Report 2023-2024
The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Alliance of Young Women Entrepreneurs (AYWE) celebrates its 7th year of a successful collaborative partnership between RBC, the Centre for Women in Business (CWB), and Mount St. Vincent University (MSVU). The program, initially aimed at MSVU first-year female students, has increased the number of young women entrepreneurs in the Atlantic Canada region. Over the last six years, we have expanded the scope of the AYWE program to include students in years two, three and four. This expansion, based on consultation and conversation, has proven to be of excellent value to students as they prepare for graduation and beyond. Students in their final year and recent graduates have also been provided with extended support through partnerships with St. Mary’s University, Ignitions Program and the pay-as-you–participate Dalhousie University Program “Collide”.
Over the course of this year, students have been exposed to experiential learning and entrepreneurial opportunities, virtual, in-person networking events, and learning and mentorship opportunities that include local community colleges and Universities. Students have expressed a strong desire to build their networks and establish connections outside of their university community.
For the first time, 7 AYWE students attended a 3-day Women in Business Conference Retreat at the St. Francis Xavier University, an opportunity to travel to the Antigonish region of Nova Scotia for networking, professional development and more.
This academic year, 10 students launched their businesses including a bakery, a hair braiding and hairstyling business, a small purse and bag retail, a wellness product pop-up store, an online- travel business, a PR consulting business, an online book, a health food business, and a make–up artistry business.
The CWB continues to support AYWE students with a complimentary membership, business advisories, mentorship, connection to industry resources based on student interest, and referral to pitch competitions and grants program that aid students in fulfilling their entrepreneurial goals. This year students expressed a strong interest in the agri-food industry, freelancing, wellness services, and braiding/hairstyling.
AYWE students are leaders. They are driven and showup for the opportunities available. It is a pleasure to work with students regionally, nationally, and internationally, as the AYWE program continues to have a broad impact on the entrepreneurial skills of the program participants who courageously launch their businesses, aiding them in covering tuition, their living expenses and in some instances providing for their families.
