Applications for the 2025 Award are closed.

Want to get involved as a Sponsor in 2026? Express Your Interest Here.

2025
Winners

  • Danielle Skogen | Danielle Skogen Coaching + Consulting

    Danielle is a feminist life and leadership coach and the founder of a coaching and consulting practice that helps women build confidence, overcome systemic barriers, and lead with clarity and purpose. Her work supports women through evidence-backed coaching frameworks and strategic guidance that strengthen leadership skills, expand impact, and create meaningful personal and professional transformation. Danielle also partners with purpose-driven organizations to design programs that advance gender equity and empower women to lead change in their communities.

    www.danielleskogen.com

  • Kimberly Manning | Wealth Inside Out

    Kimberly is a Financial Empowerment Coach and the founder of Wealth Inside Out, a trauma-informed financial coaching and advising practice that helps women build confidence, clarity, and control with their money. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in finance, she teaches women how to transform their relationship with money, release fear, and make financial decisions that align with their goals and values. Through her coaching programs, Kimberly blends practical strategy with mindset and emotional healing, guiding women toward greater independence, empowered choices, and long-term financial confidence.

    www.wealthinsideout.ca

  • Jessica Flynn | The YOU Power Project

    Jessica is an award-winning educator and the founder of The YOU Power Project, a social enterprise that helps youth ages 10 to 18 develop real-world skills, build confidence, and launch operational businesses or community projects. Through experiential programs like Passion to Purpose and Student Ventures, she teaches young people how to turn their ideas into action and become leaders in their communities. The YOU Power Project partners with schools, municipalities, and nonprofits to deliver entrepreneurship and leadership training that consistently produces high venture launch rates and prepares youth for future-ready pathways.

    www.theyoupowerproject.com

Learn More about Our Winners on Our Blog

Learn More

2025
Top TEN

  • Autumn Wilson | Simply Social Media Society

    Autumn is a social media strategist and social media agency owner, having supported over 25 international brands to date. With a decade of experience in marketing and a background in communications, Autumn creates simplified systems to make social media more manageable and less draining. Inside her membership, the Simply Social Media Society, she teaches solopreneurs how to use their social media strategically, create powerful content that attracts followers who are ready to buy, and manage it all with systems that make it feel doable.

    www.ajwservices.com

  • Amber Sperling | Amber Sperling Social Work and Psychotherapy Services

    Amber is a registered social worker, psychotherapist, and founder of a women-led mental health practice that supports mothers and families across Ontario. With a focus on trauma-informed care for pregnancy, postpartum, and major life transitions, she provides evidence-based therapy that helps women heal at the root instead of managing symptoms. Inside her practice and online community, EmpowHERed in Health, Amber offers accessible education and support that help women feel more grounded, connected, and empowered throughout every stage of motherhood.

    www.ambersperling.ca

  • Helen Yin | Inoki Bathhouse

    Helen is the founder of Inoki Bathhouse, a wellness company creating heritage-inspired bathing rituals that support mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Drawing on botanicals, teas, and cultural traditions passed down through generations, her team crafts elevated bathhouse experiences designed to help people slow down, restore balance, and reconnect with themselves. Through intentional products and modern ritual design, Inoki Bathhouse brings a new standard of care to the wellness industry, making restorative bathing both accessible and deeply meaningful.

    www.inokibathhouse.com

  • Danielle Skogen | Danielle Skogen Coaching + Consulting

    Danielle is a feminist life and leadership coach and the founder of a coaching and consulting practice that helps women build confidence, overcome systemic barriers, and lead with clarity and purpose. Her work supports women through evidence-backed coaching frameworks and strategic guidance that strengthen leadership skills, expand impact, and create meaningful personal and professional transformation. Danielle also partners with purpose-driven organizations to design programs that advance gender equity and empower women to lead change in their communities.

    www.danielleskogen.com

  • Christine Aarlaht | Sapphire Virtual Fitness

    Christine is the founder of Sapphire Virtual Fitness, a coaching practice that helps women over 40 build strength, mobility, and confidence through sustainable movement. Using her functional fitness methodology, she supports women through virtual training, on-demand classes, and preparation for her Executive Hiking Retreats in Newfoundland and Muskoka. Christine’s programs help women feel strong, pain-free, and capable of fully enjoying the lives they’ve built.

    www.linkedin.com/christine-aarlaht

  • Jessica Flynn | The YOU Power Project

    Jessica is an award-winning educator and the founder of The YOU Power Project, a social enterprise that helps youth ages 10 to 18 develop real-world skills, build confidence, and launch operational businesses or community projects. Through experiential programs like Passion to Purpose and Student Ventures, she teaches young people how to turn their ideas into action and become leaders in their communities. The YOU Power Project partners with schools, municipalities, and nonprofits to deliver entrepreneurship and leadership training that consistently produces high venture launch rates and prepares youth for future-ready pathways.

    www.theyoupowerproject.com

  • Kimberly Manning | Wealth Inside Out

    Kimberly is a Financial Empowerment Coach and the founder of Wealth Inside Out, a trauma-informed financial coaching and advising practice that helps women build confidence, clarity, and control with their money. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in finance, she teaches women how to transform their relationship with money, release fear, and make financial decisions that align with their goals and values. Through her coaching programs, Kimberly blends practical strategy with mindset and emotional healing, guiding women toward greater independence, empowered choices, and long-term financial confidence.

    www.wealthinsideout.ca

  • Jenelle Peterson | Wild Life Outdoor Adventures

    Jenelle is the founder of Wild Life Outdoor Adventures, a women-owned Canadian company that creates outdoor tools, toys, and field guides designed to help kids and their grown-ups reconnect with nature. With 15 years of experience in marketing and sales, she develops products that spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire real outdoor play. Through Wild Life’s award-winning kits and educational resources, Jenelle helps families explore outside with ease, making adventure accessible, engaging, and unforgettable for kids everywhere.

    www.jointhewildlife.com

  • Nichole Yamchuk | Advocate Fundraising

    Nichole is the Founder and CEO of Advocate Fundraising, a social-purpose consultancy that helps ethical and values-driven non-profits build sustainable fundraising systems grounded in integrity, inclusion, and impact. Her firm supports small and mid-sized organizations through ethical grant writing, fund development planning, and donor engagement strategies that strengthen capacity and secure long-term funding. Nichole partners with non-profits across Canada to advance missions in refugee settlement, mental health, accessibility, and arts and culture, ensuring they have the resources needed to grow and serve their communities with confidence and stability.

    www.advocatefundraising.ca

  • Winnie Hsu | NexGen Accounting Inc.

    Winnie is the Founder and CEO of NexGen Accounting Inc., an accounting and advisory firm supporting more than 250 small businesses across Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. She leads a multicultural team that provides flexible bookkeeping, payroll, and advisory services designed to help entrepreneurs understand their finances, make confident decisions, and grow sustainable businesses. Through NexGen’s social impact initiative, Vision2Reality Foundation, Winnie also supports newcomer entrepreneurs by offering free education and community support.

    www.nexgenaccounting.ca

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 30+ partners (2025) 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

2026 Award Partner Expression of Interest

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 CLOSED

-

TOP 10 ANNOUNCED ON NOVEMBER 13

-

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED - TOP 10 ANNOUNCED ON NOVEMBER 13 -

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.

View Full Prize Package Details

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.

Applications are Now Closed

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.

Nominations are Now Closed

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

In-Kind Partners

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