Born in Toronto to Jamaican immigrants and raised Pentecostal in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood, Jully Black’s story is rooted in faith, culture, and resilience. Exposed to music at an early age, her undeniable talent led to her discovery by Warner-Chappell Music at just 19 years old.
She later joined the Hip Hop collective The Circle alongside artists such as Kardinal Offishall and Tara Chase, a formative moment that would shape her sound and presence in Canada’s music scene.
Earning the title “Canada’s Queen of R&B,” Jully Black has released four studio albums and collaborated with global artists including Nas, Destiny’s Child, and the Black Eyed Peas. Her contributions to music earned her a Juno Award in 1997, followed by numerous nominations throughout her career, cementing her as one of Canada’s most respected vocalists.
But Jully’s influence extends far beyond music.
In 2008, she hosted the Canadian Radio Music Awards and later became a celebrity reporter for CTV’s entertainment program Etalk. In 2021, her decades-long impact was recognized with an induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame, a defining milestone in her legacy.
In 2023, Jully Black made national and international headlines during her performance of the Canadian national anthem at the NBA All-Star Game. By changing the lyrics to “our home on native land,” she sparked powerful conversations about truth, reconciliation, and Indigenous recognition, a moment that led to her being honoured by the Assembly of First Nations.
Her artistry also shines on stage and screen. From Da Kink in my Hair (both stage and television) to the critically acclaimed stage production of Caroline, Or Change, Jully has proven her range as a performer. Her theatrical work earned her both the Toronto Theater Critics Award for Best Lead Performance and the Dora Mavor Moore Award.
Beyond performance, Jully Black is a committed social activist. In 2018, she launched 100 Strong and Sexy, a wellness membership program focused on women’s physical and mental health. In 2022, she founded the Jully Black Family Foundation in honour of her late mother, Agatha Gordon, supporting the education of young women in Ontario.
Jully Black represents more than musical excellence; she embodies courage, culture, and community leadership. Her voice has not only shaped Canadian sound but continues to influence national conversations around identity, equity, and empowerment.
The Women of Rubies Media Pitch Challenge brings together an exceptional panel of leaders shaping media, finance, entrepreneurship, and storytelling across Canada and Africa.
This year’s judges are accomplished changemakers whose work spans financial inclusion, broadcast media, brand strategy, podcasting, policy advisory, and global community building. Their collective experience ensures that participants receive expert insight, meaningful feedback, and powerful visibility.
If you are a founder, creative, or changemaker looking to elevate your voice, this is the room you want to be in.
Hosna R. Kadary, National Market Leader, Zero Barriers to Business, BMO
Hosna R. Kadary
National Market Leader, Zero Barriers to Business, BMO
With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Hosna R. Kadary is a nationally respected leader advancing equity and access to capital across Canada.
As National Market Leader for Zero Barriers to Business at BMO, she works at the intersection of financial empowerment, inclusion, and entrepreneurship. A Woman of Merit Award recipient, Hosna is dedicated to removing systemic barriers and expanding access to mentorship, funding, and business opportunities for underrepresented founders.
Her leadership extends to the Advisory Council of the Niffy Wellness Foundation, where she champions financial literacy, economic confidence, and sustainable growth for girls and women.
Hosna brings a critical lens to the Media Pitch Challenge: How do founders position themselves for funding? How do they communicate impact with clarity? How do they build scalable, sustainable businesses?
Sherley Joseph has spent more than a decade shaping Black Canadian storytelling through podcasting, publishing, and community-driven media platforms.
As co-host of The Sherley and Clove Podcast, she has built a cultural archive of over 800 episodes centered on identity, lived experience, and creative expression. Through Black Canadian Creators, she has created a national platform dedicated to amplifying Black creatives, independent media, and digital storytelling.
Sherley is also the founder of BlkPodNews: Northern Voices and co-organizer of The Soundwave Summit, advancing independent podcasting and media ownership across Canada.
Her lens as a media builder and community connector ensures that pitches are evaluated not just for visibility, but for cultural resonance, authenticity, and long-term narrative power.
