Lise Watier Foundation

What Lise Watier Foundation does

The Lise Watier Foundation (Fondation Lise Watier) is a Quebec-based non-profit organization established in 2012 to advance the financial independence of women aged 18 and over through professional development, entrepreneurship training, and post-secondary financial aid. The Foundation operates the Parcours s'Entreprendre (Let's Start Up Pathway), a free, multi-module program comprising the Unlock My Professional Potential Program, Entrepreneurship Program, Financial Aid Program for Studies, Coaching Program, and Continuing Education Program — with the first two modules certified by Concordia University (Continuing Education). Programs are delivered in person across seven Quebec regions (Montreal, Drummondville, Gatineau, Laurentides, Montérégie, Québec, Sherbrooke) and Toronto through dedicated regional service-point partners including YWCA Montreal, Partance, Option Femmes, Groupe Humanova, Le Coffre, Étape Emploi, and CIME.

The Foundation does not operate a technology platform; its offering is a human-delivered, certified curriculum wrapped around group workshops, individual coaching, and a continuing alumni community (Let's Start Up Community). Since 2017, it has supported 1,679 women toward financial independence, contributed to the launch or growth of 254 businesses, disbursed post-secondary financial aid to 84 women, and reports that 35% of participants see improved financial outcomes after one year. The Foundation's ecosystem is anchored by the IMPACT Initiative, which pairs 11 leading corporate partners — co-chaired by executives from CGI and Banque Nationale — with participants for mentorship, bursaries, and privileged network access.

The Foundation's revenue model is donation-driven: individual donations (including a 2026 monthly-recurring campaign, 'Moi, chaque mois'), corporate fundraising events (the annual Bal, Cocktail, and Croire en elles campaign), corporate sponsorships, planned-giving bequests (e.g., Denise Dussault), and cause-marketing merchandise (ENVOL jewelry line, 25% of sales donated). Anchor institutional donors include Banque Nationale, Fondation Mirella et Lino Saputo, Groupe Marcelle, RBC Foundation, Rossy Foundation, Desjardins, and CGI. The 2026 Cocktail raised $270,922 CAD and the Croire en elles campaign raised nearly $130,000, with the annual Bal contributing additional event revenue.

Name

Lise Watier Foundation

Legal name

Fondation Lise Watier

Website

https://fondationlisewatier.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Women's Professional Development Services

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Educational Support Services (61171), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Business Incubators & Accelerators (EDAMAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Dropout Prevention, Alternative Education & Re-Engagement Nonprofits (BPAGADAL)

Keywords

• Women professional development
• Entrepreneurship training programs
• Nonprofit charity services
• Career coaching services
• Financial literacy education

Headquarters

HQ city

Montreal

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: The Foundation receives donations from individuals through its website, including a monthly giving campaign (Moi, chaque mois) and one-time donations. Donations are tax-deductible for amounts over $20.
2. Corporate Fundraising Events: Annual flagship fundraising events including the Bal annuel (Annual Ball) and Cocktail event generate significant revenue. The 2026 Cocktail raised $270,922 and the Believe in Her 2026 campaign raised nearly $130,000.
3. Planned Giving: The Foundation accepts bequests and planned gifts from donors, as illustrated by philanthropist Denise Dussault's bequest and gift of securities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Lise Watier Foundation operates the Parcours s'Entreprendre (Let's Start Up Pathway), a free, multi-module professional development and entrepreneurship program for women aged 18 and older seeking financial independence. The program combines group workshops, individual coaching, financial aid for post-secondary studies, and continuing education, delivered in person across 7 regions of Quebec through partner community organizations. Modules are certified by Concordia University (Continuing Education).

Product overview

Lise Watier Foundation is a charitable organization focused on developing the professional potential of women to achieve financial independence. The Foundation operates the Parcours s'Entreprendre (Let's Start Up Pathway), a comprehensive and free multi-module program that includes the Unlock My Professional Potential Program, Entrepreneurship Program, Financial Aid Program for Studies, Coaching Program, Continuing Education Program, and the Let's Start Up Community support network. Programs are offered across 7 regions in Quebec (Montreal, Drummondville, Gatineau, Laurentides, Montérégie, Québec, Sherbrooke) and Toronto, with the Unlock My Professional Potential and Entrepreneurship Programs certified by Concordia University. The Foundation also runs fundraising campaigns (Moi chaque mois, Croire en elles), annual events (Bal, Cocktail), the IMPACT corporate partnership initiative, and special programs like the Camp Immersion Communication.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Parcours s'Entreprendre: The main program pathway offering professional skills development, entrepreneurship training, and financial aid for women seeking financial independence.
• Moi, chaque mois
• Bal annuel
• Cocktail

