PowerUp is a free program to develop your skills to successfully start, run and grow your business idea.

What is the right stream for you?

Choosing the best PowerUp stream depends on your goals, strengths, and preferences. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

  • Do you already have a clear business idea, or are you more interested in exploring self-employment options?
  • Are you looking for in-depth business training and mentorship, or do you primarily need guidance on self-employment practices?
  • Do you have the necessary resources and capital to start a business, or are you seeking ways to minimize initial investment?

 

Both streams of the PowerUp program—self-employment and business idea development—offer unique opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Let's explore each stream in more detail to help you make an informed decision:

PowerUp Ready

The PowerUp Ready program offers a flexible 10-week business training for women entrepreneurs ready to start or grow their businesses.

 

Our upcoming info sessions will take place on ZOOM from 10:00am to 11:00am on the following dates: November 27 and 29 | December 2, 4, 6, 9, 11

Register for the info session

PowerUp Explore

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!

 

Business Advisor

Are you a small business owner struggling to find the right resources and answers to your business questions?
Are you having challenges navigating your small business?
Are you a business owner who identifies as a women or non-binary person?

If you answered YES to any of these questions (and more) book a virtual appointment with one of our business advisor!

 

Sessions

The business advisor will meet with you for 30 to 60 minutes to answer your questions. Sometimes you just need another opinion or a direction to take to get to the next level.


Benefits of talking to a Business Advisor:

  • Receive expert advice from business advisors with over 20 years of entrepreneurship experience.
  • Get peace of mind knowing what your next step for your business will be.
  • Learn industry proven tools that will help your business move forward.
  • Learn the steps to take to put your plan into action.

 

Book your appointment

PARTICIPANTS MUST BE
  • Self-identifying women* who are looking to develop skills 
  • Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Able to commit with four (PowerUp Explore) or ten (PowerUp Ready) weeks of online and in-person workshops

 

Next start date: PowerUp Ready - January 7, 2025 | PowerUp Explore - January 8, 2025

Register for the info session

*This program is open to non-binary or gender-diverse people. We warmly welcome members of the BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ and Disabled communities. 

If you have accessibility needs, please contact us to discuss accommodation.

 


YWCA PowerUp
604 605 8483 | powerup@ywcavan.org 
535 Hornby Street - 4th floor, Vancouver, BC
Office hours: Monday to Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

 

Powered by YWCA Hamilton
Canada

         The YWCA PowerUp has been funded in part through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development.