Leading Change
YW Calgary is committed to supporting women’s economic prosperity in our city. We want to make Calgary a place where women succeed economically and can prosper – to empower women so that she has what she needs to make the choices she wants.
When women are financially empowered, they are better equipped to exercise control over their lives, improve financial security for themselves and their families, and participate more equitably in the workforce.
Our Women’s Economic Prosperity programs provide women with the tools, knowledge and support to overcome economic disadvantages.
Program Offerings
Navigating Entrepreneurship
YW Calgary offers support to women entrepreneurs, whether new or already established, by providing tailored coaching, business plan training, and mentoring. The program is completely free and will help you develop the necessary skills to successfully launch, manage, and expand your business idea.
Are you looking for a business coach to get you to that next step on your business journey? The PowerUP Ready program offers a flexible 10-week business training for women entrepreneurs ready to start or grow their businesses.
Accepted small businesses will attend a free, intensive ten-week program including interactive lessons provided by trained business coaches, with one-to-one learning provided weekly with an assigned business coach. Upon program completion, graduates will have a professionally developed business plan ready to take to financial institutions.
Activities Include:
• Learn about the business tools and strategies to run and grow a business
• Develop your business’ unique value proposition
• Receive training and support on how to write a Business Plan
• Receive training and support around creating Marketing and Financial plans
Workshops focus on the following training with the outcome of a business plan:
• Business Model Canvas
• Market Research
• Marketing Strategy
• Sales and promoting your business
• Business Operations
• Digital strategies and adoptions
• Financials includes pricing, forecasting, cashflow
• Developing your business pitch.
Participants must be:
- Self-identifying women* who are looking to develop skills.
- Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident
- Able to commit with ten weeks of online and in-person workshops.
Start Date: January 13, 2026
*This program is open to non-binary or gender diverse people. We warmly welcome members of the BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ and Disabled communities. If you have accessibility needs, please contact us to discuss accommodation.
Discover Your Path to Entrepreneurship
Are you curious about self-employment and wondering if entrepreneurship is right for you? PowerUP Explore is a 4-week introductory program designed for women who want to explore the idea of starting their own business.
This program offers interactive assessments and practical training to help you kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
In this program, you’ll learn:
- What self-employment really means—and whether it’s a fit for you
- How to develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Financial basics, including personal budgeting
- And more!
| Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 12 | January 15 | January 19 | January 22 |
| What it’s self-employment, and am I ready for it? | Who is my ideal customer? | How to build an MVP and Stream of Revenue | Financial considerations and your personal budget |
Looking to start a side hustle or grow your existing one? Join us for an exciting 4-part series where we will dive into all things side hustle. From tips on finding your niche to setting up a shop, this series has got you covered. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your side hustle to the next level. Register now!
| Idea Exploration | Pre-Launch | The Money Part | Setting Up Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 20, 2025 | October 27, 2025 | November 3, 2025 | November 10,2025 |
Spanish
| Exploracion de Ideas | Pre-Lanzamiento | El Tema del Dinero | Montando Tu Negocio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Septiembre 29, 2025 | Octubre 6, 2025 | Octubre 13, 2025 | Octubre 20, 2025 |
Questions? Reach Barbara Guzman at bguzman@ywcalgary.ca
Vision to Venture – Business Model Canvas Workshop
Are you an entrepreneur with a passion for innovation? Join us for an exciting, hands-on 1-hour in-person session designed to ignite your creativity and transform your ideas into viable business concepts.
In this interactive workshop, you’ll dive into the Business Model Canvas, exploring its 9 essential pillars. With the guidance of experienced facilitators, you’ll brainstorm and develop new business ideas using giant canvases, making the process dynamic and engaging.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey or looking to enhance your skills, this session will provide you with the tools and motivation needed to turn your vision into a successful venture. Take this opportunity to connect with fellow aspiring entrepreneurs and start your path to success!
What is a Business Model Canvas?
The Business Model Canvas is a simple, visual tool that helps businesses map out their key elements on one page. It outlines who the customers are, what value the business offers, how it reaches and interacts with customers, how it earns revenue, what resources and activities are needed, and the costs involved.
Questions? weprosper@ywcalgary.ca
| Next Dates |
|---|
| March 26, 2025 |
| April 23, 2025 |
| May 28, 2025 |
| June 25, 2025 |
| July 23, 2025 |
| August 27, 2025 |
| September 24, 2025 |
| October 22, 2025 |
| December 17, 2025 |
Vision to Venture – Taller de Business Model Canvas
¿Eres emprendedor con pasión por la innovación? Únete a nosotros en una emocionante y práctica sesión presencial de 1 hora diseñada para encender tu creatividad y transformar tus ideas en conceptos de negocios viables.
En este taller interactivo, explorarás el Business Model Canvas y sus 9 pilares esenciales. Con la guía de facilitadores experimentados, generarás ideas de negocios y las desarrollarás utilizando lienzos gigantes, lo que hará que el proceso sea dinámico y envolvente.
