Breaking Barriers: How ELLEvate Empowers Women Entrepreneurs in Quebec
In the dynamic and diverse entrepreneurial landscape of Quebec, women from Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) face a unique set of challenges that necessitate specialized support. The unique challenges women entrepreneurs face include barriers such as limited access to funding, mentorship, and business networks. All these make it difficult for them to launch and scale their ventures. But through targeted support and strategic initiatives, change is happening—one ambitious woman at a time.
Introducing the ELLEvate Women Entrepreneurs Program
That’s where YES Employment + Entrepreneurship’s ELLEvate Women Entrepreneurs program steps in. Since 2019, this initiative has been breaking down systemic barriers, fostering economic empowerment, and equipping women with the skills, resources, and networks needed to thrive in business.
YES Employment + Entrepreneurship (officially registered as Youth Employment Services Foundation) has been a pillar of support for Quebecers seeking employment and entrepreneurial success since 1995. Its commitment to women-focused programming began in 2012, with ELLEvate emerging in 2019 as a vital force for change. Since its inception, the ELLEvate Women Entrepreneurs program has helped more than 1,600 women entrepreneurs to launch or grow their business in Quebec.
Today, ELLEvate is proudly offered in partnership with York University through funding from the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund, administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Since April 2023, this initiative has played a vital role in supporting women entrepreneurs, with the current funding cycle set to conclude on March 31, 2025.
Addressing Key Barriers for Women in Business
Women in business continue to face deep-rooted challenges, including gender bias, underrepresentation in high-growth industries, and difficulty accessing capital. ELLEvate directly addresses these obstacles, offering a suite of resources tailored specifically for women in official language minority communities. Through personalized business coaching, high-impact networking opportunities, and specialized workshops, the program equips participants with the skills and connections needed to bridge these gaps.
Financial barriers remain one of the most pressing issues for women entrepreneurs, particularly in OLMCs. ELLEvate’s Pre-Accelerator program provides a crucial solution, culminating in a pitch competition where participants can secure financial support to scale their businesses. Since its inception, ELLEvate has awarded over $20,000 in funding annually—an investment that fuels growth and sustainability. Beyond financial support, the program empowers women with essential financial literacy skills, helping them navigate the complex landscape of business funding, from grants and loans to investment strategies.
While offering support to women in all industries, ELLEvate is also paving the way for more women to enter high-growth fields like STEM. By offering industry-specific training and tailored resources, the program not only helps individual entrepreneurs but also fosters diversity and innovation in these critical sectors.
Recognizing the realities many women face in balancing business with family responsibilities, ELLEvate also champions work-life balance strategies, ensuring that success doesn’t come at the expense of well-being.
The Power of Community and Mentorship
Another key aspect of entrepreneurial success is the presence of strong mentorship and peer support networks. ELLEvate fosters a thriving community of over 800 women in Quebec, who can connect, share experiences, and support each other, creating an ecosystem that enhances both personal and professional growth.
One standout success story from the ELLEvate program is Jheanelle Bedasse, Co-Founder & Product Development Manager of Maison Cocktail Inc. With a passion for mixology, event planning, and creating unforgettable experiences, Jheanelle developed a business that reflects her deep commitment to creativity, excellence, and client satisfaction.
Through the guidance, coaching, and funding opportunities provided by ELLEvate, including the $10,000 pitch prize award, she refined her business model and scaled her operations, driving the growth of Maison Cocktail Inc. and solidifying her place in the hospitality industry. Maison Cocktail Inc. has gone on to provide their services for the Formula One Grand Prix in Montreal, CBC Montreal, and others. In the past year, they’ve experienced incredible growth, increasing their net profit more than tenfold. Jheanelle’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring women entrepreneurs, showcasing how targeted support can help women overcome challenges and achieve their entrepreneurial goals.
A Movement Toward Economic Equality and Inclusion
Programs like ELLEvate Women Entrepreneurs are more than just business development initiatives—they’re part of a movement toward economic equality, resilience, and inclusion. By addressing systemic challenges and providing tailored support, these programs enable women to break barriers, contribute to the local economy, and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.
As the demand for diverse and inclusive business ecosystems grows, expanding and sustaining initiatives like ELLEvate will be critical in ensuring that women entrepreneurs in OLMCs have the tools, networks, and confidence to succeed. The future of entrepreneurship is female—and programs like ELLEvate are leading the charge.
Get Involved and Learn More
For more information on YES Employment & Entrepreneurship’s ELLEvate program, please click here.
To explore ways to support the YES ELLEvate program, please contact Kathy Slotsve, Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at kslotsve@yesmontreal.ca or 514-904-5290.