Celebrating 10 Years of Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: The RBC AYWE Story

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the RBC Advancing Young Women in Entrepreneurship (AYWE) program! A decade of empowering women, building businesses, and creating a lasting community of support. Through its partnership with The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU), and the Centre for Women in Business (CWB), AYWE has helped countless students discover their entrepreneurial potential, gain practical skills, and step into their futures with confidence. 

Trish Vardy, Regional Manager, Social Impact at RBC shared that “RBC has a commitment to help people develop skills for a thriving future, and the entrepreneurial skills young women learn through the RBC AYWE program help set them up for future career and business success.” 

We spoke with past participants who shared their journeys, memories, and the impact the program has had on their lives. We also spoke with Trish Vardy from RBC on what this milestone means to them.  

For many, the first encounter with RBC AYWE was life-changing. 

“My friend asked me if I could attend a presentation hosted by AYWE with her and that’s how I heard about the program. After the presentation, I became very inspired and eager to learn more and that’s why I decided to register,” said Winta, a past AYWE participant.  

For Erika, it was a moment of clarity about her dream of farming. “I heard about the AYWE program through the MSVU newsletter. I was determined to start a farm and AYWE sounded like the perfect support system for my business start-up. A Zoom session with Natalie (AYWE Program lead) confirmed that I was in the right place.” 

Similarly, Faviola described being inspired by her first meeting with Natalie. “She was my first inspiration to join the program because I could see the confident and strong woman she is. She talked about other inspiring women and how they built and continue growing their businesses while taking advantage of the opportunities AYWE offers.” 

Participants also shared important lessons they learned through the program. 

Winta shared a piece of advice that shifted her mindset, “I remember telling Natalie that I was ‘just a student’ when she encouraged me to network with professionals. She reminded me to never say ‘I’m just’ and pointed out all the great qualities I possess, which I never got to see nor appreciate.” 

For Erika, the challenge of financial planning became a strength, “I dreaded creating a business plan and the cash flow projections. But once they were complete, I had a new clarity for my business vision. Now I enjoy reviewing the financials of my business.” 

Faviola highlighted the power of community. “One of my best experiences was the Sustaining Success Conference in 2024 at St. FX. I was amazed at all those ladies that showed a strong and supportive community. It was one of the most inspirational conferences I have ever attended.” 

For Anthonia and Olayemi they both shared the same thought. The program taught them to, “put yourself out there — you never know who is watching or who you might meet.” 

AYWE is known not only for its workshops and resources but also for its personalized mentorship and access to networks. 

Winta shared how the program directly shaped her career. “Some of the skills I obtained through the program were budgeting income, pitching a business idea, and creating a business plan, which are all skills I am currently incorporating in creating my business.” 

For Erika, the program’s support allowed her to remain authentic, “as a farmer and seed producer, I chose to grow and sell local seeds rather than importing foreign seeds. AYWE supported my wish to remain true to my values while ensuring the business is profitable.” 

“Having the opportunity to attend conferences and events thanks to CWB helped me to build my networking skills. The team makes sure they provide the most important information for a business owner to be successful.” Faviola expressed.  

For Olayemi, “It provided a safe and supportive space where young women can connect, grow, learn, and be empowered. The blend of education, mentorship, and community support makes it a truly unique program.” 

From a partnership lens, Trish shared that, “students who have participated have received valuable skill development opportunities in entrepreneurship, leadership, communication and marketing, digital readiness and much more. By taking this training and applying it towards the launch of a new business is an incredibly impactful opportunity to create a meaningful career through entrepreneurship.”  

Each woman had words of encouragement for current and future AYWE participants. 

Winta: “I would highly recommend attending every event hosted by AYWE. It will help you discover parts of yourself you never knew. I never dreamt of becoming a business owner, but that all changed once I became an active member.” 

Erika: “Be open to changing your business plans. If your business idea doesn’t work at first, make changes. The faster you admit something isn’t working and are open to alternatives, the faster you’ll see positive results.” 

Faviola: “Students don’t have to attend every conference but should prioritize those that suit their business idea. Once there, talk with others, ask questions, and stay in touch with Natalie, who will always guide you in the right direction.” 

Anthonia: “Take advantage of these opportunities, there is lots to gain. Your mind is stretched to the possibilities of how things could change when we become intentional about growth. Enjoy the moment, entrepreneurship is a sprint, not a marathon. Network, have fun, be ready, ask questions, volunteer, give back, make yourself available and always be on the lookout for opportunities that suit you and your business.” 

Olayemi: “Don’t hesitate! Even if you’re unsure about entrepreneurship, AYWE opens doors you may not have imagined. You’ll gain skills, confidence, and a network that will support you beyond the program. Programs like this don’t just change careers; they change lives. I’m truly grateful for the opportunities AYWE has created and for the doors it has opened for me and my business. Starting my business in a new country felt less overwhelming because of the support I received from AYWE and the Centre for Women in Business.” 

Trish expressed that, “meeting women who have launched their business and are successfully growing it, due to their participation in the program, is really rewarding! CWB and MSVU are both well regarded organizations that play an important leadership role in the advancement of women. They have been meaningful community investment partners, and we greatly appreciate the opportunity to have supported this program.”  

For ten years, the RBC AYWE program has empowered women to dream bigger, connect with other like-minded people, and provided them with the space they need to create and learn all about entrepreneurship. As the program marks its anniversary, its impact is clear, it lives on in the stories and journeys of women whose lives and futures have been transformed.