Inviting women-led tech businesses to grow with EmpowHER

IDEA Mississauga, in partnership with YSpace ELLA—York University’s women’s innovation hub—is now accepting applications for the EmpowHER Tech Launchpad. The 12-week accelerator program helps women-led product and technology companies grow and scale. 

The program offers one-on-one mentorship, expert led workshops and support to prepare investor and partner pitches. Participants also connect with a network of mentors, partners and peers. EmpowHER Tech Launchpad helps entrepreneurs grow faster, reach new markets and build lasting businesses.  

Applications close July 12, 2026.

The City invests in such programs to help equity-deserving women entrepreneurs overcome barriers and grow their businesses. This helps contribute to a more inclusive local economy. 

Who should apply 

Ideal applicants are Canadian incorporated businesses that: 

• Are at least 51 per cent women-led. 
• Are in Mississauga or plan to expand there.
• Have moved beyond the product launch stage. 
• Have at least one co-founder attend all in-person sessions. 
• Are available for the full 12-week program. 

What participants can expect 

Participants will get: 

• Up to $200,000 in business resources to support growth. 
• One-on-one mentorship from industry experts. 
• Workshops on sales, fundraising and growth strategy. 
• A peer network of women entrepreneurs in tech and product businesses. 
• Regular office hours with program facilitators for support. 

The program finishes with a showcase event, where participants present to investors, mentors and potential clients. 

Proven impact 

Past participants have reported strong growth with measurable results. 

Angélique Bernabé, founder of LOCVM and a 2025 participant, entered the program at the testing phase. Since completing the EmpowHER Tech Launchpad, LOCVM has grown from 150 to more than 500 users. The company has also secured its first paid pilot and formed partnerships with the Ontario Medical Association and several universities. 

Hira Malik, co-founder of Food Mamba and a 2024 graduate of the EmpowHER program, leveraged the program to refine financial modelling and sales strategy. The company has since secured multiple contracts, surpassed $1 million in revenue in 2025 and expanded to more than 300 clients. It now works with 200 vendors and a distribution team across Canada and Pakistan. 

Read more about the program and application details.

About IDEA Mississauga 

IDEA Mississauga, powered by Invest Mississauga, brings together industry, government, education and organizational leaders. It helps start-ups and scale-ups bring those ideas to market. IDEA Mississauga gives entrepreneurs access to mentorship, services and a strong network of partners and talent. From start-up to scale-up, IDEA supports businesses in turning ideas into real-world impact. 

About YSpace 

YSpace is York University’s entrepreneurship and innovation hub. It supports start-ups and scale-ups across sectors. Its programs help companies grow by building customer traction and accessing capital. YSpace also supports diverse founders through initiatives such as ELLA for women-led businesses and the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) for Black-led businesses. 

Quotes

“Ambition is a starting point, and it needs to be fostered to help achieve real growth. At IDEA Mississauga, powered by Invest Mississauga, we’re focused on helping businesses start, grow and thrive. EmpowHER Tech Launchpad plays an important role in this work. It gives women founders the tools, connections and support they need to accelerate. It also helps build confidence to take their businesses to the next level.” – Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Invest Mississauga 

“Championing women entrepreneurs is central to our work at YSpace. EmpowHER Tech Launchpad, developed with IDEA Mississauga, helps innovative women-led businesses build, scale and thrive. Through ELLA, we’ve supported more than 2,000 women founders across Canada. With EmpowHER, we’re creating more opportunities for the next generation of women to lead in tech. We’re excited to meet what’s next.” – Marlina Ramchandran, ELLA Entrepreneurship Manager, YSpace and Office of the VP, Research and Innovation, York University 

Digital assets and downloads

Download assets from the EmpowHER Tech Launchpad.

Tags

• Economic Development
• Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)