southwestern Ontario to pitch to the CAN/US Power Panel, and connect over 100 female entrepreneurs and professionals with a unique cross-border networking opportunity.