Cynthia Mwangi | Brand Manager, Hot 96 | Founder, Cyn Communications | PR & Media Strategist
Cynthia Mwangi
Brand Manager, Hot 96 | Founder, Cyn Communications | PR & Media Strategist
Cynthia Mwangi is a leading PR, Marketing, and Communications expert with nearly two decades of experience across broadcast journalism, brand management, and digital strategy.
Currently serving as Brand Manager at Hot 96 and Deputy Radio Digital Manager at Royal Media Services Ltd in Kenya, Cynthia operates at the intersection of content, revenue, operations, and digital growth. She understands how modern media integrates storytelling, audience engagement, and measurable business outcomes.
Through her firm, Cyn Communications, she supports organizations and public figures with media relations, political communications, crisis management, and brand positioning.
Cynthia brings strategic insight into what makes a pitch media-ready, compelling, and newsworthy in today’s competitive communications landscape.
Why This Judging Panel Matters
The Women of Rubies Media Pitch Challenge is more than a pitch competition. It is a visibility platform designed to equip women founders, creatives, nonprofit leaders, and changemakers with:
Media positioning skills
Strategic storytelling clarity
Confidence in communicating impact
Access to influential leaders across finance, media, and entrepreneurship
Our judges represent finance, global business, podcasting, communications, policy, and brand strategy. Their feedback goes beyond surface-level advice. It reflects real-world experience in scaling brands, securing funding, building audiences, and shaping narratives.
At Women of Rubies, we believe visibility is not vanity. It is access. It is opportunity. It is leverage.
The Media Pitch Challenge was created to help women articulate the value of their work with clarity and confidence. Too many brilliant founders are building quietly without the platforms, media exposure, or strategic feedback they need to scale.
Bringing together leaders like Hosna R. Kadary, Dr. Oluwanifemi Fagbohun, Sherley Joseph, and Cynthia Mwangi reflects our commitment to excellence. These are women who understand capital, storytelling, governance, brand positioning, and systems change. Their presence signals that women’s stories deserve serious rooms and serious decision-makers.
This challenge is about more than pitching. It is about helping women own their narrative, refine their voice, and step into greater visibility with intention.
About the Women of Rubies Media Pitch Challenge
The Media Pitch Challenge is an annual initiative by Women of Rubies designed to amplify women’s voices during Black History Month and beyond.
Participants submit a 2-minute video pitch, receive coaching resources, and present live before an expert panel. The initiative provides:
Media visibility and digital spotlight features
A structured pitch coaching session
A Media Pitch Workbook
Access to industry leaders
Post-event exposure across Women of Rubies platforms
The challenge exists for women founders, creatives, nonprofit leaders, and changemakers ready to refine their story and expand their reach.
Register for the Media Pitch Challenge
If you are building something meaningful and want your story to be seen, heard, and supported, this platform was created for you. Register here: womenofrubies.com/mediapitch
Join us on February 28 and step into a room designed for clarity, confidence, and visibility.
For many women doing impactful work,the challenge isn’t a lack of excellence; it’s a lack of exposure. At Women of Rubies, we believe stories are powerful tools for change, credibility, and connection. That belief shapes how we design our editorial features: intentionally, thoughtfully, and with long-term impact in mind.
Our platform exists to amplify women-led stories, spotlight leadership, and create meaningful visibility opportunities, not just momentary attention.
Below is a breakdown of our editorial offerings and how we support women through storytelling.
Our Editorial Features at Women of Rubies
Each feature is designed to meet women where they are in their journey, from emerging voices to established leaders.
Woman of the Week (Top Tier Editorial Feature)
Woman of the Week is our highest editorialoffering and most in-depth spotlight.This feature is crafted for women whose work, leadership, or advocacy deserves deeper storytelling and sustained visibility. It goes beyond a highlight; it tells the why, the impact, and the journey.
Woman of the Week features include:
A long-form editorial spotlight
Strategic storytelling that positions the featured woman as a thought leader
Promotion across our platforms
Evergreen visibility through our website and archives
This feature is intentionally limited to preserve quality, depth, and editorial integrity.
It is storytelling rooted in connection and shared experience.
Why Our Editorial Features Matter
Visibility alone is not enough. How a story is told determines how it’s received, remembered, and respected.
