The Forum Founder’s Circle
Presented by
For entrepreneurs on a path
to long-term growth
You have a vision for the next stage of your business and you’re looking for a strategy to bring it to life and navigate obstacles.
If you are seeking financial capital, community, and/or wisdom capital to create and follow your roadmap to smart and sustainable growth, this program is for you.
Expect to leave feeling supported by a circle of peers, and equipped with tangible tools for your next phase of growth. Your new community of specialized experts will be available after the program as well.
The Forum Founder’s Circle program has been funded in part through the Women's Entrepreneurship Strategy administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
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“Because of Founder's Circle and TD I was able to make connections to other women entrepreneurs and grow my knowledge of best business practices.[...]As for the business success we've had, it's been incredible this past year. We got our largest contract to date and increased our revenue exceeding our overall revenue goal this fiscal year by almost 15% (25% growth overall).”
MEGGAN VAN HARTEN
Design de Plume
“Thanks to Founder’s Circle, I’ve built so many long-lasting relationships with other founders that were in the same cohort as me.”
SANDY WONG
Rugs by Roo
“Because of the Founder's Circle and TD, I was able to view aspects of my business from a fresh perspective, and implement new strategies and systems that helped launch us into a new phase of growth.”
LAURA CHODOLA
Tealish
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Join a community of entrepreneurs who understand your journey
Running and growing a business can be a rollercoaster—exciting, yet daunting. Having a circle of like-minded entrepreneurs to support you, empower you, and act as a sounding board to help you reach new heights.
Do you have a 1, 3 or even 5-year plan for your business?
Do you know who your ideal customer is?
What could you do differently as your business grows?
What market gap is your business addressing?
What is unique about your approach?
What challenges are you facing or anticipating at this current stage of your business?
Access the mentorship, strategies and connections that will guide your personal and professional success with The Forum Founder’s Circle.
In collaboration with TD, we created this program to address the needs of entrepreneurs facing the unique challenges and opportunities that come with business expansion.
Members will participate in six virtual sessions over five months
Throughout these 2-hour sessions, you will:
Access a deeply supportive community of peers and specialized experts who will advise and support you during and after the program
Find solutions to your business challenges with entrepreneurs and experienced advisors who understand your needs
Complete foundational work for a growth plan that identifies opportunities, challenges, and strategies to achieve your goals
Learn tangible tools to unlock your next phase of growth
Discover how to balance emotional profits alongside financial growth (while maintaining a viable business and achieving your financial goals!)
Who is eligible for The Forum Founder’s Circle?
You are eligible to apply if you’re a self-identifying woman, non-binary or trans-femme founder or majority owner/equal owner and a key decision maker in the business, or leading an Indigenous band- or community-owned business with operations in Canada. You must also be a legal resident of Canada.
You are eligible to apply if your business:
Earned $1M+ in annual revenue in the last fiscal year
Has been in operation for at least 3 years
Has at least one other full-time employee
Has experienced growth and you are seeking a strategy to help plan and navigate your next stage of growth
Have questions about your eligibility? Email nolizwe@theforum.ca for support!
When is this program?
2-hour live sessions will take place every four to six weeks.
The Virtual Kickoff will take place on January 29, 2025 at 10:00am PT | 1:00pm ET.
The next six sessions also take place at 10:00am PT | 1:00pm ET and fall on the following dates:
February 5, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 4, June 18, 2025
What’s Included:
- Program sessions: 1 virtual cohort kickoff, and 6 corresponding live sessions from February - June 2025
- Wisdom & Community Capital: Participant workbook, ongoing access to advisors & experts, and opportunities to connect and network amongst peers
- Personalized support: Additional surveys, and regular check-in calls post-program
TD’s Women in Enterprise team supports women-owned and women-led business clients
TD sees the challenges women-owned and woman-led businesses face – but can also see, and help you seize the opportunities. That's why they’ve built a nationwide team of Women in Enterprise bankers to provide you with the right banking advice, tools, and resources to help you confidently build your business.
Learn more about their range of financing solutions from short- to medium- and long-term lending.
How does pricing work?
Pricing is offered on a sliding scale so they choose the price point that makes the program accessible to them.
We are a Registered Canadian Charity and, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and faculty, we are able to offer tuition on a sliding scale. This allows you to choose a price point that makes the course accessible to you.
The value of Founder’s Circle is $995 per participant.
We offer payment plans for all pricing options. We ask you to consider your combined business, personal and family finances when choosing your price.
$395
$545
$695
$845
$995
$
You have access to very limited and tight cash flow.
You have access to limited cash flow and limited budgets for personal development.
You have access to limited or inconsistent cash flow.
You have access to fairly consistent cash flow.
You have access to strong, consistent cash flow.
$
I don’t have access to $395 to pay for this program
You need a higher level of bursary support (limited number available).
