Inclusivity Series: PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise

For many female founders, the path to scaling a business isn’t just about the right product—it’s about having the right community and capital behind you. Whether you are just starting to define your concept or you’re ready to take your venture to the next level, knowing where to find accessible funding and mentorship is a game-changer.

Innovation Factory is proud to partner with PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise to bring you an informative session dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs. PARO is an award-winning social enterprise that has spent years strengthening women-owned businesses across Canada. They don’t just provide resources; they build a collaborative environment where you can connect with like-minded peers, grow your revenue, and define success on your own terms.

What You’ll Learn

This session will provide a comprehensive deep dive into the specific support systems PARO offers to help your business thrive:

• Financial Support & Peer Lending: Learn about North America’s largest women-centred peer-to-peer lending network (PARO Circles) for loans up to $5,000, and how to access the national WEOC loan fund for up to $50,000.

• PARO BIZGROWTH Funding: Discover how to access grants that cover 50%–90% of costs for ICT upgrades, business enhancements, and expansion into new markets.

• Expert Advisory & Counselling: Find out how to access free one-on-one business counselling and strategic guidance from seasoned advisors.

• Scaling & Training: Explore programs like ELEVATE, designed specifically for women looking to scale their revenue to over $1 million, alongside their curated BIZCamps.

• Global Market Access: Learn about annual Trade Missions designed to help women entrepreneurs break into international markets and expand their global footprint.

• Networking & Community: Understand how to leverage PARO’s vast network of workshops and events to build the professional relationships that sustain long-term growth.

Who Should Attend

This session is designed for women entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey—from those building a social enterprise to founders of high-growth tech startups. If you are looking for a community that values both business success and collective empowerment, this is a must-attend.

Meet the Speaker

Renee Gendron is the Lead Regional Coordinator at PARO. With a deep commitment to fostering economic opportunities for women, Renee brings extensive experience in navigating the Canadian funding landscape. She is a dedicated advocate for female founders and specializes in connecting entrepreneurs with the specific tools and networks they need to succeed.