From Vision to Funding: Women Entrepreneur Growth with The Elleiance Network
In a recent episode of the Proof It’s Possible podcast, hosts Dayle Sheehan and Jamie Francis sat down with Erin Sisko, founder of The Elleiance Network, to talk about what it really takes for women entrepreneurs in Canada to thrive. From overcoming imposter syndrome to redefining networking and breaking funding barriers, Erin shares how she turned her corporate career into a national movement empowering women to build, scale, and fund their dreams.
This conversation is a must-listen for Canadian women entrepreneurs who are ready to stop waiting for permission and start creating powerful connections that drive impact.
Listen to Spotify Here
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Building a Network that Empowers Women Entrepreneurs
At its heart, The Elleiance Network is about connection, collaboration, and capital. Erin shared how the idea began with a simple question: “What if women had a space to grow together without competition, without hierarchy, and without apology?”
Since that first mastermind table in 2019, the network has expanded across 12 Canadian cities, supporting women through business masterminds, local meetups, and national mentorship programs. Each chapter of The Elleiance Network helps women move from isolation to collaboration, turning community into their most powerful business strategy.
As Erin reminds listeners, “You can’t build a scalable business alone, your network is your launchpad.”
Action Over Perfection: Erin’s Journey from Corporate to Community
Before founding The Elleiance Network, Erin worked in commercial banking, where she spent years funding businesses but quickly noticed something was missing: women.
“I realized I was only funding men,” Erin shared. “And I wanted to know why.” That realization sparked her mission to change how women access funding and support in Canada.
Her advice to women entrepreneurs? Action is the antidote to self-doubt. Erin explains that success doesn’t come from perfect plans but from consistent movement, reaching out, taking chances, and saying yes even when it feels uncomfortable.
“Forward motion builds confidence,” she says. “Every email, every conversation, every opportunity to show up counts.”
Redefining Networking as Relationship Building
One of Erin’s most powerful takeaways from the episode was about reframing networking.
For many women, networking feels intimidating or transactional but The Elleiance Network is built on the belief that true success happens through relationship building.
“It’s not about handing out business cards,” Erin said. “It’s about creating one meaningful relationship at a time.”
This philosophy has shaped how the network operates, encouraging members to connect authentically, share resources generously, and collaborate instead of compete. In Erin’s words, “Collaboration is the new growth currency.”
Funding the Unfunded: Inside the Capital Elle Business Impact Award
As part of her mission to close the funding gap, Erin launched the Capital Elle Business Impact Award, an initiative of The Elleiance Network designed to support Canadian women entrepreneurs who are too often overlooked by traditional funding systems.
The 2025 Capital Elle Business Impact Award offered $50,000 in cash and services to 10 Canadian women entrepreneurs building powerful businesses in underfunded industries: creative, service-based, and social impact.
Applications officially closed last week on October 28, 2025, and the excitement continues to build with upcoming key dates:
Top 10 Announced: November 13, 2025
Finalist Videos Due: November 20, 2025
Winners Announced: November 27, 2025
Erin describes the award as “a movement to fund innovation where it’s always existed but rarely acknowledged.”
If you missed this year’s award, don’t worry! Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on future funding opportunities, business resources, and the next Capital Elle Business Impact Awards coming next year!
Final Takeaway: Collaboration, Confidence & Capital
In Proof It’s Possible, Erin Sisko and the hosts remind listeners that success isn’t a solo mission, it’s a community effort.
Through The Elleiance Network, women across Canada are finding mentorship, financial support, and the confidence to take bold action toward their dreams.
If you’re ready to connect with other women who understand your journey, join the network, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on funding opportunities, business growth tools, and the next Capital Elle Business Impact Awards.
Because when women are properly capitalized, everything changes.
🎧 Listen + Connect
Proof It’s Possible Podcast
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