AFIA DEI Training - for team members who serve entrepreneurs

Virtual, Interactive, Relevant and Practical

AFIA DEI Training will help your team understand the barriers to business funding for women entrepreneurs, especially BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and what they can do do provide inclusive customer service and increase funding access.


Who is it For?


Team members who work for companies and organizations that fund entrepreneurs - excellent for customer-facing roles (business advisors, loan officers), people involved in funding decisions (risk assessors), DEI champions or ambassadors - as well as leaders who want to make a difference.


Why Take the Training?


Team members who participate will: 

  • Build knowledge and confidence to better serve women entrepreneurs in all their diversity
  • Understand why women face barriers to accessing business funding and favourable terms
  • Identify how being BIPOC and/or 2SLGBTQ+ can create specific challenges for accessing financial capital 


  • Count on best practices to shift underrepresented entrepreneurs from ‘discouraged’ to ‘supported’ 
  • Receive an AFIA digital badge to display on LinkedIn or other social media
  • Be able to download information sheets with tips and tools

Features

3 online modules @ 1 hour each = 3 hours

Self-paced learning

Evidence-based recommendations, tips and tools

Showcases Black, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ voices

Interactive learning and assessment activities

Developed by experts in women and BIPOC women entrepreneurship

The Course

Serving Women Entrepreneurs: Breaking Down Barriers to Business Capital features the following content: 

Module 1: Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada

  • The Funding Gap for Women-Owned Businesses
  • Characteristics of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada
  • Diversity in Women's Entrepreneurship: Characteristics of BIPOC Women and 2SLGBTQ+ Ventures

Module 2: The Funding Gap

  • Why Does the Funding Gap Matter?
  • 9 Reasons Why Women Aren't Getting the Funding they Need
  • Funding Challenges for BIWOC & 2SLGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs

Module 3: How do we Close the Funding Gap?

  • Inclusive Customer Service: Leading Practices
  • Funding Products & Processes: Leading Practices
  • Leadership and Governance: Leading Practices & Metrics

AFIA DEI Training  FAQs

  • Who is the training for?

    The training is for anyone who works at a company or organization that funds entrepreneurs. 


    May include directors, managers, loan officers, business advisors, risk assessors, DEI champions and more.

  • Can an individual take the training?

    Yes, anyone can take the training - for professional development or personal interest. 


    The cost for an individual is $199. 

  • How long does it take to complete the training?

    The online program is self-paced.  It takes about 2.5 hours to complete all three modules.  

  • How much does it cost?

    We offer individual and team pricing at reasonable rates. 


    Pricing is based on the size of your company or organization, with lower rates for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. 


    For medium and large companies, discounts are offered when more team members participate.  


    Contact us to learn more: 

    afiadei@theforum.ca

  • How do I register for the training?

    Fill out this form to let us know you are interested in registering as an individual or team. 


    We will reach out to you to discuss your needs and the pricing. 


What You’ve Said

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Breaking Down Barriers to Business Funding, an insightful and empowering resource that delves into the critical issues diverse groups of women face in accessing funding for their businesses. With a well-researched approach, it provides valuable strategies and solutions to help bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship financing, making it a must-to get certified for anyone committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the business world

Business Development Manager, Canadian financial institution

I am extremely impressed by the content shared so far, I have learned a tremendous amount and can't wait to share what I have learned with others and to find out how we can start incorporating more inclusivity in the work we do. This course was a true eye opener, with such valuable information, testimonials and data that I wish I could share with more people. Many economic development organizations and municipalities could benefit in so many areas from the information included in your training program.

Executive Director, economic development corporation

This is a fabulous course! It hit the nail on the head - actually, it hit many nails on the head. In fact, it has everything we want our account managers to know about how to be supportive of all our diverse small business clients. I especially like that it's evidence-based with up to date research. It has the right balance of information and statistics - enough to get the key messages across, but not so much that you lose people.

Senior Leader, Canadian financial institution


Andrea Chase, Founder of ProCabby

Immigrant women entrepreneurs are also often undermined and overlooked, as their prior knowledge and education is undervalued.

Interested in our Training?

If you are interested in our training for you or for your team, we'd love to connect.

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