$395
You have access to very limited and tight cash flow.
$545
You have access to limited cash flow and limited budgets for personal development.
$695
You have access to limited or inconsistent cash flow.
$845
You have access to fairly consistent cash flow.
$995
You have access to strong, consistent cash flow.
Program Chair
Shannon Pestun (she/her)
Co-Founder of The Finance Cafe, CEO of Pestun Consulting,
Senior Advisor for Business and Finance for Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
Shannon is a board member, entrepreneur and executive leader who shares the ambition of unlocking the full potential of an inclusive economy.
Originating from the Métis homeland in Treaty 1, Shannon resides in Treaty 7. She is a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta.
Over her 25-year career, Shannon has worked with academic, nonprofit, industry and governments from across Canada to build a more inclusive economy. Her experience, advocacy and leadership have made her a sought-after advisor and trusted voice on inclusive economic reconciliation and transformation.
As a Métis woman, Shannon is passionate about reconciliation and the economic empowerment of Indigenous Peoples. In 2020, she created the Gifting Circle Bursary for Indigenous women entrepreneurs raising nearly $200,000 in support of advancing Indigenous women’s entrepreneurship through bursaries and scholarships across Canada’s post-secondary institutions.
Her compassionate and warm expertise speaks across differences to show how together we can break down barriers, build sustainable partnerships, unlock innovation and create a more inclusive economy.
Founder’s Circle is made possible by our sponsor & partners
We cannot thank them enough for their generosity.
Presenting Sponsor
Our Presenting Sponsor is TD, a longtime supporter of The Forum, and a champion for self-identifying women, non-binary and trans-femme entrepreneurs across Canada, sponsoring pivotal programs like The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale.
With access to TD’s seasoned advisors, Founder’s Circle participants will be able to identify new avenues of growth, tackle challenges, and set themselves up for long-term success.
The Forum Founder’s Circle program has been funded in part through the Women's Entrepreneurship Strategy administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I apply to The Forum Founder’s Circle?
The Forum Founder’s Circle provides access to seasoned advisors who can guide you strategically as you navigate your growth and take your business to the next level.
You’ll also have the opportunity to build impactful relationships with other high-growth entrepreneurs as you connect with and learn from one another in each session.
Not only will you be able to access personalized feedback and advice from experts who understand the needs of high-growth entrepreneurs, but you’ll learn from the real stories of your peers who’ve overcome challenges that you’re likely to encounter.
What will I leave with?
- A foundational strategy that will help you lay the groundwork for steady growth
- A community of fiercely supportive mentors and entrepreneurs
- New opportunities for professional and personal growth
Who is the program for? What stage of business should I be at?
This program is designed for self-identified women, non-binary or trans-femme entrepreneurs leading a quickly growing business. You are eligible to apply if you are a legal resident of Canada and are:
- A self-identified woman, non-binary or trans-femme founder or majority owner/equal owner and a key decision maker leading a high-growth business ($1M+ in annual revenue in the last fiscal year, in operation for at least 3 years, has at least one other full-time employee, and expanding fast).
- A self-identified woman, non-binary or trans-femme manager or staff member who is a key decision maker in an Indigenous band- or community-owned business.
What are the dates of the Live Sessions?
The program will begin with a virtual cohort kickoff. Following this, to give participants time to apply their learnings as they grow, 2-hour real-time virtual sessions will take place every four to six weeks.
The Virtual Kickoff will take place on January 29, 2025 at 10:00am PT | 1:00pm ET.
The next six sessions also take place at 10:00am PT | 1:00pm ET and fall on the following dates:
- February 5, 2025
- March 12, 2025
- April 9, 2025
- May 14, 2025
- June 4, 2025
- June 18, 2025
What flexibility do you offer with payment schedules?
Our goal is to ensure financial resources aren't a barrier to your participation.
We recognize that systemic marginalization has meant that wealth has not been equitably distributed or accessible in the same way for everyone. We also understand the cash flow realities of running a business and that cost can be a barrier to participation.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors, The Forum Founder's Circle pricing is offered on a sliding scale. If accepted into the program, we encourage you to enroll at the price point that works best for you.
How do I enroll?
Applications are now closed. Join the waitlist to learn when applications open again.
How is this program delivered?
Everything is done virtually, so you can participate no matter where in the world you are. Please note, though, that sessions will not be recorded.
What are the technical requirements?
To participate, you’ll need access to a computer with stable internet access and a webcam for group video sessions. You will also need access to the following platforms online:
- Zoom for real-time video sessions
- Slack for connecting with our Community
What types of accessibility accommodations or resources are available in the program?
If there are any concerns or requests for specific accessibility accommodations please contact nolizwe@theforum.ca and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Can I get a refund?
CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR OTHER PROGRAMS:
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The Forum E-Series Program
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