The Let’s Start Up program is an innovative program in collaboration with YWCA Toronto who will provide concrete ways for women to develop their skills through training, individual coaching and financial aid.

In this way, women are making a fresh start towards long-term financial independence, through entrepreneurship, post-secondary studies or a reintegration into the job market.

A program Based on Three Actions

Encourage

Group workshops, networking and integration to an inspiring community: you will feel supported and more confident!

+

Train

Training and personalized coaching: to better understand your potential and improve your knowledge and skills.

+

Support

Microloans or financial aid for studies: because obtaining traditional financing is
sometimes difficult.

= Financial independence

A PROGRAM DIVIDED INTO THREE PHASES

1. DEVELOP YOUR PROFESSIONAL POTENTIAL

8 week course | 8 workshops | individual meetings

Entrepreneurial spirit is useful in all professional and personal contexts, and everybody can develop such a spirit. Workshops and meetings allow you to discover your possibilities, then develop your confidence and your ability to act.

• Professional assessment
• Work on 18 essential skills
• Putting into perspective the possible and realistic avenues to consider
• Psychometric test

2. GET INTO ACTION

With training and coaching, you will enhance your learning and your abilities, whichever path you choose.

Start your business

10 week course
10 group workshops
Individual coaching

• Ideation and development
of business plan.
• Certification from
Concordia University.
• Coaching by
entrepreneurship experts.
• Access to microloans:
up to $10,000.

Pursue your education

Individual coaching

• Choice of a full-time post-secondary program.
• Monthly follow-up by
a counsellor.
• Financial aid between
$4,000 and $13,000 / year
depending on the number
of dependent children.

Find a better job

Individual coaching and referral to appropriate resources

• Search for a professional
goal that will lead you to a
sustainable financial independence.
• Review of acquired skills.
• Exploration of job
opportunities that meet
your expectations.

3. STAY ENGAGED

Join the Let’s Start Up community: a dynamic group of women that promotes networking, the creation of solid ties and provides access to training on relevant professional issues (webinars, conferences and coffee chats).

Who is this program for?

This program is designed for women and gender diverse individual aged 18 and over who are ready to take action to become financially independent.

To learn more about the Let's Start Up program of the Lise Watier Foundation in collaboration with YWCA Toronto

This program begins September 11, 2024. For more information on this program and how to register please contact Sarah Reynolds, Program Administrator at (416)-269-0091 x231 or email LetsStartUp@ywcatoronto.org.