APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

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APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

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APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN - APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN -

The 2025 Capital Elle Business Impact Award

This Isn’t Just an Award. It’s a New Era of Funding.

The Capital Elle Business Impact Award is here to flip the script on who gets funded in Canada — and why.

Backed by 29 partners and led by Erin Sisko, founder of The Elleiance Network, this national initiative will award $50,000 in cash and services to 10 Canadian women entrepreneurs building powerful businesses in the country’s most underfunded industries.

  • Creative.

  • Service-based.

  • Social impact.

If you've ever been told no, this might be your yes.

Key Dates

  • Applications Open: September 2, 2025

  • Applications Close: October 28, 2025

  • Top 10 Announced: November 13, 2025

  • Finalist Videos Due: November 20, 2025

  • Winners Announced: November 27, 2025

Why We Created This Business Impact Award

After a decade in commercial banking, Erin Sisko realized she was only funding men.

She left the bank and built something better — a network, a movement, and now, a funding initiative for women entrepreneurs who are often denied the support they deserve.

The Capital Elle Business Impact Award was created to fund innovation where it’s always existed — but rarely acknowledged.

This award is not for polished pitch decks or “safe” business models.

It’s for founders who’ve been told to have their husband co-sign.

… Who’ve been denied funding for not fitting into a checklist.

… Who’ve built their business anyway.

We’re done asking for permission.

We’re building our own table — and you’re invited to take a seat.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

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APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

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APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN - APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN -

Who Should Apply

This award is for you if:

  • You own 50% or more of a legally registered Canadian business

  • You’ve faced barriers to funding because your business is in a creative, service-based, or social impact industry (or have been denied funding before)

  • You’ve been overlooked, underestimated, or told no — and you’re ready to be recognized

  • You are a visionary founder building something real, meaningful, and ready for growth

You do not need to be incorporated.

You do not need previous funding experience.

And you do not need to pay to apply.

The Prize Packages

We’re awarding $50,000 in total value to 10 women entrepreneurs, including:

  • 1st Place — $25,000 prize package

  • 2nd Place — $10,000 prize package

  • 3rd Place — $5,000 prize package

  • Finalists (Top 10) — $1,300 prize package each

This is a non-repayable, non-dilutive award.

No strings attached.

Just funding, recognition, and community.

How To Apply

or Nominate

How to Apply

Applications are now open! Click the Apply button to access the full application form.

The form consists of 20 questions — 17 are multiple-choice, covering your business, growth stage, customer base, and funding history.

The remaining 3 questions are long-form questions about your story, impact, and vision.

This award is about more than numbers — we want to hear the heart behind your business.

Nominate a Founder

Some of the most incredible women won’t apply unless someone tells them they should.

Use our simple nomination form to spotlight a founder you believe in. We’ll send them a one-time invitation to apply. If they’re interested, they’ll take it from there.

Nominate a business bestie. A fellow Entrepreneur you admire. A client. A colleague.

Let’s make sure no woman is gatekept from an opportunity like this.

Key Dates

Applications Open: September 2, 2025.

Applications Close: October 28, 2025.

Top 10 Announced: November 13, 2025.

Finalist Videos Due: November 20, 2025

Winners Announced: November 27, 2025

How The Elleiance Network Involved

The Capital Elle Business Impact Award is powered by The Elleiance Network — a Canadian mastermind network for women entrepreneurs.

We believe in social capital, collaboration, and women funding women.

As a member of Elleiance, you’ll gain access to strategic mentorship, curated mastermind groups, and powerful programming that helps Canadian women grow bold, profitable, impactful businesses.

Award Bonus for Members

4 of the 10 award spots are reserved for Elleiance members. Members also receive bonus points in the judging rubric.

You don’t need to be a member to apply — but it’s worth considering.

FAQs

  • This is not a loan nor an investment. This is a non-repayable, non-dilutive grant. You keep 100% ownership.

  • No, but members receive added benefits, including reserved spots and scoring bonuses.

  • Yes. You provide their name and email, and we send one respectful invitation to apply.

    We also encourage YOU to apply!

  • No. As long as your business is legally registered in Canada, you're eligible.

  • Creative, service-based, and social impact — or any industry where you've been denied funding due to not fitting traditional investor frameworks.

  • Absolutely not. This award is free to apply. Removing barriers is the whole point.

Meet Our 2025 Award Sponsors

Silver & Promotional Partners

  • TD Bank

    https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking

    TD Bank is a leading North American financial institution, serving over 27 million customers. TD offers a range of banking services, including personal, small business, and commercial banking. Through its Women in Enterprise (WE) initiative, TD supports women entrepreneurs by providing education, training, and networking opportunities. TD’s WE Bankers are trained to recognize unconscious gender bias, helping break barriers for women-owned businesses. TD fosters inclusive growth by connecting, and empowering women in business.

  • The Social Snippet

    https://thesocialsnippet.com/

    The Social Snippet is a social media and podcasting agency based in Waterloo, Ontario, helping entrepreneurs and small businesses grow their digital communities and expand their reach. Offering services such as social media management, podcast production, and content sprints, The Social Snippet works closely with clients to create values-led strategies that build engaged audiences allowing business owners to focus on their core operations while ensuring that their online presence reflects their unique brand and goals.

  • Manroc

    https://manroc.com/

    Manroc Developments Inc., located in Manitouwadge, Ontario, is a leading underground mining contractor specializing in the Alimak mining method. With over 30 years of experience, Manroc provides services such as Alimak raising, lateral development, and underground construction. The company has completed projects worldwide, setting industry standards for safety, innovation, efficiency, and operational excellence. Manroc is committed to excellence in all aspects of underground mining and sustainable practices.

