ELLA Express
Highlights
This program is designed specifically for women entrepreneurs like you who are in the early stages of their business journey. By joining, you will gain access to 6 essential workshops covering Business Model, Marketing Fundamentals, Sales Funnel Development, Operations & Finance, Pitching Your Venture, and Website Optimization. These workshops will equip you with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions and understand why customers need your product or service.
What You Get:
- Expert feedback on your pitches
- Networking opportunities with a diverse community of women entrepreneurs
- Self-paced learning to fit your schedule
This program offers a flexible, self-paced online course, allowing you to learn at your own rhythm. The application process is straightforward, and you can apply at any time throughout the year. By completing this program, you will build a robust foundation for your business, making it easier to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms:
- No repayment required.
- No interest rates apply.
Eligible Expenses:
- Business model development.
- Marketing fundamentals.
- Sales funnel creation.
- Operations and finance management.
- Pitching your venture.
- Website optimization.
Use of Funds:
- Funds can only be used for the specified workshops and activities outlined above.
Restrictions:
- Funds cannot be used for any expenses outside the eligible categories.
- Personal expenses or unrelated business costs are not covered.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with this grant program.
Qualifications
- Must be a woman entrepreneur.
- Must be about to launch or have recently launched the business.
- Business must be located in Canada.
- Must be open to change and willing to step out of the comfort zone.
Must commit fully to completing the 6 modules in the online course.
Disqualifications:
- None specified in the context provided.
Description
This program offers your business a chance to grow and thrive. You can borrow up to $1,000,000. Out of this, you can use up to $500,000 to buy equipment or improve your rented space.
This could be the purchase of:
- Commercial kitchen appliances
- Manufacturing machinery
- Computers and IT infrastructure
- Renovating a retail space
For costs like software or money needed to keep the business running smoothly, the program can give you as much as $150,000.
The federal government guarantees 85% of the loan, offering a significant security net for you.
This loan program is flexible. If you have made significant purchases in the last 365 days which fall into the program guidelines, you can apply them to this loan.
You have different ways to pay back the loan. You can choose a changing interest rate, a steady one, or even mix your loan amount and interest into combined payments.
You can take up to 15 years to pay back the loan, no matter what you spend it on.
Program Steps
Complete the Online Application:
- Visit the program's application page.
- Fill out the required fields with accurate information about your business.
Prepare the Necessary Documentation:
- Business Plan: Outline your business goals, strategies, and financial projections.
- Proof of Business Registration: Provide documents that confirm your business is legally registered in Canada.
- Identification: Include copies of government-issued IDs for all business owners.
- Financial Statements: If available, provide recent financial statements to demonstrate your business’s financial health.
Submit the Application:
- Review your application to ensure all information is accurate and complete.
- Attach the prepared documentation.
- Submit the application through the online portal.
Attend the Virtual Course:
- Once your application is accepted, join the virtual course.
- Engage with the core concepts to validate your business idea.
Complete the 6 Modules:
- Participate in workshops covering Business Model, Marketing Fundamentals, Sales Funnel Development, Operations & Finance, Pitching Your Venture, and Website Optimization.
- Apply the knowledge gained to your business.
Receive Expert Feedback:
- Submit your business pitch for expert review.
- Incorporate feedback to refine your business strategy.
Network with Peers:
- Attend networking events to connect with other women entrepreneurs.
- Form partnerships and expand your professional network.
Finalize and Implement Learnings:
- Use the insights and feedback from the program to make informed decisions.
- Implement the strategies and tools learned to grow your business.