ELLA Express

Early-stage women founders often need practical guidance and a supportive network just as much as capital when turning an idea into a viable business. ELLA Express was created for entrepreneurs who are preparing to launch or have recently launched and want to build strong foundations from day one. Delivered by York University and powered by Desjardins, this program focuses on helping women entrepreneurs in Ontario and across Canada gain the confidence, skills, and clarity needed to move forward with purpose.

Rather than a traditional funding-only program, ELLA Express offers hands-on, non-repayable support through a flexible, self-paced accelerator experience. Participants work through a series of online workshops covering core startup essentials such as business models, marketing fundamentals, sales funnels, operations, finance, pitching, and website optimization. Along the way, founders receive expert feedback and are encouraged to test assumptions, refine their ideas, and better understand why customers need their product or service. The program is especially well suited to startups that value learning, experimentation, and thoughtful decision-making early in their journey.

A key strength of ELLA Express is its inclusive community of women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and industries. Through peer connections and networking opportunities, participants can form partnerships and relationships that extend well beyond the program itself. For founders exploring whether this accelerator aligns with their goals, diving deeper into the program details can help clarify the next step.