WYEN-AFCA stands for the Women and Youth Entrepreneurs Network for Africa & Canada. We are a registered nonprofit organisation based in Ontario, Canada, dedicated to empowering women and youth entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, networking, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. Founded on January 31, 2026, WYEN-AFCA bridges the entrepreneurial ecosystems of Canada and Africa, creating a powerful cross-continental network for emerging business leaders.

WYEN-AFCA was officially founded on January 31, 2026 in Ontario, Canada, by Emmanuel Kum, who serves as the Founding President. The organisation was established in direct response to the persistent barriers faced by women and youth entrepreneurs in accessing funding, mentorship, markets, and professional networks.

Our mission is "To empower women and youth entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, networking, advocacy, and partnerships that promote entrepreneurship development, economic empowerment, and sustainable community growth." Everything WYEN-AFCA does — every program, event, and partnership — is guided by this mission.

Our vision is "A world where women and youth entrepreneurs have equal access to opportunities, resources, networks, and markets needed to build sustainable businesses and contribute to inclusive economic growth." We believe in a future where no entrepreneur is held back by gender, age, background, or geography.

Yes. WYEN-AFCA is a registered nonprofit organisation incorporated in Ontario, Canada. We operate under Canadian nonprofit law and are committed to full transparency, accountability, and governance in all our programs and financial operations.

WYEN-AFCA is headquartered in Canada but operates a cross-continental network connecting Canada with African countries. Our members, partners, and programs span Canada and multiple African nations including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, South Africa, and others. We also welcome members and volunteers from anywhere in the world.

WYEN-AFCA is guided by five core values:

• Empowerment — equipping individuals with tools and confidence to succeed
• Inclusion — promoting equal opportunities regardless of gender or background
• Innovation — encouraging creative and forward-thinking entrepreneurship
• Integrity — operating with full transparency and ethical standards
• Collaboration — working with partners and communities to maximise impact

To become a member, visit our Membership page and complete the online application form. Select your preferred membership category, fill in your personal and business details, and submit your application. Our team reviews all applications and will contact you within 3–5 business days with next steps.

WYEN-AFCA offers five membership tiers:

• Individual Member — for professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs
• Youth Member — for entrepreneurs under 35 years of age
• Entrepreneur Member — for active business owners
• Institutional Member — for organisations and NGOs
• Honorary Member — by special invitation only

Each tier offers tailored access to programs, events, and resources.

Current membership fee details are available on our Membership page. WYEN-AFCA is committed to keeping membership accessible for all entrepreneurs — we offer reduced rates for youth members and flexible options for members from lower-income regions. Contact us at [email protected] for fee enquiries.

Members enjoy access to:

• Entrepreneurship training workshops and online courses
• 1-on-1 mentorship matching with experienced business leaders
• Exclusive networking events and entrepreneur forums
• Notifications about grants, funding, and investor opportunities
• Business promotion through WYEN-AFCA platforms and directory
• Advocacy support and policy engagement resources

Yes. WYEN-AFCA welcomes members from across the world, particularly from African countries where we have active program linkages. International members can access our online programs, virtual events, and networking resources. Some in-person activities are Canada-based, but the majority of our network is accessible globally.

WYEN-AFCA memberships are annual and can be renewed each year. Members receive a renewal reminder before their membership expires. For institutional memberships, multi-year terms may be arranged — contact us at [email protected] for details.

Absolutely. University and college students who are interested in entrepreneurship are warmly encouraged to join WYEN-AFCA, particularly under the Youth Membership category (for those under 35). Our programs are designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage — including those still in education and developing their business ideas.

Yes. Organisations including businesses, NGOs, universities, and development agencies can join as Institutional Members. Institutional membership provides corporate access to training programs, partnership opportunities, and the ability to nominate staff or clients for WYEN-AFCA programs. Contact [email protected] for institutional membership details.

WYEN-AFCA delivers five core programs:

• Entrepreneurship Development Program — practical business skills training
• Youth Innovation Program — digital skills and startup development for under-35s
• Women Entrepreneurship Program — targeted training and financial literacy for women
• Mentorship & Coaching Program — 1-on-1 matching with experienced business leaders
• Networking & Advocacy — entrepreneur forums, events, and policy platforms

Visit our Programs page for full details.

Most WYEN-AFCA programs are open to active members. Some programs are open to the public. Generally, eligibility includes women entrepreneurs, youth entrepreneurs (18–35), startup founders, and small business owners based in Canada or internationally. Program-specific eligibility is listed on each program page. Becoming a member gives you guaranteed priority access to all programs.

Yes. The majority of WYEN-AFCA programs are delivered online or in hybrid format, making them accessible to members across Canada and internationally. Select in-person programs and events are held in major Canadian cities. Online delivery ensures that geographic location is never a barrier to accessing our training and mentorship.

To apply for the WYEN-AFCA Mentorship Program, you must first be an active member. Once your membership is confirmed, you can apply for mentorship through the Membership portal or by emailing [email protected]. Our team will match you with a mentor based on your business sector, goals, and development needs. Matching typically takes 1–2 weeks.

Program durations vary by type. Workshops are typically 1–2 days, structured training programs run 4–12 weeks, and the Mentorship Program runs for a minimum of 3 months with option to extend. The Startup Incubation Program runs for up to 6 months. Specific timelines are listed in each program's description.

Yes. Participants who successfully complete a WYEN-AFCA program receive an official certificate of completion from WYEN-AFCA. This is suitable for your professional portfolio, CV, or LinkedIn profile. Certificates are issued digitally and, upon request, as physical documents.

Many WYEN-AFCA programs are included as part of membership at no additional cost. Some specialised programs or intensive workshops may have a nominal fee to cover delivery costs. WYEN-AFCA also offers scholarships and sponsored places for members who demonstrate financial need. Contact [email protected] to ask about scholarship availability.

