Communitech is relaunching Fierce Founders, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to women and non-binary founders. The program now operates as a focused development pipeline, offering targeted support at every stage of growth.
“We’ve seen what’s possible when the right founders are surrounded by the right support,” said Michelle Engelhardt, Fierce Founders Senior Program Manager at Communitech. “This next phase of Fierce Founders is about going deeper, helping companies make better decisions, move faster and build businesses that last.”
As a part of this next phase, Communitech has revamped the Fierce Founders Intensive Track. Built on over a decade of insights, this program is designed to bridge the gap between early traction and $1M in annual recurring revenue.
As access to capital tightens and the path to scale is becoming more complex, the Intensive Track meets founders where they are with sharper strategy, deeper support and a clear path to growth.
Alumni have raised over $485 million in capital, demonstrating the program’s impact. The new program provides a more rigorous, results-oriented experience for founders ready to lead scaling organizations.
Fierce Founders Intensive Track is structured in two phases:
- Phase 1: Targeted Deep Dive (8 weeks): A focused sprint to refine growth strategy, identify key opportunities and test business models through expert-led sessions and coaching.
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Phase 2: Growth Plan Execution (6 months): Fifteen top performing companies advance to a hands-on growth phase, unlocking:
- Up to $30K in matching, non-dilutive funding
- Executive coaching and strategic advisory
- Amplification opportunities across the Communitech ecosystem
Fierce Founders has supported local standout companies like Clockwork Energy Solutions Inc., Schema App and Fable Tech Labs, highlighting the strength of women-led companies in Waterloo Region.
The relaunch reinforces Communitech’s role in building a founder-led ecosystem where companies can access the connections, capital and expertise they need to scale.
To complement this programming, Communitech is also building on recent community initiative with the upcoming launch of the Tech x Women event series. Tech x Women will create opportunities for meaningful connections across the ecosystem, helping founders build relationships that support long-term growth.
Applications are open to women and non-binary tech founders across Southwestern Ontario with a product in-market, early revenue and the capacity to scale.
Applications close June 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
About Communitech
Communitech helps tech companies start, grow and succeed in Waterloo Region. We’re building a tech ecosystem that’s proudly local, globally ambitious and powered by community. Since 1997, Communitech has brought community and tech together to build Canada’s most vibrant innovation ecosystem. We connect local startups and scale-ups to the support they need to grow, compete and lead. Our goal is to keep Waterloo Region the most connected, collaborative and resilient tech hub in the country.
Learn more at communitech.ca
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260429458468/en/
Media Contact
Alison Piel
Director of Marketing
Communitech
alison.piel@communitech.ca
