York University YSpace - The Visa Grant Program in Canada 2026

📖 About the Program

The Visa Grant Program is a strategic initiative designed to bridge the funding gap for women entrepreneurs. The program selects 20 winners to receive a $10,000 grant to support business expansion. Beyond financial support, recipients gain access to a high-performance mentorship ecosystem managed by YSpace at York University.

🎁 Benefits

1. Grant Opportunity

   • Winners receive a $10,000 grant from Visa, which can be used to invest in critical areas such as product development, marketing, or expanding operations.

2. Mentorship Program

   • Personalized guidance through a one-to-one matching system with experienced mentors who provide tailored advice and insights.

3. Networking

   • Opportunities to connect with fellow women entrepreneurs, industry experts, and potential collaborators.

4. Learning Resources

   • Access to a wealth of learning resources to enhance entrepreneurial skills and knowledge, ensuring continuous growth in today's dynamic business landscape.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a woman entrepreneur with at least 50% ownership of a registered business, non-profit, or social enterprise, and work full-time on the venture.
• Have a minimum annual revenue of $50,000.
• The business must be located in Canada.
• Be open to change, willing to step out of the comfort zone, and committed to giving back to the community with personal strengths and insights.
• Be able to fully commit to the requirements of a 4-month mentoring program.

📅 Application Date and Process

Step 1: Application Submission

• Applications are now open.
• If you have any questions about the registration process, email: ellawomen@yorku.ca
• Apply Now

Step 2: Candidate Finalization

• Once the selection process is complete, the YSpace ELLA team will personally contact the chosen candidates by mid/end February 2026.

⏳ Application Deadline

01 February, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

For more details, visit the official program page:
York University YSpace - The Visa Grant Program in Canada

To apply directly, click here:
Apply Now

📩 Contact Information

For inquiries, email: ellawomen@yorku.ca

• Grant Opportunity: Winning The Visa Grant Program comes with the incredible opportunity to receive a $10,000 grant from Visa.
• Mentorship Program: Our mentorship program offers you personalized guidance through a one-to-one matching system.
• Networking: Joining our program opens up a world of networking opportunities.
• Learning Resources: We provide access to a wealth of learning resources that can enhance your entrepreneurial skills and knowledge.