Visa Canada Announces 10 Grantees for She's Next Grant Programme, Supporting Women-Owned Businesses

Visa Canada has unveiled the 10 beneficiaries of its She's Next Grant Programme, a project aimed at empowering and elevating women-owned businesses across the country. The grant recipients, representing a diverse range of consumer goods and services, were announced on July 12, 2023, showcasing their innovation, job creation, and contribution to economic growth. Each recipient will receive a $10,000 Canadian scholarship and gain admission to York University's accelerated mentoring programme.

Heather Nobes, Head of Marketing at Visa Canada, commended the resilience and innovative spirit of these women entrepreneurs, stating, "These women-owned businesses reflect the resiliency and capacity for innovation in a challenging economic environment that is characteristic of entrepreneurship across Canada." Visa's She's Next Grant Programme is specifically designed to uplift and empower women who are making a difference in their communities while pursuing their passions. The company aims to enable individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive.

According to the recent Small Business Pulse survey conducted by Visa Canada, women-owned firms emphasize the importance of financial support, with 40% of these companies revealing that they have sought or plan to seek additional financing in 2023. Furthermore, 42% of women-owned businesses express concerns about the shortage of financing options available to them.

To date, Visa has awarded a total of $500,000 CAD through the She's Next Grant Programme to 50 women-owned small companies, along with providing extensive counseling hours to female entrepreneurs across Canada. The latest round of awardees comprises:

Barumba Play (Thornhill, Ontario): Barumba Play offers an 11-piece, life-size play sofa that encourages creative play. The company focuses on developing high-quality, open-ended toys that simplify family life and enhance the toy industry.

Goldminds Class (Mississauga, Ontario): Goldminds Class provides research-based, engaging programs that teach children emotional recognition, acceptance, and management. The aim is to equip children with emotional control skills for long-term success.

The Little Yogis Academy (Toronto, Ontario): The Little Yogis Academy delivers a mobile yoga and mindfulness program for children aged 2.5 to 13 in Canada, aiming to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The company collaborates with educational institutions, childcare facilities, non-profits, and for-profit businesses to enhance community health and well-being.

Luna Nectar (Vancouver, BC): Luna Nectar offers a collection of waterless, sustainable hair care and density solutions that challenge the stigma around women's hair loss. The company utilizes naturally occurring active ingredients without any unnecessary fillers or artificial fragrances, ensuring each product is beneficial for the skin and hair.

Mindful Monk (Langley, British Columbia): Mindful Monk was founded in 2020 to support individuals in making healthier dietary choices and leading happier and longer lives.

Sootsoap Supply Co. Ltd. (Coburg, Ontario): Originally developed for the decontamination of firefighters, SOOTSOAP provides a range of industrial-strength, all-natural personal care products that cleanse skin and hair while eliminating odors. The products are designed for use on-site, at home, and during travel.

Tacit (Toronto, Ontario): Tacit is an online gallery and consultancy committed to promoting female creatives in a manner accessible to aspiring art buyers. Addressing the gender gap in the art industry, Tacit aims to increase the representation of women artists, as only 2% of sold artworks are created by women.

The Dough Parlour (Oakville, Ontario): The Dough Parlour manufactures non-toxic play dough with delightful fruity scents, using natural ingredients approved for food use. The product serves as an eco-friendly and health-conscious alternative to store-bought play dough for parents and families.

VG Gourmet Vegetarian Foods Inc. (St. Laurent, Quebec): VG Gourmet is dedicated to providing gourmet, healthier, and better food options. The company prides itself on using pronounceable ingredients and creating plant-based products that prioritize transparency and quality.

Wolfe Co. Apparel and Goods (Huntsville, Ontario): Wolfe Co. Apparel and Goods is a Canadian-based company that produces high-quality casual apparel. Known for its commitment to domestic manufacturing, Wolfe Co. has gained popularity both domestically and internationally.

Visa's dedication to supporting Canadian businesses is exemplified through initiatives like the She's Next Grant Programme and the Visa Canada Small Business Hub. These programs provide resources and solutions to help small businesses improve efficiency, combat fraud, and boost sales through e-commerce, digital payments, marketing, and more.

Visa's investment in women-owned businesses underscores the company's commitment to fostering an inclusive and thriving entrepreneurial landscape in Canada.