— Press Release: December 17, 2024 —
Winnipeg, Manitoba – North Forge and WeMB (formerly Manitoba Women’s
Enterprise Centre) have announced a strategic partnership to empower women and
gender-diverse entrepreneurs in Manitoba’s tech industry.
This pioneering partnership will pilot the “WeTech Loan Program”, offering loans of up
to $25,000 to tech businesses where women and gender-diverse individuals hold at
least 51% ownership. The initiative addresses two major barriers facing women+
entrepreneurs in tech: access to funding and strategic mentorship. By combining North
Forge’s innovative ecosystem with WeMB’s targeted financial backing, the program
aims to help underrepresented entrepreneurs launch, grow, and sustain tech ventures
in Manitoba.
“Manitoba has the lowest percentage of female tech founders in Canada, and the
challenges for women entrepreneurs in securing funding are significant,” said Joelle
Foster, President & CEO of North Forge. “This partnership is more than a financial
initiative; it’s a vital step towards ensuring that our tech ecosystem reflects the full
diversity of our community.”
The collaboration brings together North Forge’s expertise in tech incubation with
WeMB’s commitment to accessible funding and expert business advising, creating an
unprecedented level of coordinated support for women+ tech entrepreneurs in
Manitoba.
Maxine Kashton, CEO of WeMB, emphasized the program’s significance: “This
partnership is a milestone for Manitoba’s entrepreneur ecosystem. Our goal is to
support ten women-led businesses in this pilot year, helping them to accelerate their
growth, establish their presence, and contribute to Manitoba’s economy. By breaking
down financial barriers, we can unleash innovation and help diverse talent thrive.”
Loan applicants must reside in Manitoba, be vetted by North Forge to confirm eligibility,
and complete repayment within three years.
For more information on the WeTech Loan Program, visit:
northforge.ca/wetechstartuploans
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About North Forge
North Forge is a not-for-profit tech incubator, accelerator, and state-of-the-art fabrication lab. We fuel Manitoba’s innovative science-based, technology-enabled, and advanced manufacturing startups from ideation to funding by offering unparalleled programming and resources to help startups grow.
Our facilities boast one of North America’s largest publicly accessible fabrication labs (FabLab™), providing access to cutting-edge tools and technologies. Join a community that drives innovation
and builds connections. North Forge supports your journey from concept to commercialization.
About WeMB In 1994, WeMB became Canada’s first Women’s Enterprise Initiative (WEI) organization to offer services tailored to women entrepreneurs. Today, WeMB supports all self-identifying women+ (cis, trans, 2S, and gender-diverse) at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey, from untapped potential to mature businesses. Through a supportive, female-led community and customized services, WeMB prioritizes their success as entrepreneurs.
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