Women's Equity Lab

Published purpose

Through this 26-month project, Women’s Equity Lab will build its capacity to advance gender equality by addressing the barriers to investment for Canadian women. The project will increase the capacity of the organization’s management team and will conduct a review of the accessibility and impact of their processes, policies, and guiding documents, among other resources. This will include conducting a strategic planning review, the implementation of new technologies and tools for better monitoring, collaboration and engagement, and training in the principles of angel investing for member investors at the core of the organization. Technologies and tools new to the organization will be further utilized to create a national database of women-led and women-focused companies and better manage the organization’s finances. The organization will implement a national communication strategy for all member groups. Women’s Equity Lab will improve and increase engagement and collaboration with underrepresented groups including OLMCs, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, newcomers, Black, and racialized groups. They will do so by building an accessible and bilingual website, participating in conferences catered to underrepresented groups who may seek investment opportunities for their companies or to become member investors, as well as seeking out other direct engagement opportunities for feedback on organizational messaging and strategies. Supplemental funding will allow for enhancement of marketing and communication strategies to amplify the impact of existing work and strengthen visibility with key stakeholders. The funding will support the onboarding of new volunteers, allow them to participate in national symposiums, and expand educational programming. Supplemental funding will facilitate engagement with experts in artificial intelligence to improve accounting, oversight, and overall efficiency. With the Supplemental funds and extension provided in early 2026, Women’s Equity Lab will (i) increase capacity and accessibility of WEL management team; (ii) consolidate and streamline WEL back office operations by implementing technology solutions that enhance both efficiency and effectiveness; and (iii) improve and increase external connectivity opportunities and activities with underrepresented groups including OLMC, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, newcomers, Black, and racialized groups. Through this, they will further advance Gender Equality.