Our editorial approach prioritizes:
Narrative clarity
Authentic voice
Context and credibility
Long-term discoverability
By centering women’s stories with intention, we help shift conversations and expand representation across media spaces.
Who Our Editorial Features Are For
Our features are ideal for:
Women founders and entrepreneurs
Advocates and community leaders
Creatives and professionals
Women-led organizations and initiatives
Brands looking to align with women-focused storytelling
If your work centers on impact, leadership, or meaningful change, our platform is designed to support your voice.
How to Be Considered
Editorial features at Women of Rubies are offered on a paid basis, with limited complimentary opportunities extended at our discretion for community impact stories.
To learn more about our editorial features or request our full rate card, email us directly at info@womenofrubies.com. Our team reviews all inquiries carefully to ensure alignment with our mission and editorial values.
Storytelling is not about noise; it’s about presence. At Women of Rubies, we remain committed to amplifying women who are shaping culture, leading change, and redefining what visibility looks like on their own terms.
We look forward to telling more stories that matter.
This February, in celebration of Black History Month, Women of Rubies is hosting the Media Pitch Challenge, a Black woman–led visibility and media empowerment initiative designed to amplify the voices, stories, and impact of women founders, creatives, and changemakers.
Building on the success of our Media Visibility Bootcamp, this challenge creates a direct pathway from preparation to exposure. It was designed to address a critical gap: women are doing powerful work, yet many still lack access to the platforms, media opportunities, and decision-makers needed to scale their impact. The Media Pitch Challenge exists to bridge that gap while welcoming more women into a growing ecosystem of visibility, support, and access.
What Is the Women of Rubies Media Pitch Challenge?
The Media Pitch Challenge is a curated visibility opportunity where women are invited to pitch their story, brand, or initiative for media exposure and strategic amplification.
Unlike traditional pitch competitions focused solely on funding, this challenge centers visibility as currency, because being seen creates access to funding, partnerships, credibility, and long-term growth.
Why This Matters, Especially During Black History Month
Black History Month is not only about reflection, but it is also about recognition, representation, and elevation.
This initiative:
Celebrates Black women’s leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship
Highlights underrepresented voices doing meaningful work
Aligns with broader goals of economic empowerment and inclusion
Creates tangible visibility opportunities, not just conversations
The Media Pitch Challenge positions Black History Month as a moment of action and amplification, not symbolism alone.
How the Media Pitch Challenge Works
The process is intentionally structured to be accessible, fair, and impactful.
Step 1: Registration Participants register to secure their spot in the challenge.
Step 2: Video Pitch Submission Each participant submits a 2-minute video pitch sharing:
Who they are
What they do
Why their story or work deserves visibility
Step 3: Review & Shortlisting All video pitches are reviewed in advance by a panel of media and industry experts.
Step 4: Live Pitch Event A select group of shortlisted participants pitches live during the virtual event on February 28, 2026 and receives feedback.
Step 5: Winner Selection One standout pitch is selected to receive a premium media visibility package.
What the Winner Receives
The selected winner will receive a $2500 worth of Premium Media Visibility Package, including:
Feature spotlight on Women of Rubies and other top media platforms like Guardian, Associated Press, Canada News Journal, Business Insider, podcasts, and strategic visibility amplification across partner platforms.
This package is designed to elevate visibility, credibility, and reach, long after the event ends.
Who Should Apply? This challenge is for:
Women founders and entrepreneurs
Creatives and storytellers
NGO leaders and social impact builders
Women-led brands and initiatives
Changemakers ready to be seen
If visibility, credibility, and access are part of your 2026 goals, this opportunity is for you.
Media & Community Partners
This initiative is delivered in collaboration with visibility and community partners, including Montreal Vendors,WinTECH Community, Leading Ladies Connect, Audaz Magazine, Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, and other aligned media and ecosystem platforms committed to advancing women-led stories and impact.
Event Details at a Glance
Event: Women of Rubies Media Pitch Challenge Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026 Format: Virtual Theme: Black History Month, Visibility, Leadership & Impact Registration: womenofrubies.com/mediapitch
The Women of Rubies Media Pitch Challenge is more than a pitch event. It is a visibility accelerator. A platform for stories that matter. And a step toward ensuring that women’s work is not just done, but also seen.
