WINDSOR, ON (November 16, 2021) - The U.S Consulate General in Toronto and WEtech Alliance, along with Southwestern Ontario Regional Innovation Centres (RICs), are pleased to form a bi-national partnership to support women entrepreneurs through the CAN/U.S. Power Panel program. Supported by the U.S. Consuls General as part of the Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership’s Building Back Better commitment toward strengthening support for women entrepreneurs during COVID-19, the partnership will expand mentorship and strategic connection opportunities for women-owned technology and innovation companies in Southwestern Ontario.

Tackling Women Entrepreneurs’ Pain Points Through Strategic Connections

The Power Panel series is a collaboration between WEtech Alliance, Haltech Regional Innovation Centre, Innovation Guelph, Innovate Niagara, TechAlliance, and Innovation Factory to benefit Regional Innovation Centre (RIC) associated women-owned companies in Southwestern Ontario. 

During the series of “CAN/U.S. Power Panels,” participating companies will have the opportunity to accelerate their skills development through coaching, connections, and guidance from high-powered, influential U.S. mentors from outside of their usual networks. This is particularly important for women identifying how to capture growth opportunities in new or adjacent markets as the economy recovers post-COVID-19.

U.S. mentors will be selected based on key business growth areas including: capital and investment, leadership, digital transformation, sales, marketing, Intellectual Property, U.S. market expansion, human resources, etc. Confirmed advisors for the Power Panel with a MedHealth theme include Gabrielle Bonello, VP of Strategic Partners at Everly Health; Lindsay Klee, Commercialization & Technology Transfer Leader at Wayne State University; Stephanie Spector, Senior Manager, Center for Consumerism at AVIA; and Tricia Compas-Markman, Senior Program Officer at Venture Well Aspire Medtech. They will join other high-profile U.S. women and allies to provide advice and mentorship to the selected women entrepreneurs. 

The CAN/U.S. Power Panel program will conclude in March 2022 with a bi-national virtual networking event that will engage both women entrepreneurs and industry professionals from both sides of the border – including past Power Panels mentors and companies – to build international networks and connections and create innovative partnerships, solutions, and continue moving forward together. The event will feature a fireside chat with prominent businesswomen from the United States and Canada.

For more information on the CAN/U.S. Power Panel program, visit www.wetech-alliance.com/powerpanel

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Quotes

“In life and in business, leveraging the power of networks are particularly critical to staying afloat. By tapping into the experience and vast networks of the Canada and U.S. ecosystem, the Power Panel extends relationships to thought leaders, experienced entrepreneurs, and global subject experts to Southwestern Ontario female entrepreneurs. Ultimately, we are putting an incredible group of people at their fingertips to allow for a fast and sustainable path to recovery.” – Yvonne Pilon, President and CEO, WEtech Alliance  

“The Power Panel mentors gave me excellent advice about entering the market in the United States. They even offered to contact several people who could help me carry out a clinical validation, which we are currently searching for.” – Itzel Álvarez, Co-founder & Business Development Director, Cardiotrack and Power Panel Participant

“We strongly believe that to Build Back Better, we must support women entrepreneurs through opportunities that boost their leadership skills, expand their networks and strengthen cross-border business ties. Together with our Canadian partners, we are investing in women-owned technology and innovation companies in Southwestern Ontario. The CAN/U.S. Power Panel program will serve as a catalyst for women entrepreneurs to accelerate the growth of their businesses.” – Susan Crystal, U.S. Consul General, U.S Consulate  

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