Scale Your Business with Programs for Women Entrepreneurs

Dec 5

Growing your business to the six-figure mark is an impressive feat that takes both skill and determination. However, with each level of growth comes new challenges. In the beginning, you may have thrown things at the wall (figuratively, of course) to see what would stick. But now, you need a strategy to scale your business.

Entrepreneurship shouldn’t feel like you’re climbing a mountain alone (unless that’s your happy place!). As the digital business landscape becomes increasingly complex, resources and entire communities of women are out there to support you. In this article, we’ll walk through two women’s development programs offered by Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) so you can find your fit.

You’ll discover:

The benefits of AWE’s Bold Leadership and Strategic Edge programs
The key differences between these two programs
How to figure out which program is right for you

Tackling Challenges with Confidence

Scaling a business is a personal growth experience unlike almost any other. It’s highly fulfilling, but also rife with obstacles. This is particularly true for women-identifying entrepreneurs who often encounter their very own set of unique barriers in business.

From a lack of access to capital and resources to the struggle of balancing growth with maintaining current operations, the path to scalability can be daunting. This is why AWE has created women’s development programs that support entrepreneurs like you in addressing specific challenges in their businesses.

“For instance, many entrepreneurs may feel uncomfortable with digital or technological terminology and tools, or struggle to effectively implement technology into their day-to-day operations,” says Lori Schmidt, Programs Advisor at AWE. “We offer programs that go beyond superficial understanding so women can tackle technology in their business with confidence.”

AWE’s programs also help address the loneliness many entrepreneurs face, as well as the need for a supportive network.

“Our programs help students feel psychologically safe, be vulnerable with each other, and openly discuss problems and issues,” says Melissa Martin, Program Facilitator at AWE. “Through working sessions and follow-up classes, women can address specific challenges and develop actionable solutions together.”

Now, let’s dive into two programs for women entrepreneurs with companies at $200,000 in revenue or above: Bold Leadership and Strategic Edge.

Implement New Technology with the Bold Leadership Program

Throughout Lori Schmidt’s last five years consulting with AWE, she’s been focusing on women in leadership training to help clients grow past the startup phase using technology.

“It felt like a lot of women didn’t have an opportunity to get deep into digital,” Lori says. “And not simply jumping into social media or digital marketing, but rather looking at the whole business from a technological standpoint.”

Like most in the AWE ecosystem, Lori is driven by supporting women business leaders, collaborating with them in a co-creative manner to make a difference. Together, AWE’s CEO, Marcela Mandeville, and Lori created the Bold Leadership Program.

Bold Leadership supports women entrepreneurs to achieve operational excellence and sustain their current success while simultaneously fostering growth and innovation.

“We designed the program to help women leverage technology effectively in their businesses, but also to—as we say—build the person. We want to really give them confidence to lead digital change in their business,” Lori says. “We’re all about women supporting women, which is why we also have a huge focus on building a community around these women for networking and learning opportunities as they’re building their business.”

Bold Leadership students benefit from learning from experts who deliver content and help coach participants. Through a strategic focus on leveraging digital technologies, implementing cutting-edge business practices, and cultivating a supportive community, this program equips participants with the tools and insights needed to thrive in today's competitive marketplace.

So, who has benefited most from this program?

Ideally suited for entrepreneurs who are eager to embrace change, Bold Leadership helps women confidently adopt new technologies and optimize their operations through tech. Participants walk away from the program with a digital strategy, a defined customer journey, and a map of their internal processes along with opportunities for automation.

Scale Your Business with Strategic Edge

Melissa Martin started her own company 16 years ago, around the same time she discovered AWE.

“A friend of mine thought I would really like the organization,” Melissa says. “I became an in-person facilitator to support women who were in the same boat as me. I love working with women in business.”

Now facilitating the Strategic Edge Program, Melissa is motivated by the program’s ability to validate the experience of being a woman entrepreneur.

“It’s really lonely at the beginning. These women need the network, they rely on each other, and they help each other solve problems. We talk about the secrets of the business and dig into their issues. We create a space that is psychologically safe for these women,” Melissa says. “Asking for help can be scary, and for many women with their own businesses, they don’t have a network before they come to AWE.”

Strategic Edge is tailored for women entrepreneurs who are ready to grow their existing business strategy and plan. The program offers strategic guidance and practical tools to help you scale your businesses effectively. From developing comprehensive growth strategies and exploring new market opportunities to leaning on a community of women who are invested in your success, this program provides participants with the knowledge, support, and networks needed to expand their businesses with confidence.

”We’re always looking ahead,” Melissa says. “We want these women to have the confidence to not only grow their businesses, but to ask for help when they need it. That starts with the community we create here.”

Who is an ideal fit for Strategic Edge?

Women who have an established business and are looking to strengthen their strategy, whether through diversifying or expanding or updating aspects of their business, find this program extremely helpful. Especially if you are feeling uncertain about the future, or if you could really use a network of other entrepreneurs with similar struggles that will support you without judgement. Women development programs like Strategic Edge can help entrepreneurs move the goal posts of their businesses forward in meaningful ways.

Which Program is Right for You?

Choosing the right program depends on your specific business objectives, challenges, and growth aspirations. Consider the key differences between these programs:

Focus and Objectives

Bold Leadership: Focuses on achieving operational excellence, sustaining current success, and fostering growth and innovation through leveraging digital technologies and implementing cutting-edge business practices.
Strategic Edge: Designed for entrepreneurs with ambitious growth aspirations, offering strategic guidance and practical tools to scale their businesses effectively, including developing comprehensive growth strategies and exploring new market opportunities.

Ideal Candidates

Bold Leadership: Suited for entrepreneurs looking to optimize existing operations, embrace innovation, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Strategic Edge: Geared toward entrepreneurs aiming to expand and strengthen their existing strategy, diversify their offerings, and navigate the complexities of scaling operations.

Program Components

Bold Leadership: Emphasizes practical strategies for improvement, access to a supportive community and experts, and resources focused on enhancing operational efficiencies.
Strategic Edge: Provides comprehensive guidance on growth strategies, market expansion, trade missions, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes in a tight-knit, trustworthy community.

Areas of Emphasis

Bold Leadership: Focuses on leveraging technology, building a strong community network, and developing leadership skills to adapt to market changes.
Strategic Edge: Emphasizes exploring new market opportunities, developing growth strategies relevant to the digital age, and managing increased complexity in business operations.

Key Outcomes

Bold Leadership: Aims to support entrepreneurs with the technological tools, insights, and support needed to sustain current success and drive future growth.
Strategic Edge: Seeks to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to strengthen their business plan and build on a solid foundation.

Find the Right Support for You

You can achieve the full potential of your business with the right people in your corner. Whether you’re looking for a women in leadership course, ongoing women’s development programs, or guidance to scale your business, AWE’s programs can support you.

“We truly feel blessed to be able to help the women who come through AWE’s programs,” both Lori and Melissa agree. “These women really care about succeeding, but they also care about each other.”

If you have any questions about how AWE can support your entrepreneurial journey, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of experts is here to provide personalized guidance and support every step of the way.

Learn more ABout our programs

Alycia Benson