EARLY BUSINESS STRATEGY AND FOUNDATIONS FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
It all Starts Here
Grow from early-stage hustle to a business you’re building confidently, strategically, and with support.
BRIDGE is a hands-on cohort program for women running early-stage businesses who are ready to move from survival mode into a growth-ready future. You’ll get expert advising, real-world tools, and a community beside you every step of the way. This is your launchpad.
Cohorts are intentionally small and capped at 25 participants.
Are you ready for BRIDGE? Start here.
Not sure if BRIDGE is the right next step? Start with a short self-assessment to understand whether BRIDGE aligns with where your business is now and where you want it to go.
A clear path forward
BRIDGE helps you slow down, get oriented, and build forward with intention.
Throughout the program, you’ll:
Build a strong foundation for long-term success
Refine your vision and business strategy
Innovate with greater confidence
Develop practical, actionable plans
Grow your leadership capacity
Elevate your business to the next level
By the end of BRIDGE, you’ll have a clear, usable business strategy and the tools and support to begin putting it into motion.
BRIDGE is for women who
Are running an early-stage business or small team
Want clarity on vision, strategy, operations, and next steps
Value guidance and want to build strong foundations before scaling
Are ready to learn, take action, and invest in your business future
No matter which path you choose, get the same content, support, and growth foundation.
Choose the format that works for you
Virtual cohort (weekly)
This option works well if you:
- Live outside the host location
- Want built-in accountability and flexibility
- Are ready to follow through on your strategy with support
Next virtual cohort details:
- June 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 (2026)
- Mon & Wed 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Limited to 25 participants
In-Person Intensive (2 Days)
This format works well if you:
- Value face-to-face discussion and immediate feedback
- Want to step away from the business to focus on the business
Next in person cohort details:
- May 30 and 31st, 2026
- Sat and Sun 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- In person (Calgary)
- Limited to 25 participants
Practical knowledge you can use
BRIDGE focuses on the fundamentals that matter most when you’re building or stabilizing a business
Marketing – understand how customers find you and why they choose you
Finance – read your numbers, pricing with confidence, and making informed decisions
Leadership– lead yourself, your work, and your next growth phase with clarity
This is practical learning you can apply immediately.
A Business Strategy Plan Built for Your Reality
By the end of BRIDGE, you’ll have:
A completed strategic action plan, tailored to your goals
Clear priorities and next steps
A strategy that reflects your current capacity
This becomes your roadmap for what comes next.
Expert business advising
(you’re not doing this alone)
You’ll receive:
Business advising from experts to support your strategy
Live support and feedback during session
Real-world experience to help you implement
AWE's BRIDGE program helped me reframe the steps required when building a business and implement systems to help it scale in a more efficient way. It gave me the time to work on my business and not just in my business.
JADE KOCH,
JUICY PERKS INC
Community that matters
You’ll join a small cohort of early-stage women entrepreneurs who are
Asking the same questions
Facing similar challenges
Supporting one another honestly and without judgment
You’ll also receive access to AWE’s learning and community platforms because momentum is easier to build together
I loved the succinct way the bridge program moved. It was clear and each session progressed from one to the next in a great way for me. The 90 day plan also felt so good. When large big picture feels overwhelming narrowing it down and starting with a smaller goal was very motivating. The support I feel from the AWE community is amazing!
DORCAS ST PIERRE,
RISE SET CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
Financial support
Every participant who successfully completes BRIDGE may apply for a financial grant to help put their strategy into action. Details are shared during the program.
UPCOMING COHORT
PROGRAM DETAILS
Virtual Cohort
Dates: June 15, 17, 22, 24, and 29 (2026)
Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Spots Available: 25 participants
In-Person Intensive
Dates: May 30 and 31st, 2026
Schedule: Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Format: In person (Calgary)
Spots Available: 25 participants
Final step: Apply today
When you’re ready to take the leap, registration is the next step. Cohort size is limited to 25 participants.
Still Deciding? Book a short call with our programs team to talk through fit and next steps.
*Applications for the May and June BRIDGE Live Virtual Program and In-Person, On-site Program are now closed and under review.
The next intake details will be announced in late August for the Fall 2026 cohort.
Funders
We are grateful for the continued support of our funding partners, whose investment enables AWE to deliver high-impact programs and resources for women entrepreneurs across Alberta and beyond.
BRIDGE Program FAQ’s
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BRIDGE is best suited for women entrepreneurs running early-stage businesses who want clarity on their strategic action plan, strategy, and next steps before focusing on growth or scaling.
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Participants work toward building a realistic, strategic action plan supported by guidance, templates, and feedback. If you’re looking for more support on a business plan, please explore our business learning series.
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BRIDGE focuses on early business strategy and foundations. Strategic Edge supports entrepreneurs growing and scaling an existing business, and Digital Edge focuses on digital transformation, process optimization and decision-making.
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Yes. BRIDGE is designed specifically for entrepreneurs who want to get their business on solid ground and establish themselves in their market.