Call for proposals

The Centre will fund research projects in the areas of women entrepreneurship and leadership of approximately 5,000-15,000 each, pending availability of funds. Research projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborative knowledge creation projects resulting in co-authored, interdisciplinary publications;
• Funding for PhD and MSc projects on women in entrepreneurship and leadership; and
• The development of case studies pertinent to the challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship and leadership.

Applied research will be prioritized that is both academically and practically relevant. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

• The role of top management teams in promoting women in entrepreneurship and leadership (“tone at the top”);
• Intersectionality in the study of women entrepreneurship and leadership (e.g., diversity among women; study of multiple, marginalized identities);
• Challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs and leaders (e.g., factors at the societal, organizational, and/or individual level);
• Comparative research on women’s entrepreneurship and leadership in Quebec vs. Canada vs. globally;
• The role of stereotypes and cultural norms for women entrepreneurs and leaders; and
• Effective mentorship/sponsorship of women entrepreneurs and leaders.

Proposals must be no more than 6 double-spaced pages (12 font and 1-inch margins), excluding CVs and supporting documents. Submissions should include:

• Title of the proposal;
• A summary of the proposal written for a lay audience;
• Research objectives;
• Proposed research design and methodology;
• Intended deliverables;
• Expected contributions (academic and practical);
• Timeline of key milestones, expected completion date;
• Detailed funding needs (itemized budget with explanations). Projects that have already received funding from another granting agency may be considered for funding, but in such cases, the application should include full disclosure and justification for the need for additional funding; and
• CV for each researcher part of the proposal, including affiliations, addresses, and e-mail contacts. CV can be free form, Academ, or Agency CV.

Eligible expenses are costs directly related to conducting the proposed research, including:

• Salaries for students, postdoctoral fellows, and other personnel directly involved in the research;
• Purchase of data and research participant incentives;
• Travel for partnership development, field work, and data collection or dissemination of research results related to the research project;
• Computer supplies and small pieces of equipment, such as software, if well-justified; and
• Fees for conference submission, journal submission, and editorial assistance.

Research projects must comply with University policies governing research. Expense reports and purchases must be approved by the Associate Dean, Research and Research Programs. If the research involves human participants (including interviews and online surveys), you must submit a Summary Protocol Form request to the Ethics Unit, Office of Research (via ConRAD) before the funds will be released.

Proposals are evaluated by the Scientific Committee of the Barry F. Lorenzetti Centre for Women Entrepreneurship and Leadership, based on the criteria below:

• Academic relevance (30%);
• Practical impact/usefulness (30%);
• Originality and innovation (10%);
• Timeline and feasibility of the proposed research (ability of the researcher(s) to complete the research within a realistic timeframe) (30%).

• The duration of the funding is typically for two years. No extensions will be provided.
• Recipients are required to submit a mid-term report (after one year) and a final report (once the project is completed) to the Advisory Board of the Centre. Recipients may be asked to present the outcome of their project to the Advisory Board and/or to disseminate their results to the general public. Recipients may be asked to provide additional information to the Centre Director upon request.
• Recipients must acknowledge the financial contribution of the Centre in their oral and written communications.