Women and allies across Canada are invited to celebrate leadership, diversity, and opportunity at the 35th annual WCT Leadership Excellence Awards (LEA). Building on the theme of International Women’s Day 2026, Give to Gain, the awards honour women, men, and organizations that actively champion women’s advancement in the workplace.
This prestigious gala is a must-attend event for Canada’s vibrant business sectors, bringing together the country’s most influential leaders and rising stars to recognize outstanding contributions to women’s empowerment and inclusion in the communications and technology industries.
Photo: WCT website
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, April 14th, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E4
The WCT Leadership Excellence Awards (LEA) celebrate individuals, teams, and organizations who champion diversity, opportunity, and inclusion for women in Canada’s communications and technology sectors. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the awards, with eight prestigious categories recognizing exceptional leadership.
Nomination deadline: February 6, 2026
Award Categories
1. Woman of the Year The highest individual honour, celebrating extraordinary leaders who have materially advanced the roles and influence of women in the digital economy.
2. ERG of the Year Recognizes Employee Resource Groups that demonstrate exceptional commitment to women’s advancement, using best practices to foster inclusion and measurable workplace results.
3. Ally of the Year Honours men who have made significant contributions as mentors, sponsors, or advocates, empowering women within organizations and across the economy.
4. Innovator of the Year New for the 35th anniversary, this award celebrates women leading in disruptive or emerging technologies, turning bold ideas into transformative solutions.
5. Champion of the Year Exclusive to WCT sponsoring partner leaders, this award recognises those championing WCT’s cause and advancing women within their organizations.
6. Mentor of the Year Honours exceptional mentors from WCT programs — including Pods and career accelerators — who guide and develop women leaders through insight, encouragement, and dedication.
7. Rising Star of the Year Open to WCT program alumni, this award celebrates emerging leaders making a meaningful impact early in their careers and shaping the future of leadership in Canada’s digital economy.
8. Regional Leader of the Year Recognizes outstanding volunteer leaders across WCT chapters in Canada whose advocacy, mentorship, and dedication strengthen local networks and empower women in the digital economy.
Photo: WCT Website
Why Attend
The WCT Awards Gala is not just a celebration; it is a networking and learning opportunity. Attendees will connect with influential leaders, rising talent, and organizations dedicated to inclusion, equity, and innovation.
Whether you’re nominating, attending, or sponsoring, the event is a chance to:
Celebrate achievements in leadership and diversity
Recognize role models shaping Canada’s digital economy
Build connections with the country’s top business and tech leaders
Celebrate the women, allies, and organizations who give to gain in leadership. Together, we can continue to create a future where women thrive across Canada’s technology and communications sectors.
Many women-led businesses and initiatives have incredible ideas and impact, yet often struggle to access the funding and support needed to grow. The Women of Rubies Funding Masterclass, facilitated by Sola Oluwole, tackled exactly this challenge, providing actionable strategies, clarity, and tools to help women founders position their work for funding success.
🎥 Replay Available Now
The full masterclass is now available as a replay for just $30. Watch and learn at your own pace, and revisit key insights shared during the session. Access the Replay Here
Inside, we break down:
✔️ What funders actually look for ✔️ How to prepare your business for funding ✔️ Common mistakes that block access ✔️ Practical steps you can apply immediately
Optional Add-On: Spotlight Feature
For those interested in amplifying their work even further, selected participants will be featured on the Women of Rubies platform. Share your bio, photo, and social links when you get the replay to be considered for this exclusive visibility opportunity. Send to – Info@womenofrubies.com
Take the step today to grow your impact, gain clarity on funding, and expand your visibility.
The legendary costume designer has earned her fifth Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design for her work on Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, officially making her the most-nominated Black woman in Oscar history across any category. With this milestone, Carter extends a legacy that has not only shaped cinema but also paved the way for future generations of Black creatives.
