PowerUp 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, |
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
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.
