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PowerUp Small Business Training Programs

Develop your skills to successfully start, run and grow your business.

Accepted small businesses will attend a free, intensive ten-week program including interactive lessons provided by trained business coaches, with one-to-one learning provided weekly with an assigned business coach. Upon program completion, graduates will have a professionally developed business plan ready to take to financial institutions.

Activities include:

  • Learn about the business tools and strategies to run and grow a business
  • Develop your business’ unique value proposition
  • Receive training and support on how to write a Business Plan
  • Receive training and support around creating Marketing and Financial plans

Workshops focus on the following training with the final outcome of a business plan:

  • Business Model Canvas
  • Market Research
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Sales and promoting your business
  • Business Operations
  • Digital strategies and adoptions
  • Financials includes pricing, forecasting, cashflow
  • Developing your business pitch

Key Dates:

Cohort 12: Information Sessions

Aug 20, 2026

at 10-11am

Aug 25, 27, 2026

at 10-11 am

Sept 1, 2026

at 10-11 am

Sept 3, 2026

at 10-11 am

Sept 8, 2026

at 10-11 am

Sept 11, 2026

at 10-11 am

Sept 15, 2026

at 10-11 am

Sept 18, 2026   

 at 10-11 am

Sept 21, 2026 

at 10-11 am

25-Sep-26

application deadline

Sept 30, Oct 1

Interviews

02-Oct-26

Notice of Acceptance

Oct 6

Building Sustainable Futures, 
10:00 am – 12:00

Oct 8

Building Your Business on Values, 
10:00 am – 12:00

13-Oct-26

Business Planning begins

17-Dec-26

Program Graduation

Location: Virtual on Zoom

Register for Information Session

Explore Self Employment with our expert Business Advisors.

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!

For applicants who have an idea, or two or may have registered a business but not done anything with it. This is a step to take before you do a formal business plan, especially if you are not sure what self-employment is all about and if it is right for you.

The PowerUp Explore webinars will be on the following dates:

  •   Nov 4, 11, 18, 25, 10:00 am – 12:00

Location: Virtual on Zoom

For More Information Click Here

For more Information, please contact:









Rene Morrison
Business Advisory Manager, Powerup
rmorrison@ywcahamilton.org

 For more information about our French Program, please contact Khadija Hamidu: Vice President Of Economic Development at khamidu@ywcahamilton.org

Pour plus d’informations sur notre programme de français, veuillez contacter Khadija Hamidu: Vice President Of Economic Development chez khamidu@ywcahamilton.org

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The YWCA Hamilton acknowledges the support of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
Le YWCA de Hamilton reconnaît le soutien de l’innovation, des sciences et du développement économique.