NOTICE: Applications for the 2025 intake of EmpowHER Tech Launchpad will be open from June 23 to July 11. If you’re interested in the program, click here to join the waitlist now.
EmpowHER Tech Launchpad
EmpowHER Tech Launchpad is a transformative 12-week accelerator program designed to propel women-led ventures that are ready to scale their existing product or technology-based businesses. We will select 10–12 high-potential startups led by visionary women who are prepared to take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey.
This program places a strong emphasis on supporting newcomer women who are breaking barriers in the tech industry. Through tailored mentorship, investor readiness training, and strategic growth support, EmpowHER Tech Launchpad empowers participants to accelerate innovation, expand their market reach, and build sustainable, scalable ventures.
In proud partnership and collaboration with YSpace, we are excited to launch the 2025 cohort of EmpowHER Tech Launchpad on September 4, continuing our mission to empower women-led tech ventures with the tools, mentorship, and community they need to scale and succeed.
Watch the EmpowHER 2024 Founders' Journey
Meet our past program participants
Our 2024 cohort can be found below:
PROGRAM DETAILS
Program Schedule: September 4, 2025 – December 4, 2025 (12 weeks)
Program Format: Hybrid: In-person workshops @ IDEA Square One (100 City Centre Drive Mississauga, ON L5B 2C9)
Sector: Agnostic
Stage: Product / Technology Launched, ready to Scale
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
In order to be eligible for this program, you must meet all the following requirements:
- 51% women led business
- Post Product Launch stage
- Registered Canadian Incorporation (Provincial / Federal)
- Require 1 Co-Founder to attend all programming in-person
- Ability to commit to the full duration of the program
- A Canadian incorporation
Please note: Preference will be provided to newcomer women founders with less than 10 years in Canada.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Over 12 focused weeks, top women-led tech ventures gain the tools and support to scale with impact. As a participant, you will:
- Access up to $200,000 in resources for product, marketing, sales, and more
- Sharpen your sales playbook, pitch and fundraising with expert coaching
- Build vital skills through workshops on go-to-market strategies and financial modeling
- Receive personalized 1:1 mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs
- Join a driven community of peer-led women founders committed to growth and success
Ready to scale your venture? Apply now and join the next wave of women leaders shaping tech.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Training:
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- Comprehensive workshops covering key areas such accelerating product market fit, developing sales funnel, marketing strategies and investor readiness.
- Sessions led by industry experts and successful entrepreneurs.
Mentorship:
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- One-on-one guidance from experienced mentors who provide personalized advice and insights.
- Opportunities to connect with successful women in tech and gain valuable perspectives.
Office Hours:
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- Regular office hours with program facilitators for tailored support and troubleshooting.
- Access to a network of professionals for additional resources and feedback.
Showcase:
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- Opportunity to showcase your business to the community of experts, mentors, potential investors and potential clients.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
We have identified and answered the most commonly asked questions about this topic:
- Women founders of tech businesses who have moved beyond the Minimal Viable Product (MVP) stage and are seeking to refine their growth strategies.
- Founders must be present in or around Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and commit to the entire 12-week program. The program commitment is for about 2-3 hours per week.
No, selected participants will be offered this program at no cost.
The program leads are:
- Marlina Ramchandran
ELLA Entrepreneurship Manager, YSpace and Office of the VP, Research & Innovation - Sneha Punwani
Supervisor IDEA Innovation Hub, City of Mississauga
For any inquiries, please contact us by e-mail at idea@mississauga.ca with the subject line: EmpowHER 2025
EmpowHER Tech Launchpad is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that supports and uplifts women in technology, providing the tools and resources needed to succeed in a competitive landscape.
IDEA Mississauga
IDEA Mississauga is a central source for small business information, resources and guidance. Whether entrepreneurs are starting, growing or scaling a small business, IDEA Mississauga can help. Contact us if you have any questions.
YSpace
YSpace is York’s pan-university entrepreneurship & innovation hub. They create positive change by fostering a community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and change makers.
This program is offered in English. Please contact us at idea@mississauga.ca with the subject line: EmpowHER 2025 if you have accessibility requirements to participate in the event.
Notes * all opportunities listed above are offered and dispersed at the discretion of the City of Mississauga in collaboration with the corresponding benefit/service provider. Opportunities are not guaranteed to any participants and the City of Mississauga reserves the right to discontinue, reject, or delay any of the opportunities listed below without prior notice to participants.