Report
Empowering Female Entrepreneurs at MSVU through the AYWE Program
Celebrating 9 Years of Impact: RBC Alliance of Young Women Entrepreneurs (AYWE) at MSVU
The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Alliance of Young Women Entrepreneurs (AYWE) celebrates its 9th year of a successful collaborative partnership between RBC, the Centre for Women in Business (CWB), and Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU). What began as a program aimed at supporting first-year female students has grown into a dynamic initiative that now includes students in their second, third, and fourth years. This expansion—guided by consultation with students and partners—has proven to be deeply valuable, especially as students begin to transition from academic life into entrepreneurship and career development.
The AYWE Program continues to play a transformative role in empowering the entrepreneurial ambitions of female students at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU), Halifax. With a focus on nurturing innovative, socially conscious, and economically viable ventures, the program has provided a robust platform for young women to translate their academic knowledge into practical, community-impacting businesses.
Over the past year, many MSVU students participating in AYWE have demonstrated a strong interest in launching ventures across various sectors, including:
• Food-Based Businesses: Leveraging their academic background in food and nutrition, students are initiating catering services, meal-prep enterprises, and food consultancy businesses targeting healthconscious consumers and cultural markets.
• Senior Care and Community Support Services: Recognizing the increasing need for compassionate elderly care, several students are exploring service models that provide mobile care, companionship, and nutrition guidance for seniors living at home.
• Small-Scale Farming & Urban Agriculture: Inspired by sustainability and food security, some students are developing concepts for small farms and urban agriculture projects, including hydroponics and community-supported agriculture (CSA) systems.
• Event Planning & Management: A growing number of students have expressed interest in starting event companies that specialize in weddings, corporate functions, and cultural celebrations, contributing to Halifax’s vibrant social scene.
• Consulting in Food & Nutrition: Students studying Applied Human Nutrition are using the AYWE platform to explore ways to launch consulting services that address diet-related health issues, meal planning, and culturally relevant nutrition education.
The AYWE Program has provided more than just mentorship. Through its dynamic workshops, access to business development tools, and networking opportunities, students have gained invaluable real-world exposure. Notably, students were given the opportunity to participate in trade shows and industry exhibitions, where they engaged with professionals in the trade, food, and professional services sectors. These experiences allowed students to showcase their ideas, receive feedback, and build relationships with potential partners and customers.
Furthermore, AYWE has facilitated:
• Business Planning and Pitch Coaching
• Access to Micro-Grant Opportunities and Seed Funding through community partnerships
• Connections with Local Entrepreneurs and Industry Mentors
• Workshops on Financial Literacy, Marketing, and Legal Aspects of Business Formation
By supporting these young women at the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, and community impact, the AYWE Program is helping to create a new generation of business leaders in Halifax who are equipped to turn their visions into sustainable enterprises.
