A targeted fundraising strategy is critical to securing funding.
A core purpose of our community is to help close the startup funding gap. With only 2.3% of VC funding going to women-led startups, we aim to help you navigate and tackle startup fundraising within a supportive community of founders so that you can build locally and scale globally 10-20x faster than you could on your own.
The Fundraising Accelerator offers “cheat codes” that enable you to identify the right investors, pitch successfully and confidently.
We’re giving you these “cheat codes,” in the form of tips, guides, templates, videos, live events, and more. Whether you’re at the start or smack dab in the middle raising a round, this course is for you.
Take a Look at Our Instructors
10 Week Cohort-Based Course
What We Cover
Fundraising 101. Do you know where to start? We provide a step-by-step guide for organizing the fundraising process.
Startup Valuation. What are your milestones? What inflection points do you have? Identify gaps in your business plan and dive into SAFE & cap-table math.
Marketing to Investors. What are your marketing tactics? We provide tips for how to grab an investor's attention over email and on social media.
Storytelling & Presence in the Pitch Room. Do you communicate effectively virtually and in person? Learn how to tell a compelling and engaging story in any room with confidence.
Your Ideal Investor. Who is your ideal investor? Know your why and be crystal clear where your dollars will be spent while building an ideal target investor list.
Managing your Fundraising Process & Pipeline. Have you developed your fundraising process and are you tracking investor communications and potential funding sources? Learn how to develop a proven fundraising plan and foster these critical relationships.
Application Criteria
You are a female founder or a female on your startup's executive leadership team
Your company has developed a scalable innovative solution
You are currently fundraising or planning to fundraise in the next 12 months
You've experienced some early traction i.e. raised a round or have equivalent traction through bootstrapping and government grants; are generating revenue; in customer pilots, etc.
You are a member of the Canadian Women's Network
You are able to commit 3-5 hours per week for 10 weeks
Cohort Schedule
Applications Open - July 3rd
Applications Close - September 1st
Shortlisted Companies Notified - Rolling
Cohort 2 - September 19 - November 21st
Additional Course Benefits
Practical Templates
Sort through a library of specific, step-by-step templates, videos, and assignments to educate and guide the fundraising journey.
Investor Directory
Access a growing list of over 100 global investors in our network, categorized by stage, investment focus, cheque size, and more. Identify your ideal investors and build your target outreach list.
Alumni Support
Connect with our previous cohort for support, guidance or advice. Speak with experienced founders who’ve completed the course and are on a similar path.
Curated Community
Gain access to a private social page within our CWN community for course material. Post questions and interact with other members enrolled in the accelerator program.
Networking Opportunities
Gain exclusive first access to our Pathway to Silicon Valley Programs to meet, form connections, and develop long-term relationships in the Bay Area.
Investor Introductions
Purchase our added investor introductions service once you’ve completed the course! Our team will reach out on your behalf to a list of investors that you provide.
Meet Our Instructors
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Delilah Panio
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Vineet Jain
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Joanne Fedeyko
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Lianna Whittleton
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Amy K Musson
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Martina Doleshal
NOTE: CWN does not take any equity and is committed to helping founders be investment ready. Founders will pitch and receive critical feedback and support from our US investor network throughout the program.
Connect With Our Alumni
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Andrea Oh
Founder of Savvy Knowledge
Savvy Knowledge develops Enterprise software solutions for Enterprise training. We help organizations improve the productivity of their employees (and close performance gaps) with more effective skills-based training.
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Andrea Chase
Founder of ProCabby
ProCabby LTD. is a free mobile application connecting licensed, professional Taxi & Limo Chauffeurs with Passengers on demand.
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Jessica McNaughton
Founder of memoryKPR
memoryKPR is a digital platform that enables you to create, co-create, and protect stories.
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Kaylee Astle
Founder of Blanka
Blanka is a platform that helps anyone start a makeup or skincare line by automating the process of branding products.
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Kelsey Hahn
Founder of Monark
Monark is an on-demand, self-led leadership development platform that combines psychology-based learning with a community of practice, democratizing access to leadership development and empowering leaders of all kinds to own their growth anywhere, anytime.
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Corrine Ferguson
Founder of NYX Media Corporation
NYX Corporation is the first female-owned and operated horror platform in the world. NYX offers a deep dive into the subgenres for the horror aficionado, as well as crafting a unique experience for the newest horror fan.
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Sabrina Percher
Founder of AWOS Technologies
AWOS Technologies is a Montreal-based start-up that develops vehicle escape technologies and is a proud member of the Automotive Safety Council.