PowerUp 

PowerUp Explore

(2 weeks/ 2 times a week) Cohort starts mid-January 2026 – for people who are looking to understand self-employment and if it’s the right fit for them. 2 weeks assessment program about entrepreneurship. 

Explore Self Employment with our expert Business Advisors. 

PowerUp Explore addresses distinct gaps in accessible services/training offering women “discovery” training. 

This program is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs who are exploring the idea of self-employment. Participants will take part in interactive assessments and training sessions with Business Advisors to get them started on their journey to entrepreneurship. 

A few things you will learn: 

• What is Self-Employment and Am I Ready For It? 
• How to Build a MVP (Minimal Viable Product) 
• Financial Considerations and Personal Budgets 
• AND MORE! 

The PowerUp Explore webinars will happen in January, 2026. 

Location: Virtual on Zoom 

PowerUp Ready 

PowerUp Ready (10 weeks/ once a week) Cohort starts end – January 2026 – For people who already have a business or might want to start one and need help writing a business plan and financial and sales forecasting. 
 
Develop your skills to successfully start, run and grow your business. 
 
Are you looking for a business coach to take you to that next step on your business journey?  The PowerUp Ready program offers a flexible 10-week business training for women entrepreneurs ready to start or grow their businesses. 

Small businesses accepted will attend a free, intensive ten-week program including interactive lessons provided by trained business coaches, with one-to-one learning provided weekly with an assigned business coach. Upon program completion, graduates will have a professionally developed business plan ready to take to financial institutions. 

Activities include: 

• Learn about the business tools and strategies to run and grow a business 
• Develop your business’ unique value proposition 
• Receive training and support on how to write a Business Plan 
• Receive training and support around creating Marketing and Financial plans 

Workshops focus on the following training with the outcome of a business plan: 

• Business Model Canvas 
• Market Research 
• Marketing Strategy 
• Sales and promoting your business 
• Business Operations 
• Digital strategies and adoptions 
• Financials includes pricing, forecasting, cash flow 
• Developing your business pitch  

The PowerUp Ready webinars will happen from the end of January 2026 to March 2026.  Location: Virtual on Zoom 

PowerUp Small Business Training  

 Develop your skills to successfully start, run and grow your business!  

YWCA Halifax offers small business training and support for new and existing self-employed women and gender diverse people including one-on-one coaching, business skill development, business plan writing, and networking opportunities.  
 Please use this link to express your interest in participating in one of our cohorts in 2026

Can’t make it to an information session? Join our mailing list to be notified about new program opportunities and session dates!