Women Venture Forward™ Voir cette page en français Applications for the 4th cohort of this program open January 31, 2025. Key Information Application Deadline: February 14th, 2025Notification of Acceptance: By February 25th, 2025 Program Cohort: Cohort 4: March 24th 2025 – March 28th 2025 The Women Venture Forward™ program will take place in person in Toronto at Ivey’s Donald K. Johnson Centre. Investment Details The program, valued at $10,000 CAD, is offered at no cost to qualifying participants, thanks to funding from the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy managed by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Program Overview Under the Inclusive Women Venture Capital Initiative (IWVCI), in partnership with Ivey Academy, the Women Venture Forward™ program aligns with the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) objectives. Participants will receive sector-specific knowledge from experienced industry practitioners, enhancing their positioning in the VC ecosystem. Selection Process The CVCA has established a nomination committee to review the applicants and oversee the selection process. The committee will make final decisions based on an application that fulfills the criteria outlined, and is a woman employed in an investment-focused role within a General Partner (GP) firm in the Venture Capital (VC) sector and the applicant’s potential to succeed within the private capital industry. The Judgement Criteria The selection committee will assess applications based on the following criteria: Employment Status Must be employed by a General Partner (GP) firm within the Venture Capital (VC) industry from a CVCA member firm. Role Alignment Preference for applicants in investment-focused roles Roles: Analyst (both junior and senior), Associate, (targeting participants below the Principal level) Interns are not eligible for this program Experience Length of Time in the Industry Minimum of 3 years in the VC industry is preferred, with flexibility for candidates who recently changed firms. 6 spots available for women at member firms with less than 3 years of industry experience (not open to interns). Commitment to Career Advancement Demonstrated Career Path Applicants should show a clear ambition to grow in VC, inspire others, and contribute to the industry. Willingness to Engage Must commit to attending all sessions, engaging with peers, and leveraging the program network. Must be available to attend in person according to the program schedule of March 23rd to 28th 2025 in Toronto. Curated Cohort: Diversity of Perspectives Geographic Representation Aim for diverse regional representation across provinces and territories. Firm Size and Resources Consider disparities in educational support between large and small firms. Bonus points for candidates from smaller firms with limited professional development resources. Application Materials Application Link The application link will be provided via email on January 31 to CVCA members Submission of reference letters from Managing Partner or direct supervisor to validate the commitment. Video Submission 1–2 minutes to gauge ambition, energy, and demeanor. Video Submission (can be a video from a cell phone) – link available to upload in the application link Cultivating Canadian VC Careers & Advancing the Ecosystem The CPCIS program is a key player in delivering essential knowledge for navigating the private capital investment landscape, featuring insights from Canada’s leading industry experts. It has set the stage for the Women Venture Forward™ program, which will not only maintain the rich educational content but also tailor the course material and guest speakers to resonate with the unique journeys and experiences of the participants. Through a curated curriculum, the Women Venture Forward™ program aims to provide a more relatable and empowering learning environment, ensuring the teachings are both relevant and inspiring for every participant. Interested in the Women Venture Forward™ Program? Thank you for your interest in Women Venture Forward™. Applications for this program open on January 31, 2025. Interested in the Existing CPCIS Program? The next CPCIS program will take place in person from March 17 – March 21, 2025. This program offers valuable insights and industry knowledge, with a 25% discount on program fees for CVCA members. Learn more here.