Before this year’s nomination, Carter was tied with Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis at four nominations. She now standsalongside Spike Lee and Morgan Freeman, each with five nominations, ranking among the most-recognized Black creatives in Oscar history. Only Quincy Jones (seven nominations) and Denzel Washington (nine nominations) stand ahead.
A Career Rooted in Cultural Storytelling
Ruth E. Carter is widely celebrated for her ability to use costume as storytelling, honoring history, culture, and identity through design. Her work has consistently elevated Black narratives on screen, most notably in Black Panther (2018), for which she became the first Black woman to win an Oscar for costume design. Her nomination for Sinners further solidifies her role as a cultural architect in film.
In this year’s Best Costume Design category, Carter joins an accomplished group of nominees including Deborah L. Scott (Avatar: Fire and Ash), Kate Hawley (Frankenstein), Malgosia Turzanska (Hamnet), and Miyako Belizzi (Marty Supreme).
Breaking Barriers and Earning Oscars
Carter’s work on Marvel’s Black Panther marked a watershed moment in cinema. The costumes were more than outfits, they were symbols of pride, power, and identity, rooted in Afrofuturism and rich African tradition. For this achievement, she became the first Black woman to win an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.
She repeated that historic win with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, becoming the first Black woman to win multiple Oscars in any category, a distinction that cements her legacy while spotlighting how rarely Black designers have been recognized at Hollywood’s highest levels.
Now, with her fifth Oscar nomination — this time for her work on the period-rich Sinners, Carter has surpassed legendary actresses and creatives to hold the record for the most nominations of any Black woman in Oscar history.
Design Philosophy: Culture, Respect, and Visual Truth
Carter’s approach to costume design centers on truth and representation. For Sinners, set in the early 20th-century American South, she described her work as an act of cultural preservation, using clothing to protect and reflect the lived realities of Black working-class life rather than merely embellishing characters. This level of nuance and historical sensitivity has defined her career.
Her designs don’t just dress actors; they tell their stories. Whether it’s the vibrancy of African-inspired regalia or the layered texture of Depression-era clothing, each piece becomes a visual narrative that deepens audience engagement with the story.
More Than an Oscar Nominee: A Cultural Legacy
Beyond the Oscars, Carter’s contributions extend to education and inspiration. Her memoir, The Art of Ruth E. Carter, chronicles her creative journey and creative philosophy. Her work has been featured in traveling exhibitions exploring Afrofuturism in Costume Design, showcasing how cinematic costume can reflect identity and imagination.
She also serves on the Academy’s Board of Governors for the Costume Designers Branch, helping shape the future of the industry and championing greater diversity in storytelling.
Celebrating Legacy, Visibility, and Impact
Ruth E. Carter’s achievement is more than a personal milestone, it is a reminder of the power of sustained excellence and representation. Her work has not only shaped cinematic worlds but has also expanded what visibility looks like for Black women behind the scenes.
At Women of Rubies, we celebrate moments like these because they reflect the very essence of our mission: honoring women who break barriers, build legacies, and redefine what leadership and creativity look like on a global stage.
Ruth E. Carter’s legacy is still unfolding, and history is watching.
Too many women doing impactful, community-shaping work are still invisible.
Across industries, women founders, creatives, nonprofit leaders, and advocates are building powerful solutions, driving change, and serving their communities, yet their stories often go unseen and unheard. The issue is rarely a lack of talent, effort, or preparation. More often, it is a lack of access to visibility.
In today’s media-driven world, visibility determines whose work is recognized, funded, and supported. And for many women, especially Black women and women from underrepresented communities, that access remains limited.
Visibility Is the Difference Between Impact and Opportunity
Visibility is often treated as optional, something to pursue later, once the work is “bigger” or “more established.” In reality, visibility is a growth tool. It shapes perception, credibility, and opportunity.
When women doing impactful work gain visibility, they unlock:
Increased trust and legitimacy
Access to partnerships and funding
Opportunities for media coverage and speaking
Broader community reach and influence
Without visibility, even the most meaningful work can remain confined to small circles, limiting its ability to scale and create lasting change.
Why Women Doing Impactful Work Remain Invisible
The visibility gap is not accidental. Many women face systemic barriers that limit their exposure to media platforms, industry gatekeepers, and decision-makers.