Ya sea que estés comenzando tu camino emprendedor o quieras mejorar tus habilidades, esta sesión te proporcionará las herramientas y la motivación necesarias para convertir tu visión en una empresa exitosa. ¡Aprovecha esta oportunidad para conectar con otros emprendedores y comenzar tu camino hacia el éxito!
¿Qué es el Business Model Canvas?
El Business Model Canvas es una herramienta visual y sencilla que ayuda a las empresas a mapear sus elementos clave en una sola página. Define quiénes son los clientes, qué valor ofrece el negocio, cómo llega e interactúa con ellos, cómo genera ingresos, qué recursos y actividades son necesarios, y los costos involucrados.
¿Preguntas? weprosper@ywcalgary.ca
| Next Dates |
|---|
| May 29th |
Career Acceleration
Steer your career with strength and clarity
Career Compass is a 6-week development experience designed for early-career women ready to take charge of their professional journey. Through a personalized and holistic approach, the program provides practical tools, mentorship, and a supportive community to help participants lead their own growth with intention.
With a focus on career competencies and intentional development, Career Compass empowers women to build clarity, confidence, and credibility—while aligning their journey with their values, strengths, and goals. It’s a space to explore, reflect, and take meaningful steps forward with purpose.
Over 6 weeks, you’ll:
- Develop a compass to guide professional growth – no matter the path
- Connect with a community that champions your development
- Communicate your impact with purpose and strength
About the program:
- Weekly 1.5-hour evening sessions (5:00 – 6:30 PM) designed to build clarity, confidence, and career skills
- Fully online format—join from anywhere, no commute required!
- Includes one personalized coaching session to support your growth and goals
Is this program for you?
This program is for women in the early stages of their careers or navigating a transition.
It’s designed for those who are ready to:
- Take charge of their career path
- Build confidence in their strengths and voice
- Find clarity in their next steps
- Connect with mentors and meaningful networks
- Grow in a supportive, community-led space
If you want to learn more, please email us at weprosper@ywcalgary.ca
| Application Deadline | Start Date |
|---|---|
| January 23, 2026 | January 27, 2026 |
Women Connect is a networking event designed to empower women in careers and entrepreneurship. This event creates a welcoming space to build confidence, share experiences, and make meaningful connections.
With a structured speed networking format, participants can connect comfortably with other professionals and entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and discover new opportunities. Whether you’re advancing your career, growing a business, or simply looking to expand your network, Women Connect offers genuine community and support.
Bring your business cards, come with an ask, or simply take the opportunity to meet inspiring women who share your journey.
Join us to network, collaborate, and grow together.
#BuildingCommunityTogether
When? December 9, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Economic Empowerment
Supports young women in achieving economic empowerment and financial stability.
- Banking products & saving accounts – TFSA, RDSP, RRSP, RESP, etc.
- How to build your credit score & repay debt
- Budgeting.
- Building your assets.
- How consumerism impacts our money.
Interested? Reach out to weprosper@ywcalgary.ca
Modules will cover essential digital and critical thinking skills so participants can protect their security, privacy, reputation, and safety online.
Discover Your Money Mindset and Shape Your Financial Future!
Join our engaging 10-week program to connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals to:
- Explore your financial story and values
- Establish a personalized budget
- Set and action a financial goal
- Build a stronger financial future
About the program:
- Hour-long workshops over lunch tailored to increase knowledge and confidence in personal finances
- A hybrid learning model: join in-person or virtually!
- Minimum 2 customized coaching sessions to get you to your goal!
| Information Session | Application Deadline | Program Start |
|---|---|---|
| TBA | August 29, 2025 | September 3, 2025 |
Questions? weprosper@ywcalgary.ca
Upcoming Events
Women Connect #BuildingCommunityTogether
December 9, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm MST
Vision to Venture – Business Model Canvas Workshop
December 17, 2025 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm MST
PowerUP Explore
January 12, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm MST
PowerUP Ready
January 13, 2026 @ 10:00 am - 12:30 pm MST
Trusted Partners
What Our Participants Have to Say…
Great workshop! Addressing barriers that women face when it comes to financial literacy, empowerment and independence is such a powerful tool.
I will be much more likely to reach out for professional support
around investing following this webinar!
There is nothing out there like HereforYouth, this is an excellent program
that is inclusive and preventative in nature
I learned so many financial tips that I wish I had learned throughout my many years of schooling.
Thank you again!
The Financial Education program was non-judgmental, and the information was easy to understand. Thanks to this program I feel empowered to make good financial decisions and on the road to financial prosperity
Thank you for all of this great info! It was such a pleasure to join.
I hope that this seminar series will be hosted again!!
The HUB facility is a beautiful and well-equipped space
to learn and grow
Resources