Applications Open: The Visa Grant Program 2026

Application Deadline:  1 February, 2026

The Visa Grant Program, offered in strategic partnership with YSpace at York University, is a premier, non-dilutive funding and acceleration initiative exclusively designed for women entrepreneurs across Canada. This program directly addresses the unique challenges faced by women in scaling their ventures by providing not just capital, but also the critical mentorship, community, and strategic resources necessary for sustainable growth. The initiative reflects a shared commitment from Visa and YSpace to foster gender equity in entrepreneurship, empowering founders to transform their businesses, achieve market leadership, and create lasting economic and social impact. It is an unparalleled opportunity for established, revenue-generating ventures to propel their growth trajectory with expert-guided support.

Program Benefits & Support
Participants selected for the Visa Grant Program will gain access to a comprehensive suite of financial and strategic resources, carefully curated to accelerate business development:

• $10,000 CAD Non-Dilutive Grant: Twenty successful applicants will be awarded a $10,000 grant from Visa. This non-repayable funding is intended as growth capital, allowing founders to strategically invest in key business areas without sacrificing equity. Eligible uses include, but are not limited to, product or service development, digital marketing campaigns, sales channel expansion, technology upgrades, hiring key contractors, or securing intellectual property.
• 4-Month Intensive Mentorship via the ELLA Accelerator: Winners will be enrolled in YSpace’s renowned ELLA accelerator program. This structured, four-month journey includes:

• One-to-One Expert Mentorship: Personalized matching with seasoned mentors from Visa’s network and YSpace’s ecosystem, providing tailored advice on strategy, finance, marketing, and operations.
• Tailored Workshops & Modules: A curriculum focused on scaling, including sessions on financial modeling, growth hacking, leadership, and investor readiness.
• Practical Business Support: Hands-on guidance to overcome specific operational challenges and implement growth strategies effectively.
• Networking & Community Integration:
  The program facilitates deep integration into a powerful entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering:
• Peer-to-Peer Networking: Connections with a curated cohort of ambitious women founders for collaboration and support.
• Industry & Investor Access: Opportunities to engage with Visa professionals, YSpace’s extended network of corporate partners, and potential investors.
• Lifelong Learning Resources: Ongoing access to digital resources, expert talks, and alumni networks to support continuous development.

Eligibility Criteria
To ensure the program resources are directed toward ventures ready for scaling, all applicants must strictly meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Founder Profile: You must be a woman entrepreneur who is the founder and holds a minimum of 50% ownership equity in the applying venture.
• Business Structure: The venture must be a legally registered entity in Canada. This includes for-profit corporations, social enterprises, or non-profit organizations with a business model.
• Operational Commitment: You must be working on the venture full-time (a minimum of 30 hours per week).
• Market Traction: The business must demonstrate proven commercial viability with a minimum of $50,000 CAD in annual revenue (the most recent fiscal year). This indicates an established customer base and a working business model.
• Program Commitment: You must have the capacity and intention to fully participate in all core activities of the four-month mentorship program (July – October 2026), including scheduled meetings, workshops, and networking events.

Who Should Apply: Ideal Candidate Profile
This program is designed for serious entrepreneurs who have moved beyond the initial startup phase and are poised for significant scaling. The ideal applicant is:

• A woman founder with a clear vision and deep expertise in her industry.
• Leading a Canadian-based venture that has achieved product-market fit and consistent revenue.
• Growth-Ready: Actively seeking strategic capital and expert guidance to overcome scaling challenges, enter new markets, optimize operations, or expand the team.
• Committed to Impact: Driven to not only grow her business but also to inspire and pave the way for other women in entrepreneurship.
• Coachable and Collaborative: Eager to engage with mentors, contribute to a peer community, and fully leverage the program’s resources.

How to Apply: Application Process
Applications are submitted exclusively through the official online portal. Prospective applicants are advised to prepare thoroughly:

1. Review: Carefully examine all program details and eligibility criteria on the official website.
2. Prepare Materials: Gather necessary documentation, which will likely include:
3. Business registration proof.
4. Financial statements or documentation to verify annual revenue.
5. A pitch deck or executive summary.
6. Information on ownership structure.

3. Complete Online Form: Access the application form via the link below and provide comprehensive details about your business, traction, growth challenges, and goals.
4. Submit: Ensure all information is accurate and submit before the deadline.

For Application click here to apply

Key Dates & Program Timeline
Mark your calendar with these critical deadlines and program milestones:

• Application Portal Opens: 8 January 2026
• Final Application Deadline: 11:59 PM ET on 1 February 2026
• Review & Selection Period: Early to Mid-February 2026
• Winner Notification: Successful applicants will be contacted in Mid to Late February 2026
• Program Onboarding: June 2026 (pre-program preparation and orientation)
• Core Mentorship Program Duration: July 2026 – October 2026