GreentreprenHER Program
Ages 16-19
The GreentreprenHER Program is a flagship initiative by the Jua Centre designed to equip Black girls and young women in Ottawa (ages 16–19) with the tools to lead in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
This is not a typical program.
It is a structured innovation pipeline where participants move from idea → venture → impact.
Through a combination of mentorship, workshops, and hands-on development, participants design and launch eco-conscious business or social enterprise ideas that respond to real community and environmental challenges.
Program Structure
PHASE 1:INSPIRE
Participants begin by developing an entrepreneurial mindset and identifying real-world problems rooted in sustainability and community needs.
They will:
Define a clear problem statement supported by evidence
Develop customer personas and empathy maps
Conduct a market scan and assess opportunity size
Build a low-fidelity prototype through design thinking
Complete a short research report based on interviews or surveys
PHASE 3: TEST
Participants strengthen the financial and operational foundations of their venture while preparing for real-world testing.
They will:
Learn core financial concepts including cash flow and pricing
Build a basic financial model and cost structure
Explore funding pathways (grants, sponsorships, crowdfunding)
Map out operations and supply chains
Understand legal and compliance basics in Ontario
Design and prepare for a pilot launch
PHASE 2: BUILD
Participants translate their ideas into structured ventures, focusing on design, branding, and strategy.
They will:
Develop a Business Model Canvas
Define their product or service (MVP)
Test and refine their value proposition
Build a brand identity and founder story
Create a 90-day go-to-market strategy
Launch a basic landing page or digital presence
PHASE 4: LAUNCH
Participants refine their ventures, measure impact, and prepare to present their work publicly.
They will:
Define impact metrics aligned with sustainability goals
Develop leadership and team structures
Build partnership and outreach strategies
Create and refine a full pitch deck
Practice public speaking and pitching
Present at the final GreentreprenHER Demo Day
Program Outcomes
By the end of the program, participants will have developed a complete and practical venture portfolio.
They will leave with:
A launch-ready eco-venture and pilot plan
An investor-ready pitch deck and presentation experience
A business model, financial plan, and operations strategy
A clear funding roadmap (grants, sponsorships, crowdfunding)
A professional portfolio and certificate to support future opportunities
