YSpace, York University’s innovation hub, has partnered with York Region to launch the new ELLA Incubator program, an initiative designed to empower aspiring women entrepreneurs in the technology industry by offering essential resources and mentorship to help them grow and scale their business ventures beyond their launch.
YSpace ELLA was created to support women entrepreneurs in launching and growing their businesses. Since 2020, it has achieved significant success, supporting over 150 women entrepreneurs in raising over $10 million in capital, generating over $20 million in revenue and creating numerous jobs.
The ELLA Incubator program is part of YSpace’s broader Project JumpSTART initiative, which focuses on driving economic development and innovation within York Region. The collaborative effort brings together YSpace, the Schulich School of Business’s Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, the Treefrog Accelerator and York Region to foster a supportive environment for entrepreneurs.
The new program is membership based, offering participants access to networking events, educational workshops and webinars, regular check-ins with advisors and more.
“Our goal is to provide women entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship and community they need to achieve their business aspirations,” says Nicole Troster, ELLA entrepreneurship manager. “The ELLA Incubator is dedicated to create an environment where innovative ideas can flourish.”
David Kwok, director of entrepreneurship and innovation at YSpace, adds: “The ELLA Incubator program represents our commitment to fostering innovation, supporting women entrepreneurs.”
The ELLA Incubator is part of YSpace’s broader mission to cultivate a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering collaboration between industry leaders and emerging entrepreneurs. This program is now open to women entrepreneurs in the technology sector, with a primary focus on companies that are based in or looking to expand into York Region.
To learn more about the ELLA Incubator program and how to apply, visit YSpace’s ELLA Incubator web page.