Hopemaker: Women's Business Accelerator
Why did we start this?
As the world of work continues to evolve, women are increasingly embracing entrepreneurship as a means to shape their futures.
Beyond being a path to financial independence, entrepreneurship offers women the flexibility to balance their careers with caregiving responsibilities — a balance often difficult to achieve in traditional employment settings. With the rise of remote work, digital platforms, and innovative business models, women are finding new ways to create income streams that align with their personal lives and values.
Here at YWCA's Women’s Business Accelerator, budding women entrepreneurs the fuel, the tools, and the community to build businesses that will give them the lift they need— all while applying what they learn and earning some extra income.
Get in touch
For Enrolment
Cheryl Ong
Manager, Programmes
cherylong@ywca.org.sg
DID: 6223 1227 (ext 218)
For other enquiries
Community Services & Programmes
csp@ywca.org.sg
DID: 6223 1227
The Ultimate Goal
Empowering women with aspirations to build businesses to sustain future generations and uplift lives.
Key Objectives
- To equip essential business knowledge and skills.
- To cultivate confident and empowered women entrepreneurs through networks and community of support with business owners, mentors, peers and potential partners, and secure access to resources to support business growth.
- To generate income to support the family.
Aligned with United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
- SDG #3 Good Health & Well-being
- SDG #8 Decent Work & Economic Growth
- SDG #10 Reduced Inequalities
Target Audience
- Women with business idea and/or women with existing business
- Women with monthly per capita income of $3,000 or less
- Women are referred by Social Service Agencies, Social Service Offices and Charities
- Women with basic English proficiency; able to communicate & understand simple English
- Women who are ready to commit to the 3 core phases of training, mentoring and pitch will be given priority slots
Programme Process
Step 1:
Referral by Charities and Community Partners
If you work with women who have interest in starting a business or has an existing business and seeking for growth, we’d love for you to connect them with us.
A quick introduction via a referral link is all it takes to get started.
Step 2:
Intake and Enrolment
Once a referral is received, our team will contact the referred individual to begin the intake process, which may include a phone interview and, if necessary, a home visit.
This process helps us assess her needs and suitability for enrolment.
Please ensure that informed consent has been obtained from her prior to providing her details, as we will reach out directly to arrange next steps for enrolment in the programme.
Step 3:
Women's Business Accelerator Training
- 8 weeks training to equip women with essential entrepreneurship knowledge and skills
- Tailored Business Modules
- Hybrid learning
Step 4:
Women's Business Accelerator Mentoring
- 4 weeks mentoring to enhance women’s business plan with insight and guidance from established business mentors
- Facilitated activities
- Workbook completion
Step 5:
Women's Business Accelerator Pitch Day
Half a day event to meet with potential investors and donors, and pitch for seed-funding support to enhance or kick-start their enterprise
Step 6:
Women's Business Accelerator Alumni Support
Dynamic journey with valuable exposures, including entrepreneurial visits and shared insights, and marketplace opportunities to empower women in business
More than a programme. It's your community.
We’re building a community of mentors, partners, and supporters who are passionate about helping women grow sustainable businesses. Whether you want to offer your expertise, provide resources, or simply open doors — we welcome you to join us in this meaningful journey.
Join Our Network
Join as a Mentor, Speaker, Partner, Connector, Marketplace Host, Field Visit Host or Volunteer.