Some of the most common challenges include:
Limited access to media and storytelling platforms
Lack of guidance on how to pitch their work effectively
Confidence gaps shaped by exclusion, not capability
Few spaces designed to amplify women’s voices intentionally
As a result, women are often encouraged to “keep building” without being shown how to position their stories in ways that attract attention, support, and opportunity.
Shifting the Narrative Through Visibility
Addressing invisibility requires more than encouragement, it requires structure, access, and intentional platforms. Women need spaces that help them clarify their stories, communicate their impact, and be seen by the right audiences.
This is where visibility initiatives play a critical role. When women are supported to articulate their work clearly and confidently, they are better positioned to claim space, attract support, and expand their reach.
Introducing the Media Pitch Challenge
In celebration of Black History Month, Women of Rubies is hosting the Media Pitch Challenge, a visibility-focused initiative created to spotlight women whose work deserves greater recognition.
The Media Pitch Challenge is designed to help women doing impactful work move from preparation to exposure. It is not about perfection or polished PR language. It is about clarity, confidence, and learning how to communicate your story in a way that resonates with media, audiences, and opportunities.
Participants receive guided support to refine their pitch and share their work within a curated visibility ecosystem.
What Participants Gain
Women who take part in the Media Pitch Challenge receive:
A Media Pitch Workbook to structure and strengthen their story
Access to a live group pitch coaching session led by visibility coaches
The opportunity to pitch before industry and media judges
A certificate of participation from Women of Rubies
One standout participant will receive a $2,500 Media Visibility Package, including featured content, interviews, social amplification, and strategic visibility support.
Who This Is For
The Media Pitch Challenge is open to women who are:
Founders and entrepreneurs
Creatives and storytellers
Nonprofit and NGO leaders
Advocates and community builders
Professionals with meaningful work to share
If you are doing impactful work and feel your story deserves to be seen more widely, this initiative was created with you in mind.
Why This Matters During Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to honor leadership, contribution, and excellence, not only from the past, but in the present. Spotlighting women doing impactful work today is part of continuing that legacy.
Visibility is not about attention for attention’s sake. It is about representation, access, and creating pathways for women’s work to be recognized and supported.
Step Into the Spotlight
The Media Pitch Challenge takes place on February 28, and participation is now open.
Visibility doesn’t happen by accident. For many women, it takes intention, the right support system, and a community that believes in their story as much as you do.
That’s exactly why we created the Women of Rubies Collective Community (RCC), a paid membership designed for women who want consistent visibility, media clarity, and real opportunities, not one-off features.
Why the Rubies Collective Community Exists
Over the years at Women of Rubies, we noticed a recurring question after spotlight features and bootcamps:
“What’s next?”
Women wanted more than a single feature. They wanted:
Ongoing visibility
Media positioning support
Strategy and accountability
Access to opportunities and collaborations
RCC was created to bridge that gap, a space where women don’t just get seen once, but are supported to show up confidently all year long.
What Is the Rubies Collective Community (RCC)?
The Rubies Collective Community is a year-long visibility and media support membership for women building brands, businesses, careers, and impact-driven initiatives.
It brings together women who are ready to:
Own their story
Position themselves for media and speaking opportunities
Build credibility and authority
Stay visible without burning out
This is not about chasing clout. It’s about intentional visibility that opens doors.
What You Get as an RCC Member
When you join RCC, you receive:
One guaranteed Google-optimized spotlight feature on Women of Rubies (live permanently)
One private 20-minute media clarity & strategy session with our team
Year-long media visibility support across our platforms and communities
25% discount on all Women of Rubies events and bootcamps
VIP access to select Women of Rubies and partner-led sessions
Access to the Rubies Resource Vault (media pitch templates, brand audit tools, replays, and resources)
Private WhatsApp & Telegram communities for high-level networking
Digital RCC Member Badge + welcome shoutout
Priority access to spotlight opportunities, collaborations, and campaigns
In short, you don’t walk this visibility journey alone.
Who the Rubies Collective Community Is For
RCC is for you if:
You’re tired of being excellent in silence
You want your work to be seen, shared, and respected
You’re building something meaningful and want the right audience to find you
You value strategy, community, and alignment over noise
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, coach, nonprofit founder, or professional — your story deserves space.
