FOR THE EMERGING FOUNDER
YOU VE GOT THE SPARK. NOW YOU NEED A ROADMAP
You don’t need everything figured out. You need clarity, support, and a place to ask the right questions.
Maybe you’re carrying an idea. Maybe you’ve landed your first customers, made your first dollars, or seen enough proof to know you’re onto something. Whether you’re validating your concept or starting to gain traction, AWE helps you turn early momentum into a clear, confident plan with coaching, community, and guidance that cuts through the noise.
You’re not late. You’re early. Let’s build wisely.
Where to Start
When you’re at the idea or early stage, the goal isn’t to rush into growth, it's to build strong foundations.
AWE supports aspiring and emerging founders with:
Practical learning that makes business feel less overwhelming
Spaces to test ideas, ask questions, and learn from other women
Guidance that helps you move from thinking to doing
Doesn’t sound like you? Explore the Growth-Oriented Leader or Established Leader pathways.
Understanding when financing is the right move and when it isn't
If You’ve Got An Idea
START WITH EVENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP
Events
AWE events bring women entrepreneurs together to learn, connect, and move forward with confidence. From panels to networking and fireside chats, our events offer practical insight, real conversations, and opportunities to build meaningful connections at every stage of business.
Community
AWE’s community is a place to belong as you build. Through open connection, shared learning, and trusted support, our memberships meet women entrepreneurs where they are.
Whether you’re showing up to ask questions, share wins, or take your next strategic step, you’ll find a supportive, founder-first community that grows with you and helps you move forward with confidence.
If You’ve Got an Emerging Business
START WITH BRIDGE
Build your business up with a planning course for women entrepreneurs running early-stage businesses.
Designed to help you slow down, gain clarity, and build strong foundations, BRIDGE combines expert advising, practical tools, and peer support to help you develop a clear, realistic business strategy you can actually use.
Best for: Early-stage women entrepreneurs looking to gain traction with their business
CONSIDER NEXTSTEP TO SUCCESS
Plan your business with confidence
A circle-based business planning series for Indigenous women entrepreneurs developing comprehensive business plans for funding and growth.
Best for: Indigenous women preparing business plans for financing or long-term success.
Also Helpful: Business Learning Series
If you’re just getting started or exploring entrepreneurship, AWE’s Business Learning Series offers live, online workshops that help you build confidence
one step at a time.
Topics often include:
Starting a business
Planning and strategy basics
Marketing and early financial considerations
When to Think About Financing
At this stage, funding is about preparation.
AWE offers learning and advising to help you:
Understand what lenders look for
Begin building a business plan
Decide when (or if) financing makes sense for you
You don’t need to apply for a loan right away. But understanding your options early puts you in control.
Why This Space Matters
All AWE programs and learning spaces are designed for women entrepreneurs.
Aspiring founders consistently tell us that being in cohorts of women entrepreneurs creates more comfort, openness, and confidence especially when you’re just starting out and still finding your footing.
You get to build, ask, and learn together.