Stacy’s Rise Project™ launches in Canada to support women-led businesses
by CM Staff
Four recipients will be selected to receive a $15,000 CAD grant and gain access to a mentorship opportunity with PepsiCo Foods Canada and Frito-Lay leadership.
Introducing the Stacy’s Rise Project (CNW Group/PepsiCo Foods Canada)
TORONTO — On Sep. 22, the Stacy’s snack brand will be launching the Stacy’s Rise Project™ in Canada as part of its ongoing efforts to support women entrepreneurs who are still experiencing a lack of resources needed to help them rise.
Starting Sep. 22 until October 28, 2022, Canadian women running small businesses can apply for the Stacy’s Rise Project™ at www.stacysriseproject.ca. Four recipients will be selected to receive a $15,000 CAD grant and gain access to a mentorship opportunity with PepsiCo Foods Canada and Frito-Lay leadership from across North America to help them grow their business.
“After a successful U.S. launch in 2019, we are proud to expand the Stacy’s Rise Project and start our journey in Canada where there are more than 1.1 million entrepreneurs. Across the country, women-owned businesses receive an estimated 4% of VC funding so we know there is more to be done,” said Jess Spaulding, Chief Marketing Officer of PepsiCo Foods Canada. “It is important for programs like the Stacy’s Rise Project to continue expanding, so that more women receive the support they need through funding, mentorship and resources.”
For its Canadian launch, the Stacy’s Rise Project™ has partnered with the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC), an authority on women’s entrepreneurship in the country. Together, the organizations aim to address the unique challenges that women face and support them on their paths to establishing a successful business through funding, mentorship, and community.
“Despite the many barriers experienced by women entrepreneurs in Canada and the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, women continue to play a leading role in the management of new businesses, creation of jobs and advancing innovation,” said Alison Kirkland, CEO of Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada. “Supporting women entrepreneurs is integral to the recovery and growth of our national economy and it is programs like the Stacy’s Rise Project that bring us closer to gender parity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Furthermore, only about half of Canadian women entrepreneurs are aware of the support programs available to them (51 per cent) or believe they have a strong network of support and mentorship (52 per cent).