Access to funding remains one of the biggest challenges facing women entrepreneurs in Canada. While talent, innovation, and ambition are not in short supply, knowing where to find funding and how to apply strategically can make the difference between survival and sustainable growth. Many founders miss out not because their businesses lack potential, but because they’re unsure how to position their story, financials, and strategy in a way funders understand.
To support women navigating this process, Women of Rubies is hosting a Funding Masterclassfocused on helping women entrepreneurs prepare for grants and other financial opportunities. The session will be facilitated by Sola Oluwole, an experienced entrepreneur and development finance specialist who has supported women founders in navigating funding readiness and access to capital.
As we step into 2026, several grants and funding opportunities for women-owned businesses are currently open or accepting rolling applications. Below is a curated list of funding options women entrepreneurs should explore, whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale.
Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant
The Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant is a $5,000 grant designed to support women entrepreneurs who are actively building and scaling their businesses.
Grant amount: $5,000
Who can apply: Women entrepreneurs with an existing business
Requirements: Applicants must be subscribed to the Her Agenda newsletter
This grant is ideal for founders who are beyond the idea stage and need funding to unlock their next phase of growth, whether for marketing, operations, or product development.
Amber Grant for Women (Rolling Monthly Grant)
The Amber Grant is one of the most accessible funding opportunities for women-owned businesses in Canada and the U.S.
Grant amount: $10,000 awarded every month
Additional opportunity: Monthly winners are eligible for a $50,000 annual grant
Who can apply: Women-owned businesses (minimum 50% ownership)
Deadline: Rolling — apply before the end of each month
Because this grant runs monthly, it’s a strong option for women entrepreneurs who may not be selected the first time but want to apply consistently throughout the year.
Visa “She’s Next” Grant Program
Visa’s She’s Next Grant Program supports women entrepreneurs with funding and mentorship. In Canada, the program is delivered in partnership with York University’s YSpace.
Grant amount: $10,000 CAD
Additional support: 4-month mentorship and business acceleration program
Eligibility includes:
Women-owned businesses (at least 50%)
Operating in Canada
Minimum revenue threshold applies
This program is well-suited for founders who want both capital and strategic guidance to strengthen their business in 2026.
Zensurance Small Business Grant
The Zensurance Small Business Grant is a $25,000 funding opportunity for Canadian small businesses, including women-led and women-owned ventures that are actively operating and registered in Canada (though applicants from Quebec, Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories are generally excluded from eligibility). To participate, businesses must complete an online application, provide a brief explanation of how they would use the funds, and follow specific participation steps outlined by Zensurance. A shortlist of finalists is selected, and the grant winner will receive $25,000 in funding, with additional smaller grants awarded to runner-ups.
Grant amount: $25,000
Who can apply: Canadian small business owners (operating, registered, and with annual revenue within eligibility criteria)
What’s required: Complete application, compelling business story, and participation steps (such as following Zensurance’s social channels)
Status:Application currently open for the most recent cycle (with winner to be announced January 27, 2026)
This grant can be a significant boost for small business operations, marketing, equipment investments, or scaling initiatives, and is a great opportunity to share with your audience in addition to the women-focused funding options above.
Government of Canada Funding for Women Entrepreneurs
Through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), the Government of Canada continues to invest in women-led businesses across the country. While not all opportunities are direct grants, funding streams include:
Non-repayable grants
Micro-loans and growth loans
Capacity-building and ecosystem programs
Sector-specific and regional funding opportunities
Application periods vary depending on the delivery organization, so founders are encouraged to check federal and regional partners regularly for new intakes.
These programs are particularly valuable for women entrepreneurs seeking long-term growth support, financial readiness, and credibility.
Preparing to Win Funding in 2026
Accessing funding is not only about finding the right opportunity, it’s about preparation. Understanding what funders look for, how to communicate your impact, and how to present your financial readiness can significantly improve your chances of success.
That’s why our Funding Masterclass is designed to help women entrepreneurs move from uncertainty to clarity, and from preparation to opportunity.
