SVX Launchpad: Ready for Investment
A blended learning program for women and non-binary entrepreneurs strengthening their impact, financial, and investor readiness skills.
Type: VIRTUAL
For: Women Entrepreneurs with impact businesses and start-ups based in Ontario. *We encourage those from equity-seeking backgrounds to apply (i.e., those located in rural / remote areas; identify as Indigenous, Black, or other person of colour, person with a disability, 2SLGBTQ2+, Newcomer to Canada within the last 5 years, or other.)
Start Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026, with live sessions on Thursdays Feb 19 – Mar 19, 2026
Application Deadline: Extended to Friday, January 23, 2026
Program Description
Launchpad: Ready for Investment is a blended learning, peer to peer engagement program designed to help women entrepreneurs in Ontario strengthen their investment readiness, deepen their impact competencies, and apply gender-lens tools in real business contexts. Participants complete modules at their own pace while joining weekly peer-led sessions where they learn from each other’s experiences, share challenges, and apply concepts through facilitated discussions and practical exercises.
The program combines expert guidance, hands-on workshops, and a supportive community of founders who are navigating similar stages of capital preparation. Each session reinforces the module completed the week prior, creating a seamless flow from theory to application. By working collaboratively through real-world challenges, entrepreneurs gain the clarity, skills, and confidence required to build compelling pitches, develop strong impact strategies, and connect with investors.
This program is for women entrepreneurs in Ontario who are building or growing an impact-driven venture and preparing to engage with investors. It is ideal for founders who want to:
- Strengthen their financial literacy and capital strategy
- Build or refine their theory of change and impact plan
- Develop an investor-ready pitch and deal room
- Learn from peers through real-world challenges, case sharing, and collaborative practice
- Apply gender-lens investing principles to their business model
- Join a supportive community of women founders on similar investment journeys
*We encourage those from equity-seeking backgrounds to apply (i.e., those located in rural / remote areas; identify as Indigenous, Black, or other person of colour, person with a disability, 2SLGBTQ2+, Newcomer to Canada within the last 5 years, or other.)
Program Perks include:
Access to SVX Launchpad self-paced, online program (Feb–Mar 2026)
Five live, peer-to-peer learning sessions anchored in real challenges—hot seats, case sharing, and pair practice—each reinforcing the prior week’s module and supported by gender-responsive, inclusive facilitation (2 hours on Thursdays).
Expert-supported practice, community building, and investor readiness activities
How the Program Works
The program will include the following:
Access to SVX Launchpad self-paced, online program (Feb–Mar 2026)
Six modules are available to all participants between February to March.
Five live, peer-to-peer sessions (2 hours on Thursdays)
Each session is designed for 2 hours and includes:
- 15–20 min expert talk
- 40 min workshop (small groups)
- 40 min plenary + Q&A
- 20 min wrap-up, next steps, and peer commitments
Key Learning Outcomes
By March 2026, entrepreneurs will:
Have a completed template with the theory of change, impact plan, and deal room
Strengthen financial literacy and resilience
Develop an investor-ready pitch and capital strategy
Build relationships with peers, mentors, and potential investors.
To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following criteria:
Applicants must be women-led enterprises or organizations that serve women or demonstrate strong gender-focused policies.
1. Focus on Women-Led Enterprises
The applicant must demonstrate at least one of the following conditions:
- Being a Woman-led enterprise
- Provide products or services for women
- Demonstrate a strong commitment with gender focus internal policies
2. Impact Business Model
The enterprise should have an impact business and scalable model
- Business model description
- Description of the organization with a market analysis
- Financial results and projections, if available.
3. Organizational Capacity and Technical Experience
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient organizational capacity to successfully implement an impact-focused acceleration program, including:
- A brief description of the team
- Role’s description
- Program participants: the team member(s) that should dedicate at least 3 hours per week for self-paced content and live session. (6 weeks)
4. Theory of Change and Impact Indicators (Optional but Encouraged)
Applicants could share their organization’s theory of change and the primary impact indicators used to monitor and managed impact.
“Siika Foods benefited significantly from the program by having the opportunity to pitch to an audience of over 50 people. The program delivered a substantial amount of educational business materials. These materials provided valuable insights, tools, and resources to enhance Siika Foods’ understanding of the business landscape and improve our overall preparedness for investment. The facilitators, Kevin, Helen and Gabriella played a crucial role in the success of Siika Foods in the program. Their approachability made it easier for participants to seek guidance and support. The facilitators’ determination to see the businesses succeed highlighted their commitment to the participants’ growth and development. The program seems to have created a supportive environment for businesses, fostering collaboration and growth. The combination of the pitching opportunity, educational materials, and dedicated facilitators contributed to this positive atmosphere.” -Sarah Sekalala, CEO & Founder of Siika Foods
“Really felt supported in my pitch and my confidence definitely increased through the learning and support.” – Lee-Anne Reuber, CEO & Founder of Sekond Skin Society
“How to prepare for approaching investors and flushing out the big picture strategies was the most significant change I experienced as the result of participating in this program.” – Candace Eberts, Founder of Niska Nourishes
“Learning how to put together the proper and concise information to deliver a solid pitch was the most beneficial part of the program.” – Meghan McElroy, Creator of Bambuddha
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