Stacy’s Rise Project launches in Canada to support women entrepreneurs

As a woman-founded business, the Stacy’s brand believes in celebrating and supporting women with entrepreneurial passions. For the first time, the snack brand will be launching the Stacy’s Rise Project in Canada as part of its ongoing efforts to support women entrepreneurs who are still experiencing a lack of resources needed to help them rise.

Canadian women running small businesses can apply for the Stacy’s Rise Project at www.stacysriseproject.ca until October 28, 2022.  Four recipients will be selected to receive CAD15,000 grant and gain access to a once-in-a lifetime mentorship opportunity with PepsiCo Foods Canada and Frito-Lay leadership from across North America to help them grow their business.

“After a successful U.S. launch in 2019, we are proud to expand the Stacy’s Rise Project and start our journey in Canada where there are more than 1.1 million entrepreneurs. Across the country, women-owned businesses receive an estimated four per cent of VC funding so we know there is more to be done,” said Jess Spaulding, chief marketing officer of PepsiCo Foods Canada. “It is important for programs like the Stacy’s Rise Project to continue expanding, so that more women receive the support they need through funding, mentorship and resources.”

For its Canadian launch, the Stacy’s Rise Project has partnered with the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC). Together, the organizations aim to address the unique challenges that women face and support them on their paths to establishing a successful business through funding, mentorship, and community.

“Despite the many barriers experienced by women entrepreneurs in Canada and the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, women continue to play a leading role in the management of new businesses, creation of jobs and advancing innovation,” said Alison Kirkland, CEO, WEOC. “Supporting women entrepreneurs is integral to the recovery and growth of our national economy and it is programs like the Stacy’s Rise Project that bring us closer to gender parity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”