The Forum Founder’s Circle
Presented by
For entrepreneurs navigating their high-growth path
You have a vision for the next stage of your business and you’re looking for a strategy to activate it and overcome obstacles.
If you are seeking the financial, community, and/or wisdom capital to build and execute your roadmap to smart and sustainable growth, this program could be a fit for you.
Expect to leave feeling supported by a circle of peers, and equipped with tangible tools for your next phase of growth. Your new community of specialized experts will be available after the program as well.
The Forum Founder’s Circle program has been funded in part through the Women's Entrepreneurship Strategy administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
With so much happening at once, it can be difficult to create a strategic plan
At this turning point in your business, you may be asking yourself:
What I did before no longer works; what should I be doing differently?
Is the team I started with the same team that will take us to the next level?
Who, really, is my ideal client?
Should I consider scaling back in order to grow?
When you’re operating at this stage, you’re constantly challenged to improve your business and reach the next level of sustainable growth. This calls for a new caliber of expertise, guidance and strategy – which is where The Forum Founder’s Circle comes in.
In collaboration with TD, we created this program to address the needs of entrepreneurs facing the unique challenges and opportunities that come with business expansion.
Members will participate in six 2-hour virtual sessions over five months
Throughout the sessions, you will:
Access a deeply supportive community of peers and specialized experts who will advise and support you during and after the program
Find solutions to business challenges with entrepreneurs and experienced advisors who understand your needs
Build a growth plan that addresses key opportunities and challenges, and identify a strategy to achieve these goals
Be equipped with tangible tools to unlock your next phase of growth
Learn how to prioritize emotional profits alongside financial profits (while maintaining a viable business and achieving your financial goals!)
The session topics include, but are not limited to, optimizing cash flow, planning personal and business wealth, tax planning, and team expansion.
Who is eligible for The Forum Founder’s Circle?
You are eligible to apply if you’re a self-identifying woman, non-binary or trans-femme founder or majority owner/equal owner and a key decision maker in the business, or leading an Indigenous band- or community-owned business with operations in Canada. You must also be a legal resident of Canada.
You are eligible to apply if your business:
Earned $1M+ in annual revenue in the last fiscal year
Has been in operation for at least 3 years
Has at least one other full-time employee
Has experienced growth and you are seeking a strategy to help plan and navigate your next stage of growth
We invite women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs, especially Black and Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals to apply.
Have questions about your eligibility? Email nolizwe@theforum.ca for support!
When is this program?
To give you time to apply your learnings, 2-hour live sessions will take place every four to six weeks.
The Virtual Kickoff will take place on January 31, 2024 at 10:00am PT | 1:00pm ET.
The next six sessions also take place at 10:00am PT | 1:00pm ET and fall on the following dates:
February 7, March 13, April 10, May 15, June 5, June 19, 2024
What’s Included:
- Program sessions: 1 virtual cohort kickoff, and 6 corresponding live sessions from February - June 2024
- Wisdom & Community Capital: Participant workbook, ongoing access to advisors & experts, and opportunities to connect and network amongst peers
- Personalized support: Additional surveys, and regular check-in calls post-program
How does pricing work?
Pricing is offered on a sliding scale. You choose the price point on the scale that works best for you.
We are a Registered Canadian Charity and, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and faculty, we are able to offer tuition on a sliding scale. This allows you to choose a price point that makes the course accessible to you.
We offer payment plans for all pricing options. We ask you consider your access to cash as a result of your combined business, personal and family finances when choosing your price.
The value of Founder’s Circle is $995 per participant.
I don’t have access to $395 to pay for this program
$395
$545
$695
$845
$995
$
You need a higher level of bursary support (limited number available).
You have access to very limited and tight cash flow.
You have access to limited cash flow and limited budgets for personal development.
You have access to limited or inconsistent cash flow.
You have access to fairly consistent cash flow.
You have access to strong, consistent cash flow.
$
I don’t have access to $395 to pay for this program
You need a higher level of bursary support (limited number available).
$395
You have access to very limited and tight cash flow.
$545
You have access to limited cash flow and limited budgets for personal development.
$695
You have access to limited or inconsistent cash flow.
$845
You have access to fairly consistent cash flow.