Visit our Become a Volunteer page and complete the online application form. Select your preferred role, availability, and location preference. Our team reviews all applications within 5–7 business days. Shortlisted applicants are invited to a short 20-minute introductory call before onboarding.

WYEN-AFCA currently offers six volunteer roles:

• Business Mentor — 1-on-1 guidance for entrepreneurs
• Trainer & Facilitator — deliver workshops and training sessions
• Program Coordinator — support program planning and delivery
• Communications & Marketing — content, social media, and design
• Events Coordinator — manage WYEN-AFCA events and forums
• Research & Advocacy — policy research and briefing support

No prior NGO experience is required. We value professional experience, lived experience, and genuine passion for entrepreneurship development equally. WYEN-AFCA provides full onboarding, role briefings, and ongoing team support so every volunteer feels prepared and confident from day one.

WYEN-AFCA offers three flexible commitment levels to fit around your schedule:

• Casual: 2–4 hours/week — ideal for mentors and occasional trainers
• Regular: 4–8 hours/week — most common level for coordinators and communications
• Dedicated: 8–15 hours/week — for those seeking a near-internship experience

We ask all volunteers to commit to a minimum of 3 months to ensure continuity for our members.

Yes. All volunteers who complete a minimum 3-month engagement with WYEN-AFCA receive an official volunteer recognition certificate and, upon request, a formal reference letter signed by WYEN-AFCA leadership. These are suitable for your CV, LinkedIn profile, and professional portfolio.

Yes. The majority of WYEN-AFCA volunteer roles are fully remote and open to applicants based anywhere in the world. Roles such as Business Mentor, Trainer, Program Coordinator, Communications, and Research are all available remotely. Only Events Coordinator roles may require in-person presence in Canada for specific events.

You can donate to WYEN-AFCA securely through our Donate page. We accept one-time and monthly donations via major credit and debit cards. You can also donate by bank transfer — contact [email protected] for bank details. Corporate and institutional donors can contact us to discuss larger giving arrangements.

Your donation directly funds WYEN-AFCA's programs and services for women and youth entrepreneurs. As a guide:

• $50 — funds one workshop seat for an entrepreneur
• $100 — sponsors one month of mentorship for a member
• $500 — supports a startup for 3 months of incubation
• $1,000 — funds a complete entrepreneurship development program cycle

100% of program-designated donations go directly to program delivery and member support.

WYEN-AFCA is working toward full charitable registration in Canada. Please contact [email protected] for the most up-to-date information on tax receipt eligibility for your donation. We issue acknowledgement receipts for all donations received.

Yes. Monthly donations are available and greatly appreciated — they allow WYEN-AFCA to plan and deliver programs with greater consistency and impact. You can select "Monthly" on our Donate page. You may cancel or adjust your monthly donation at any time by contacting [email protected].

Yes. WYEN-AFCA welcomes corporate donations and sponsorships. Corporate partners can sponsor specific programs, workshops, or scholarships — providing valuable visibility alongside their giving. To discuss a corporate donation or sponsorship arrangement, please email [email protected] with the subject line "Corporate Giving."

WYEN-AFCA members receive regular notifications about grants, funding programs, and investor opportunities relevant to women and youth entrepreneurs in Canada and internationally. We also provide guidance on applying for government funding, impact investment, and pitch competitions. Join as a member to receive funding opportunity alerts and access our funding advisory resources.

Visit our Partnerships page and complete the Partnership Inquiry form with details about your organisation and proposed collaboration. Our partnerships team will respond within 3–5 business days to discuss how we can work together. You can also email us directly at [email protected] with the subject "Partnership Inquiry."

WYEN-AFCA offers four main partnership structures:

• Program Partners — co-deliver training and mentorship programs
• Funding Partners — sponsor programs, workshops, and member scholarships
• Network Partners — expand access to markets and opportunities for members
• Academic Partners — collaborate on research, curriculum, and training delivery

Custom partnership structures can also be discussed based on your organisation's capacity and goals.

WYEN-AFCA partners with a wide range of organisations including:

• Government agencies and economic development offices
• Canadian and African universities and colleges
• NGOs, nonprofits, and women's organisations
• Private sector companies and business associations
• International development agencies and donors
• Banks, credit unions, and impact investors

Yes. For formal institutional partnerships, WYEN-AFCA signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with partner organisations. This document outlines the roles, responsibilities, deliverables, and duration of the partnership, ensuring clarity and accountability for both parties. MOU templates are available upon request.

Yes. WYEN-AFCA actively seeks international partnerships, particularly with organisations based in African countries and global development networks. Our cross-continental Africa-Canada mandate makes us a natural partner for international development agencies, diaspora organisations, and global entrepreneurship networks.

You can reach WYEN-AFCA through any of the following channels:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: wyenafca.ca/contact
• Phone: +1 (416) 824-0452 / +1 (416) 821-6318
• Address: 4800 Jane Street, North York, ON, M3N 2L4, Canada

Our team aims to respond to all enquiries within 1–2 business days.

Follow WYEN-AFCA on our social media platforms for news, program updates, opportunities, and community highlights:

• LinkedIn — for professional updates and program news
• Facebook — for community engagement and events
• X (Twitter) — for advocacy and sector news
• Instagram — for stories, highlights, and member features

Search @WYENAFCA or visit wyenafca.ca to find all our social links.

You can subscribe to the WYEN-AFCA newsletter by entering your email address in the newsletter signup form at the bottom of any page on our website, or by emailing [email protected] with the subject line "Newsletter Subscription." Our newsletter is published monthly and covers program updates, funding opportunities, member spotlights, and entrepreneurship insights.