Applications are currently open for a new fund, created by Ottawa-based online tea boutique, Tease Tea. The company’s new four-month digital incubator aims to give women-identifying and non-binary entrepreneurs access to funding, mentorship, and resources to accelerate their business.
“I am excited and privileged to be able to give back and provide women-identifying entrepreneurs with access to funding, mentorship and community.”
Created by Tease Tea CEO, Sheena Brady, the Tease Tea Founders Fund is a non-repayable, non-equity investment of up to $20,000 CAD.
The fund is designed to offer participants’ the fundamental aspects of mentorship and feedback, and tackle some of the barriers women-identifying and non-binary entrepreneurs face.
“This has been in my heart and mind for a while now to give back and give opportunities to budding entrepreneurs who are struggling to access support networks,” said Brady. “I am excited and privileged to be able to give back and provide women-identifying entrepreneurs with access to funding, mentorship and community.”
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Each participant will have access to the fund’s online resources and webinars during the incubation period, and each applicant will receive tailored feedback on their venture by a selection committee. The finalists will receive a complimentary trip to Ottawa, Toronto, or New York, where they can meet with local entrepreneurs, as well as connect with the Tease Tea’s mentors and funders directly.
“The Tease Tea Founders Fund is evidence that it is never too early or too late to start giving back during the entrepreneurial process,” said Brady. “The world needs more companies making this world a better place.”
To qualify, applicants must be Canadian citizens, over 18 years of age, and companies should be majority owned by those either women-identifying or under-represented genders, including non-binary founders. The business is required to have been in operation for a minimum of six months and should be revenue generating (under $500,000 in annual revenue).
Applications are open until May 3.
Image courtesy Tease Tea.
Update: this story has been updated to relfect that Tease Tea is based in Ottawa and not Toronto, as was previously stated.