$995
You have access to strong, consistent cash flow.
Program Chair
Shannon Pestun (she/her)
Co-Founder of The Finance Cafe, CEO of Pestun Consulting,
Senior Advisor for Business and Finance for Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
Shannon is a proud Cree Mėtis woman entrepreneur and courageous leader who is breaking barriers to advancing an inclusive and sustainable economy. She is committed to bolstering Indigenous economic prosperity and wellness by driving regional economic growth and bringing an Indigenous-centered approach to her work.
Shannon was one of the first women in the country to lead a women’s banking strategy and one of the seven women appointed to serve on Canada’s women entrepreneurship expert panel. She is recognized for creating innovative funding models and solutions that challenge the status quo.
Founder’s Circle is made possible by both our sponsors & partners
Our enormous thanks to them for their generosity.
Presenting Sponsor
TD, the Presenting Sponsor, is a longtime supporter of The Forum, and a champion for self-identifying women, non-binary and trans-femme entrepreneurs across Canada, sponsoring pivotal programs like The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale.
With access to TD’s seasoned advisors, Founder’s Circle participants will be able to identify new avenues of growth, tackle challenges, and set themselves up for long-term success.
The Forum Founder’s Circle program has been funded in part through the Women's Entrepreneurship Strategy administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I apply to The Forum Founder’s Circle?
The Forum Founder’s Circle provides access to seasoned advisors. These experts will guide you strategically as you navigate your growth and take your business to the next level.
You’ll also have the opportunity to build impactful relationships with other high-growth entrepreneurs as you connect with and learn from one another in each session.
Not only will you be able to access personalized feedback and advice from experts who understand the needs of high-growth entrepreneurs, but you’ll learn from the real stories of your peers who’ve overcome challenges that you’re likely to encounter.
We invite women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs, especially Black and Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals to apply.
What will I walk away with?
By the time you complete the program, you’ll leave with:
- Greater clarity
- An understanding of how to action your next steps toward smart growth
- A community that will fiercely support you as you continue to reach your milestones
Who is the program for? What stage of business should I be at?
This program is designed for self-identified women, non-binary or trans-femme entrepreneurs leading a quickly growing business. You are eligible to apply if you are a legal resident of Canada and are:
- A self-identified woman, non-binary or trans-femme founder or majority owner/equal owner and a key decision maker leading a high-growth business ($1M+ in annual revenue in the last fiscal year, in operation for at least 36 months, has at least one other full-time employee, and expanding fast).
- A self-identified woman, non-binary or trans-femme manager or staff member who is a key decision maker in an Indigenous band- or community-owned business.
What are the dates of the Live Sessions?
The program will begin with a virtual cohort kickoff. Following this, to give participants time to apply their learnings as they grow, 2-hour real-time virtual sessions will take place every four to six weeks.
The virtual kickoff takes place on January 31, 2024 at 10:00am-12:00pm PT, 1:00-3:00pm ET.
The six program sessions take place at 10:00am-12:00pm PT, 1:00-3:00 pm ET and will fall on the following dates:
- February 7, 2024
- March 13, 2024
- April 10, 2024
- May 15, 2024
- June 5, 2024
- June 19, 2024
What flexibility do you offer with payment schedules?
Our goal is to ensure financial resources aren't a barrier to your participation.
We recognize that systemic marginalization has meant that wealth has not been equitably distributed or accessible in the same way for everyone. We also understand the cash flow realities of running a business and that cost can be a barrier to participation.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors, The Forum Founder's Circle pricing is offered on a sliding scale. If accepted into the program, we encourage you to enroll at the price point that works best for you.
How do I enroll?
Applications are now closed. Join the waitlist to learn when applications open again.
How is this program delivered?
Everything is done virtually, so you can participate no matter where in the world you are. Please note, though, that sessions will not be recorded.
What are the technical requirements?
To participate, you’ll need access to a computer with stable internet access and a webcam for group video sessions. You will also need access to the following platforms online:
- Zoom for real-time video sessions
- Slack for connecting with our Community
What types of accessibility accommodations or resources are available in the program?
If there are any concerns or requests for specific accessibility accommodations please contact nolizwe@theforum.ca and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Can I get a refund?
Please see our full Terms & Conditions here.
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