The goal of the HER Startup program is to support refugee women in Toronto by training them to be empowered economically through two pathways: employment and entrepreneurship.

HER Startup Program

HER Startup (HomERun Refugee Startup) is the first of its kind employment enabled entrepreneurial training and funding opportunity for refugee women. It aims to unlock their potential by providing them with the skills and training they need to maintain and operate their own business! This unique program offers not only training but also incubation, funding, mentorship opportunities, access to top investment organizations, employment readiness, advanced communications support and a dedicated business consultant to help refugee women build their own startups and propel them to success.

Who We Are

HER Startup is a joint venture between the Syrian Canadian Foundation and Jumpstart Refugee Talent. The HER Startup program will be delivered through our partners virtually online.

Program Advantages: Benefits to Joining the HER Startup Program

• Access to funding
• A chance to develop entrepreneurial skills and learn how to own and operate a business in Canada
• Employment readiness and advanced communications support
• Networking opportunities and connections with businesses
• The chance to launch a successful business that will employ refugee women and other visible minorities
• The ability to connect with investors

Please ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements:

• Identify as a woman
• At least 18+ years of age
• Arrived to Canada as a refugee or have refugee status currently living in the GTA
• At least a high school diploma or equivalent education or work experience
• English (CLB level is above 6 or higher)
• Program commitment time: 20 - 25 hours
• Access to laptop/computer

If you would like to learn more about the program, or have any questions, register to attend the informational session below:

Date:  May 27, 2022

Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Time

During this event, you can:

• Learn about the HER Startup Program
• Ask any questions you may have about the program and application process
• Have the HER Startup team assist you with your application

Note: If you need any clarifications, please contact us at herstartup@syriancanadianfoundation.ca

Please note this event is exclusively for women who arrived in Canada as a refugee or have refugee status living in the GTA.

To apply directly to the program, please click here.

Event Itinerary:

1. Welcome and Introduction: Team Ice Breaker (1:00-1:30 PM)

2. Event Breakdown and Agenda: Itinerary Overview (1:30 - 1:45 PM)

3. Info Session Presentation: Project Introduction, Phase Breakdown, Client Eligibility (1:45 - 2: 30 PM)

• Project Introduction
• Phase 1 Intake and Referrals - Application Process
• Phase 2 Training - Workshops, Courses, Consultations
• Phase 3 Incubation - What It Means, Benefits
• Eligibility to Apply

4. Info Session Presentation: Founders and Partners Introduction (2: 30 - 2:45 PM)

5. Q&A Period (2:45 - 3:00 PM)

6. Application Assistance (3:00 - 4:00 PM )