News
Call for applications — Reciprocal mentorship program for women entrepreneurs
April 30, 2026Are you a woman entrepreneur looking to grow your business while building international connections? CECI is launching a new call for applications for its Women Entrepreneurs in Solidarity program for the current year.
This international reciprocal mentorship program pairs Canadian women entrepreneurs with entrepreneurs from Africa and Latin America for a 5 to 6-month collaboration. In this program, each participant is both a mentor and a mentee. Through matches based on business sectors and interests, participants share experiences, exchange entrepreneurial practices, explore new approaches to growth, and build lasting professional relationships.
What the program includes
Virtual mentorship meetings — approximately 1 hour per week
Training in business mentorship
Support and coaching on mentorship posture
Matching with an international entrepreneur
Opportunity for a 2–3 week immersive stay — depending on the match, with a financial contribution required
An experience to grow your business
The program offers a concrete opportunity to grow your business in an international context by expanding your professional network and exploring new business models. It also helps strengthen entrepreneurial practices while contributing to women-led economic initiatives, in a spirit of exchange and collaboration.
Partner countries and sectors
Senegal
Information technology, agriculture, agri-food
Companies interested in innovation, transformation, and market access
Côte d’Ivoire
Agri-food and Agricultural Processing
Value chains: cocoa, cashews, cassava
Rwanda
Circular Economy
Innovative solutions in recycling, waste management, and sustainable models
Bolivie
A wide range of industries, growing companies with an interest in innovation and international expansion
Guatemala
Social economy, crafts, agroecology, recycling
Inclusive entrepreneurship and social initiatives
Bénin
Food and agriculture, agritech, shea processing
Companies focused on local processing and innovative solutions
Key information
Duration: 5 to 6 months
Program start: May 2026
Commitment: approximately 1 hour per week — virtual
Immersive stay: optional, 2 to 3 weeks
Languages: depending on the country — French, English, Spanish
Eligibility criteria
Participating businesses should meet several of the following criteria:
More than 50% of the business owned by individuals identifying as women
A predominantly female executive team
A business that employs mostly women or serves a primarily female clientele
A demonstrated commitment to gender equity in management and governance practices
These criteria are intended as guidelines. You are encouraged to apply even if you do not meet all of them.
→ To apply
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