Communitech, the Kitchener-Waterloo startup hub, is calling for applications for its Fierce Founder Bootcamp – a mentorship program for 25 companies led by female founders.

The organization has held the Fierce Founder program for several years, and it is open to companies in and outside Waterloo region.

The next bootcamp, to take place in the winter for the first time, will be held in two phases, from Jan.  24 to 26 and Feb. 21 to 23. Applications can be found here and are open until Dec. 23.

“This fast-paced program is open to passionate entrepreneurs with a tech or tech-based idea at a MVP or pre-MVP stage,” said a statement from Communitech. “Twenty-five participants will receive hands-on mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and experts as they build out their business models and work toward refining their product offerings."

The sessions end with a pitching competition, at which the top three finishers divide $100,000 in cash and prizes. The past winners include Borealis Wind of Kitchener and Sentinel Alert of St. John’s.

The Fierce Founder program has grown to also include an accelerator, which is open to founders residing in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. It's now accepting applications for the next cohort, which begins in March.