Dare to be Different: Finding your way in a Crowded Market

When the market is crowded, clarity is what sets you apart.

Many women and non-binary entrepreneurs struggle not because their work lacks value, but because their position in the market isn’t clear to themselves or to others.

They ask:

• Where do I actually fit in this landscape?
• What do I want to be known for?
• How do I differentiate without becoming inauthentic or gimmicky?

Dare to Be Different is a two-part strategic positioning and branding workshop designed to help you intentionally define where your business stands, who it serves, and why that position matters in a crowded market.

This workshop focuses on sense-making, strategic choice, and alignment—so your brand communicates with clarity and purpose.

What You’ll Work On

Through structured facilitation, guided exercises, and collaborative reflection, you will:

• Clarify your strategic position within your market and ecosystem
• Define who your work is truly for and where you create the most value
• Identify what differentiates your business in meaningful, defensible ways
• Articulate a clear positioning narrative that explains why you exist and why you matter
• Align your brand, messaging, and decision-making around this position

This is not about standing out for attention, it’s about standing firmly in a position you can consistently own.

Who This Workshop Is For

This workshop is for women and non-binary entrepreneurs who:

• Are questioning how to differentiate without becoming someone they’re not
• Want their brand to reflect their values, not just their offerings
• Are at a moment of growth, transition, or redefinition
• Want clarity before making their next big move

You don’t need to rebrand overnight, you need a clearer sense of direction.

What The Program Will Look Like

This is a hands-on, reflective working space, not a lecture.

Two Core Workshop Sessions: January 14 & 28, 2026 | 1:00–4:00 p.m. AST

These sessions guide you through:

• Understanding your market context and competitive landscape
• Making deliberate positioning choices
• Translating strategy into a clear brand foundation

Group Coaching & Integration Sessions: January 15, 22 & 29 | 1:00–2:00 p.m. AST

These sessions support:

• Deeper reflection and sense-making
• Refinement of your brand language
• Integration of insights into your day-to-day work
• Learning alongside peers navigating similar challenges

Facilitated by: DLM Consulting

Led by Laurissa and Lauren—strategic collaborators with deep experience in community leadership, organizational culture, and systems change.

• Laurissa is a creative builder of thriving communities, amplifying authentic voice and connection.
• Lauren is a visionary strategist who helps bold ideas take shape and drive collective progress.

Together, they guide entrepreneurs to turn reflection into action and vision into momentum.

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About the Start Now Incubator

An ONSIDE project, The Start Now Incubator supports Canadian women entrepreneurs trying to build or grow a business, with a focus and commitment to rural, indigenous, diverse, and underserved women. Within a hybrid community of intersectional women, you’ll unearth renewed confidence and tactics to help you start and grow your dream business.

With funding and support from the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Fund (WES), Start Now Incubator will strengthen capacity and address ecosystem gaps for diverse populations of women entrepreneurs, including rural and underserved women.

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About ONSIDE

A community accelerator empowering rural and underrepresented groups through inclusive innovation-driven entrepreneurship and collective impact.

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