Transformational Change for Women-led Business
Do you have questions about applying for Rhyze Ventures?
Applications are now closed. Sign up below to receive email updates about the Rhyze Ventures program.
When we refer to “women entrepreneurs” this includes ALL women. Innovation Guelph recognizes the vast spectrum of gender diversity and as such programming is inclusive. Admittedly, our learning of inclusive language continues to evolve and we are committed to EDI attitudes and practices.
Push your leadership & your business to the next level
Rhyze Ventures is a custom-designed program created by women entrepreneurs, for women entrepreneurs. We have crafted a balance of in-class learning, practical hands-on project work, mentorship, and peer-to-peer networking to address your biggest business challenges, push your boundaries, and see you through to implementation.
“This has been an amazing experience and I can say with 100% confidence that we’d be nowhere close to where we sit now without the education and support we’ve received from the Rhyze Ventures Program. You believed in us last year when we only had a name and an idea – and I can’t wait to prove to you all that that belief wasn’t wasted.”
Jennifer Prendergast, The Expert Talk, Scalable Business Stream Cohort 2
“The program is well-organized and comprehensive, offering group and one-on-one support. Rhyze has clearly figured out the many dimensions an entrepreneur needs for support…I’ve grown in my identity and confidence as an entrepreneur…During this time of COVID, it was a stable place I could come back to as I navigated and pivoted my business.”
Heather Warren, Blossoming Heart Guidance, Small Business Stream Cohort 2
Successful applicants are placed into one of our three streams that best suits their business type, sector, challenges, and goals:
SMALL BUSINESS
- New and established businesses
- Focused on local/regional markets.
- Growing or refining your product or service
- Service or product focused
- This stream is hosted by the Business Centre Guelph Wellington, with over 20 years of experience in starting and growing local small businesses
Scalable Business
- New and established businesses
- Focused on STEM, Agri-Innovation & Cleantech sectors
- Growth and/or export-oriented
- Service or product focused
- This stream is hosted by Innovation Guelph; fostering innovation in Guelph since 2011, specializing in high-potential startups and small to medium-sized enterprises ready to scale.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
- New and established businesses
- Local, regional, or global markets
- Committed to using business to solve social or environmental problems
- This stream is hosted by the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, which has helped businesses grow in Waterloo Region since 2005 and supported by GreenHouse, a community for innovators who want to create social and environmental change
Facilitated classes led by industry and research specialists covering the psychology of success, leadership skills, marketing, accessing capital, finance, decision making, operations, negotiation, conflict resolution and more!
Rhyze Ventures Core Components:
Here’s how it works:
Course Dates and Locations:
Helping Women Entrepreneurs Succeed and Grow
This white paper examines the state of entrepreneurship among women. In recent years, entrepreneurialism has been increasing. In Canada, government statistics suggest that, on average, 96,580 businesses were created annually between 2013-2017 (Government of Canada, 2020). In the United States, the number of new businesses emerging in 2020 stands at 4.35 million in 2020 (Oberlo, n.d.). Given such growth potential, “studies show that by advancing gender equality and women’s participation in the economy, Canada could add up to $150 billion in GDP” (FedDev, 2022).
A NOTE ABOUT COVID-19: In response to COVID19, Rhyze Ventures program delivery has been altered for the safety of clients, mentors, staff and industry specialists. While the program had began with in-class sessions and 1:1 meetings, we have pivoted to the online environment.
All education (former classroom sessions) have been moved to Zoom with special attention given to participatory best practices. Group networking have shifted to stream and group check-ins and project work is moving ahead nicely with industry specialists and advisors connecting with clients virtually. Clients and mentors are also meeting virtually. Flexibility and agility have been relied upon to accommodate the current situation and the safety of all will be our priority as we move into the post-COVID timeframe.
Here’s what you can expect from the program:
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Classes led by carefully selected subject matter experts and seasoned business leaders
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Small group mentorship meetings with a carefully matched mentor invested in assisting with your professional and leadership development
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Hands-on project work with industry specialists to help you develop and implement a tailor-made project to move your business forward
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Building networks with like-minded women, who are up to big things in this world, that can last a lifetime
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The chance to pitch for cash awards or investments
The next cohort will run from May 2022 to January 2023. Apply online from February 1 to 28, 2022
For further inquiries, please email us at rhyzeventures@innovationguelph.ca
The richness of this program is made possible thanks to collaboration and contribution from all partners:
