We're bringing you the actionable insights and strategic connections you need to close out the year strong! This month, we're building on the foundation we laid in October by focusing on education, empowerment, and access to capital - the core ingredients for a robust ecosystem.
In terms of capital access, we're excited to share the latest federal commitments from Budget 2025, including the $750 million dedicated to supporting early-stage Canadian firms and the $1 billion Venture and Growth Capital Catalyst Initiative (VGCCI), which aims to strengthen the later-stage capital pipeline. This demonstrates clear movement in expanding access to critical funding!
Finally, mark your calendar for a great start to the new year: Western Angels' Demo Day on January 20, 2026. This is an exclusive opportunity for angel investors and VCs to witness five to eight top Western entrepreneurs pitch for investments ranging from $100K up to $5M.
Thank you for being an active part of the WFW mission. Let's make November a month of strategic growth!
With gratitude,
Lara, Deborah & Sherry
Co-founders, Women Funding Women
PS: Our mission thrives on collective action. Is there someone in your network who would gain value from the events in this newsletter? Invite them!
From Hiring to Firing: What Every Startup Needs to Know to be Investor Ready - Legal Workshop
Gain insights and advice from Osler experts, Kelly O’Ferrall, Partner, Employment & Labour, and Summer Danakas, Associate, Employment & Labour.
When
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 @ 10:00am PST / 1:00pm EST
What to Expect
Discover how to distinguish employees from independent contractors, approaches to hiring “interns,” the essentials of well‑drafted employment agreements, and core compliance obligations under employment standards, human rights, and occupational health and safety laws.
Learn how to reduce misclassification risk, “get the paperwork right,” and navigate common pitfalls to support compliant, scalable growth.
We're passionate about increasing investment in Canadian women-led ventures, and nothing inspires action like hearing directly from remarkable women founders and investors.
We’re seeking Scotiabank clients to register to be featured in The Spotlight | Women Who Found & Fund. Lend your voice to a platform that drives real change.
As a successful consumer products entrepreneur turned impactful angel investor, Kathryn From is actively shaping Canada's entrepreneurial ecosystem by backing the next generation of women-led ventures. .
Financial empowerment through education - for startup founders who are looking to raise capital.
Whether you're navigating your first round or exploring strategies for growth, this series is tailored to provide actionable insights, expert guidance, and the tools you need to succeed in the fundraising process.
How to Ask for Capital (& Actually Get It)
November 12th
How to Spot Red & Green Flags in a Founder (& Investor!)
Budget 2025 committed $750 million to a new strategy aimed at supporting early-stage Canadian firms that face funding gaps. Additionally, the government announced the $1 billion Venture and Growth Capital Catalyst Initiative (VGCCI). The VGCCI will build on previous programs (VCAP and VCCI) to strengthen the later-stage capital pipeline, leveraging private investment (including pension funds) and supporting emerging fund managers and key sectors like life sciences.
Celebrating women-identifying and equity-seeking leaders, entrepreneurs, and allies across Canada who demonstrate bold leadership, measurable impact, community contribution, and a commitment to visibility and equity.
This four-part conversation series is open to accredited Canadian investors curious how gender lens investing (GLI) can strengthen portfolios, improve risk-adjusted returns and create meaningful positive impact at multiple levels.
As well as insights and inspiration, the aim is to equip investors with highly practical tools and tips to apply to their investing process. All participants will also become part of Spring's investor community with access to our dealflow, community of investors and founders, as well as exclusive invitations to events and upcoming activities.
Connecting emerging Western University entrepreneurs with visionary investors to forge fresh connections and power a new generation of great companies. Witness five to eight up-and-coming founders pitch asks ranging from $100K up to $5M (or in-kind support). Seats are reserved exclusively for angel investors and VCs to facilitate high-value investment opportunities.
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