Products and services

• Parcours s'Entreprendre (Let's Start Up Pathway) A comprehensive, free multi-module professional development program for women aged 18 and older seeking financial independence through entrepreneurship, returning to studies, or career transition. The Pathway combines group workshops, individual coaching, entrepreneurship training, financial aid for post-secondary studies, and an ongoing community support network. Modules are certified by Concordia University (Continuing Education). Delivered in person across 7 regions of Quebec and Toronto via partner community organizations.
• Let's Start Up Community (Communauté s'Entreprendre) A community network of current and alumni participants of the Let's Start Up Pathway that provides collaboration, mutual support, mentorship access, and ongoing motivation to overcome professional isolation. Includes newsletter, Facebook group, and regional events such as the annual Rendez-vous Entr'Elles gathering.
• Camp Immersion Communication A specialized communication skills program bringing together women for intensive weekend sessions of workshops and coaching to strengthen oral impact, project presentation, and professional communication. Designed for women seeking to develop their professional presence and confidence.
• Let's Start Up Pathway Module Suite — Professional Development, Entrepreneurship, Coaching, Financial Aid, and Continuing Education The component modules of the Let's Start Up Pathway that women participate in as part of the overall program: the Unlock My Professional Potential Program (8-week soft skills development, Concordia University-certified), the Entrepreneurship Program (idea validation and business launch planning), the Coaching Program (individualized coaching), the Financial Aid Program for Studies (financial support for full-time post-secondary studies), and the Continuing Education Program (ongoing interactive workshops and specialized technical training).

Quantifiable outcome

• 35% of participants report improved financial situation after only one year
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• YWCA MontrealcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerService point partner for Montreal location (French and English). Provides facilities and support for the Let's Start Up Pathway program delivery at 1275 De Lorimier Avenue, Montreal.
• Partance, centre d'emploi pour femmescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerService point partner for Drummondville region. Delivers Let's Start Up Pathway programs at 157 Lindsay Street, Suite 200, Drummondville.
• Option FemmescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerService point partner for Gatineau region. Provides program delivery at 365 Gréber Boulevard, Suite 203, Gatineau.
• Groupe HumanovacoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerService point partner for Laurentians region. Delivers programs at 100 Ducharme Boulevard, Suite 250, Sainte-Thérèse.
• Le CoffrecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerService point partner for Montérégie region. Provides program facilities at 5664 Chemin de Chambly, Saint-Hubert.
• Étape EmploicoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerService point partner for Québec City region. Delivers programs at 3100 Bourg-Royal Avenue, Suite 100, Québec.
• Centre d'intégration au marché de l'emploi (CIME)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerService point partner for Sherbrooke region. Provides program delivery at 309 Marquette Street, Sherbrooke.
• Concordia UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner that has certified the Unlock My Professional Potential Program and the Entrepreneurship Program since their inception. Programs carry Concordia University (Continuing Education) certification.
• IMPACT Initiative Partners (11 companies)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner11 leading companies partnered with the Foundation through the IMPACT Initiative. These partners support the annual Bal, are matched with Let's Start Up Pathway participants for mentorship, provide professional development bursaries, and offer privileged access to business networks. Co-chaired by Julie Godin (CGI) and Nicolas Patard (Banque Nationale).

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• WEConnect International: Global nonprofit connecting women-owned businesses to corporate supply chains and capacity-building programs. Comparable in women's entrepreneurship focus and corporate-partnership model (similar in concept to the Foundation's IMPACT Initiative).
• YWCA Montreal: A direct service-delivery partner of the Foundation that also runs professional development and economic empowerment programs for women in Montreal. Operates the same target population with overlapping educational/social-service offerings, making it both a collaborator and a closely comparable peer.
• OSEntreprendre: Quebec-wide organization promoting entrepreneurship across all stages, including awareness, training, and recognition. Comparable in Quebec entrepreneurship focus, though broader in audience (not exclusively women).
• Femmessor: Quebec-focused organization dedicated to women's entrepreneurship through financing, mentoring, and training. Highly comparable in geography, target audience (women entrepreneurs in Quebec), and service mix (training + capital access).
• Réseau des femmes d'affaires du Québec (RFAQ): Quebec network supporting women entrepreneurs and business leaders through networking, training, and visibility programs. Comparable in Quebec focus and women-in-business mission; differs by being primarily a membership/network rather than a free training provider.

Broad incumbents

• Canadian Women's Foundation: National women's foundation funding economic empowerment, violence prevention, and gender equality programs across Canada. Comparable mission (women's economic empowerment) but operates at a national, grantmaking-focused scale rather than direct program delivery.
• Centraide / United Way Greater Montreal: Major community fundraising entity in Greater Montreal supporting a network of social service agencies. Comparable community-led fundraising model and Quebec focus; differs in scope (broader social services) and role (funds agencies rather than delivers programs).
• Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC): National umbrella for women's enterprise centers across Canada. Comparable in supporting women's entrepreneurship infrastructure, though operates as an umbrella/network rather than direct service provider.
• Fondation Chagnon: Large Quebec philanthropic foundation focused on youth development and poverty prevention. Comparable in Quebec philanthropic scale and donor-base overlap, though broader in mission than women's entrepreneurship.

Regional players

• La Fédération des femmes du Québec: Quebec-wide feminist advocacy and service organization addressing women's economic and social conditions. Comparable Quebec women's-empowerment focus, though more advocacy-oriented and broader in scope than direct entrepreneurship training.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/fondationlisewatier
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fondation-lise-watier

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lise Watier Foundation