We leave no woman behind
The Forum works with our corporate partners, donors, and supports to ensure all women are able to access the resources they need to thrive.
Additionally, in 2020, the Giustra Foundation Bursary Fund was established: a multi-year fund that was set up to ensure all women entrepreneurs could access our education & resources.
What is the Giustra Foundation Bursary Fund for Women Entrepreneurs?
In October of 2020, the Frank Giustra Bursary Fund for Women Entrepreneurs was launched as a multi-year, $150,000 fund to ensure that all women entrepreneurs could access the education and resources The Forum provides.
We’re able to use these funds to support women who are financially unable to participate in our programming and we are so incredibly grateful to The Giustra Foundation & Frank Giustra for their incredible donation and investment in women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility & process
We recognize that systemic marginalization means that wealth has not been equitably distributed or accessible in the same way for everyone. We also understand the realities of running a business and that cost can be a barrier to participation.
If program fees are a barrier for you, we at The Forum, along with The Giustra Bursary Fund for Women Entrepreneurs are committed to ensure you can participate in our paid programs.
Who can access this opportunity?
If you are a Canadian self-identifying woman entrepreneur who has limited access to financial resources, you are eligible to receive program-specific bursaries.
How do I access this opportunity?
E-Series Program: We are able to offer program fees on a sliding scale. This allows you to choose a price point that makes the program accessible to you, based on your unique circumstances. The discount received on the full price will correspond to your program subsidy. Whatever tier you’re able to invest in, we are here for you and want to see you thrive. For any questions, please email Erika Thomas, Program + Community Manager, erika@theforum.ca
Mentor Program: If you would like to receive access to a partial bursary, please complete the Mentee application form and you will find all the information on the form. If you have any questions, please email mentor@theforum.ca.
How to contribute
Want to help grow the fund?
We actively encourage contributions from any other individuals, corporations, or foundations who want to help grow this fund. The women entrepreneurs who are able to access Forum programming create stronger, more resilient businesses & communities and we are passionate about helping more of them get the resources they need to thrive.
If you’d like to contribute, contact Lisa Niemetscheck, Director of Corporate Sponsorship, by email or by phone at 604-262-0708.