Crushing Pitch Q&As Comes With Practice - CanWCC Launches Second Cohort for Flip The Script Program
tl;dr
CanWCC launched its second and largest cohort for the Flip the Script program this September, with 240 female entrepreneurs leveraging AI-driven simulations, roundtable conversations, and skills training to drive their success.
Participants are enjoying the program so far with one saying it is a great initiative and another saying the program has been a confidence boost.
CanWCC remains committed to supporting under-capitalized and equity-deserving women-identified and non-binary entrepreneurs.
This September, the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC) launched the second and largest cohort for the Flip the Script program, bringing together over 240 entrepreneurs who are going to be raising shortly and are looking to increase their chances of success, as well as potentially increase the amount of funding by up to 60%.
Specifically designed to support underrepresented women-identified and non-binary entrepreneurs, Flip the Script (FTS) provides a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to securing investment, backed by behavioural science.
Inspiration: Insights from the Internet
“I was watching a TedTalk by Dr. Dana Kanze back in late 2020, and the idea that the questions we are asked determine to such a large degree whether or not we get funding - or at least how much - just lodged itself in my brain,” explains CanWCC founder & CEO Nancy Wilson.
“It’s so hard to change systemic bias, it requires a concerted effort on so many fronts, and there are great people doing that work. But women and diverse founders need change NOW. They can’t wait for the system to sort itself out.”
“The Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy posted a call for proposals and I applied in March 2022. It’s the best workaround women have so far, let’s hope it helps reduce the 300 years before the UN estimates we’re going to see full gender equality.”
Defining The Bias You Face
The Flip the Script program offers online courses and resources that participants can access on demand. The primary course, Control the Conversation, provides practical skills training via a communication strategy that helps founders identify and mitigate the impact of unconscious bias.
Similar to Dr Kanze, Dr Tasha Richard from Dalhousie University built this curriculum for us by deep diving into the kind of questions women are asked, and how they’re different from questions men might get. The research is clear: women overwhelmingly are asked preventative questions (how are you NOT going to fail?), while men were asked promotional questions (excite me with how you’re going to succeed).
The good news: researchers have also tested a technique of reframing answers that effectively works against this inherent bias. That’s where we come in.
This Is How You Use AI For Good
Flip The Script’s AI-enabled simulation software allows entrepreneurs to practice in a controlled - and safe - environment. Using this custom software, founders record a short pitch and then practice answering questions about their company. The questions generated by the software simulate bias they might encounter, based on their business and their basic profile.
Immediately after the Q&A session, participants receive in-depth feedback on their answers and overall performance. Those skills can be applied immediately at their next pitch or investor meeting, increasing the likelihood of securing investment from potential investors.
Read more in our latest issue - AI For Good
One of the best benefits of Flip the Script’s AI-enabled software is that founders can practice as much as they wish and continue to get feedback until they’re fully comfortable with the many questions the virtual investors may throw at them. (Think of yourself like Kamala prepping for the debate.)
What Our Participants Are Saying So Far
We’ve learned so much already, via our Roundtable facilitators, onboarding calls, and office hours. Here are some email and comment snippets we’ve got permission to share:
Mariama T: "I just started the summer cohort for Flip the Script and so far I'm impressed! Compared to other programs I have taken, this one provides applicable skills I can use right away. AI-enabled simulation software really highlights what I need to work on. It is also building up my confidence because I have a better idea of the questions to expect and can be better prepared to answer them."
Hermine M: “I just wanted to let you know that my heart is full! Thank you so much for bringing us this great initiative. This 2-hour group session with fellow women founders was the positive energy I needed today. Looking forward to attending the upcoming roundtable sessions.”
Changing The System From Within
CanWCC is currently running two pilot cohorts. Subsequently, once the data is in, the program will be released for on-demand access by under-capitalized and equity-deserving founders.
With a focus on Access To Capital, CanWCC is actively working on changing policy and creating opportunities for women-identified and nonbinary entrepreneurs and business owners to access the funding they need to achieve their potential. As the only chamber of commerce in Canada with an equity pricing model, they are leaders in “walking the talk.”
To learn more about upcoming Flip The Script early access, join our free CanWCC Community HERE.
Flip the Script is funded by the Government of Canada through a grant from Innovation, Science, and Economic Development (ISED)’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy.
Related Content
