The Lise Watier Foundation
The Foundation’s mission is to support and encourage the professional development and financial independence of local women by providing them with the means to realize their full potential. The Lise Watier Foundation’s vision is for all women to fulfill their potential and contribute to our economy, creating a richer, more equitable society.
In 2017, the Lise Watier Foundation launched the Let's Start Up programs, which are designed with a unique, free approach to help local women achieve financial independence. It guides each woman towards realizing her full professional potential, allowing her to envision her future with confidence and determination.
Thanks to you since 2017
$1,025,000
which has enabled the Foundation to support
1,097 women
on their journey to financial independence.
The three intervention pillars
The Lise Watier Foundation in action
Furtuna
Fayda
Originally from Ethiopia, Furtuna launched a handbag company called Fayda in her home country.
After immigrating to Canada in 2019, the birth of her child delayed her return to work. At age 40, she wasn’t sure if she had what it took to relaunch her business and needed support.
That’s when she discovered the Fondation Lise Watier’s Let’s Start Up program, which allowed her to regain confidence in her skills and acquire the tools she needed to move her business forward.
Today, with the Fondation’s support, Furtuna is ready to relaunch Fayda in Canada to support the jobs she created in Ethiopia and keep helping women reach financial independence.
Sarah
FIKA vegane
Sarah had to leave Canada and return to France so that her husband could receive medical care.
Feeling isolated in a foreign country, she returned to Canada alone, pregnant with her second child and without any resources. She started cooking and selling vegan meals to support her family.
Thanks to the Fondation Lise Watier’s Let’s Start Up program, Sarah turned her idea into a business: FIKA vegan.
Through the Fondation’s support and guidance, she gained confidence as an entrepreneur, developed a business plan, stepped outside her comfort zone and felt accompanied during her entrepreneurial journey.