HerStart
YCI is advancing gender equality and sustainable development through the power of social entrepreneurship. The HerStart initiative is proof that investing in young women’s ideas creates lasting ripple effects across communities.
#HerStart #OurFuture
Zainab, a HerStart entrepreneur in Tamale, Ghana
The World Needs Gender-Inclusive Innovation
Young women around the world often face barriers that limit their full potential. Yet we know that when women thrive, everyone benefits. HerStart is a bold step forward, leveraging gender-transformative tools, mentorship and funding to level the playing field.
If women and men were supported equally as entrepreneurs, global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could rise by 6% - boosting the global economy by up to $5 trillion (BCG, 2019).
Businesses founded by women often deliver significantly higher return on investment; studies show women-led startups generating 2x the revenue per dollar (BCG, 2018).
of small and medium sized enterprises in Africa are women-led, but only 2% successfully access funding. There is a financial gap of $42 billion between genders (FinDev Canada, 2019).
The HerStart Approach:
Equity Via Entrepreneurship
Our experience has shown that entrepreneurship is a catalyst for economic empowerment – with endless positive aftereffects. That’s why we have teamed up with local organizations, international volunteers and the key funders to propel women forward as community leaders and innovators.
Training, mentoring and funding young women to launch and scale innovative social enterprises
Building local partnerships, leveraging expertise and strengthening organizational learning
Matching the YCI team, entrepreneurs and partners with skilled Canadian volunteers in critical areas
Sparking, Seeding, Growing Impact
HerStart is just getting started and we are already seeing strong results in Tanzania, Ghana and Uganda. Check out the results so far:
young women trained in social entrepreneurship, with at least 1,750 more to go!
in grants disbursed to young women entrepreneurs through the Catalyst Fund.
of funded women entrepreneurs are still running their businesses successfully.
Stories of Women Rising & Partners Thriving
Fellowship Alumni Spotlight: Where Inaara Found Purpose & Impact
2025-05-06
Discover Gejja Women Foundation, a HerStart Partner in Uganda
2025-05-05
Buy Now, Pay Later: A Conversation on Waste, Climate & Innovation
2025-05-01
Thank You to Our Funder
YCI’s HerStart Innovate the Future program is funded through the Government of Canada’s Volunteer Cooperation Program, providing skilled Canadians opportunities to volunteer with global partners and advance Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.
Ready to join something truly transformative?
Photo: Sheila (YCI staff) and Nyasha (International Fellow) support at an International Women's Day Market event for HerStart in Ghana
