Women with early-growth businesses on PEI are invited to apply to Accelerate HER PEI, a 12-week program to be delivered virtually and in-person by the PEI Business Women’s Association (PEIBWA) and partners.

The pilot program will begin on January 18 next year and will serve high-potential women business owners, no matter their location in PEI. 

PEIBWA Executive Director Margaret Magner said the program combines customized support for women business owners from both accelerator and mentorship perspectives.  

“We’re particularly targeting businesses in the early-growth stage, whether it is a business in operation for one to two years or a business operating for several years that is ready to pivot in a new direction,” she said in a statement.

She said selected candidates will benefit from group training, goal-setting, meetings with expert advisors, and mentorship.

Majority women-owned, for-profit businesses from any sector currently registered in PEI which have been in continuous operation for at least one year (as of December 2020) are eligible and invited to apply. 

Preference may be given to underrepresented populations, including indigenous women and women of colour, rural women, women in trades and STEM disciplines, newcomers and women with disabilities.

PEIBWA is running the pilot with the Atlantic Canadian Women in Growth Partnership and the Startup Zone. There will be an online information session today, Friday, Dec. 11, from 10 to 11 am. Pre-registration is required. 

The online application form for the program may be accessed here.  

Applications will be accepted until 5 pm on Dec.18.