  • Thunder Bay Hydraulics

    https://www.thunderbayhydraulics.com/

    Thunder Bay Hydraulics, established in 1969, manufactures hydraulic and pneumatic components for industries like mining, forestry, and manufacturing. Specializing in custom design, engineering, and fabrication of industrial cylinders and materials handling equipment, the company ensures quality workmanship on every project. Based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Thunder Bay Hydraulics supports businesses in Northern Ontario with tailored solutions, exceptional service, and a commitment to innovation and safety.

  • Start with Hannah

    https://www.startwithhannah.com/

    Start with Hannah, founded by Hannah Schwartz, offers strategic consulting, networking, and events for entrepreneurs and business owners. Trusted by major brands like TD Bank, GoodLife Fitness, and Uber, Start with Hannah bridges the gap between ambition and opportunity. The services help entrepreneurs scale their businesses, fostering collaboration and growth through a global network of professionals and resources. Start with Hannah is more than just a service; it’s a thriving community.

  • SPRINGSS

    https://springss.systems/home

    SPRINGSS partners with entrepreneurs to provide strategic execution support, helping transform potential into reality. Services include Fractional COO & Marketing Partnerships, Business Planning, and Social Media Strategy & Training. With a client-centric approach, SPRINGSS streamlines operations and marketing so founders can stay focused on their vision. By delivering tailored solutions that drive growth and efficiency, SPRINGSS empowers businesses to scale with confidence and turn ideas into impactful, sustainable ventures.

In-Kind Partners

  • Barb Davies

    https://barbdavies.com/

    Barb Davies helps women achieve transformational mindset shifts by releasing limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging patterns. As a certified hypnotherapist, psychotherapist, and coach, she supports clients in overcoming subconscious barriers to personal growth.

  • Baits Global Inc. (MarketingVerse)

    https://truemarketingverse.com

    MarketingVerse, a division of BAITS Global Inc., provides digital marketing solutions for women-owned businesses and tech companies. They offer content & copy services, marketing consulting, and paid campaigns, empowering clients to focus on their craft.

  • Thrive Accounting

    https://thriveaccounting.co/

    Thrive Accounting supports Canadian entrepreneurs with bookkeeping, payroll, tax, and CFO services. They keep compliance costs low while investing in advisory services to help businesses grow and empowers clients to make informed financial decisions and scale confidently.

  • Brooke Gordon & Collective

    https://brookegordon.ca/

    Brooke Gordon and Collective equips women with the skills to lead with clarity, influence, and impact. Through coaching, workshops, and keynotes, Brooke addresses leadership challenges and helps women strengthen their leadership presence.

  • Crunch TimeZ CFO Services Inc.

    https://www.crunchtmz.com/

    Crunch TimeZ offers strategic finance consultancy, primarily focusing on women-led and underserved ventures, providing fractional CFO services and financial mentorship to help entrepreneurs make confident, data-driven decisions for business growth.

  • Simply Social Media Society

    https://www.ajwservices.com/

    Simply Social Media Society is a social media agency offering services like strategy creation, account management, and ads management. They help entrepreneurs build and grow their social media presence through tailored strategies and consulting.

  • Kari Chiapetta Consulting Inc.

    https://karichiappettaconsulting.com/

    Kari Chiappetta Consulting provides customized facilitation, training, and staff development services to strengthen teams and communities. Kari tailors her approach to meet the specific needs of each organization, delivering greater impact and sustainable results.

  • Fully Align Studio

    https://fullyalign.ca/

    Fully Align Studio helps women release pent-up emotions caused by life transitions. Fully Align Studio support women in reconnecting with their authenticity and passions, using various modalities to encourage inner shifts and self-alignment.

  • Baxier

    https://www.baxier.co/

    Baxier is a brand and web design studio partnering with startups, small businesses, and non-profits to create visual branding and websites. Baxier’s masterpiece is to blend storytelling with strategy to help businesses attract clients and communicate their mission.

  • Investornomy

    https://www.investornomy.com/

    Investornomy helps entrepreneurs diversify their revenue through stock investing and gain visibility. They provide resources, tools, and education to empower entrepreneurs in managing investments and building their public profiles to achieve long-term financial success.

  • Thunder Bay CEDC

    https://gotothunderbay.ca/

    The Thunder Bay & District Entrepreneur Centre (CEDC) helps local entrepreneurs at every phase, from initial inception to lasting success, with advice, workshops, and resources to support the growth of small businesses in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.

  • Optinum

    https://optinum.ca/

    Optinum Professional Corporation, led by Zahra Qureshi, provides outsourced accounting, fractional CFO services, and strategic coaching. They help social enterprises and businesses achieve financial sustainability and positive social change.

  • Scribe National

    https://www.scribenational.ca/

    Scribe National is a content strategy and writing studio working with B2B technology and leadership companies. They create high-quality content that drives demand and revenue, while offering coaching and strategic support to service providers looking to grow their businesses effectively.

Community Partners

Here’s What Happened In

2024

In 2024, we awarded $20,000 to ONE incredible business!
$5,000 in cash money plus $15,000 in additional impactful business services!

Social Capital for Canadian Women Entrepreneurs

Welcome to The Elleiance Network, where visionary women entrepreneurs come together to create, innovate, and succeed. We're thrilled to announce the Capital Elle Business Impact Award, an exclusive opportunity designed to support and fund Canadian women in business through community and capital.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 SPONSORS