Category: External Information

Applications open – up to $100,000 available for local social purpose organizations to grow their positive impact in Saskatchewan

Jan 9, 2020

For Immediate Release

January 9, 2020

Regina, SK – Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK) is proud to be part of the Saskatchewan Consortium of organizations working to do good for our community. Eligible social purpose organizations are able to access up to $100,000 in non-repayable capital through the Investment Readiness Program. This is part of a national initiative led by Community Foundations of Canada and funded by the Government of Canada as a first stage towards its $800 million commitment to fund social innovation and social finance across Canada.

The first stage, called the Investment Readiness Program (IRP) is open to a diverse range of social purpose organizations and businesses including charities, non-profits,co-ops and for-profit social enterprises. The program provides opportunities to support more innovative, sustainable and inclusive approaches to pressing social challenges in communities across Saskatchewan. IRP provides a boost to new or established social enterprises, so they can scale up and get ready to accept investments. It invites community-led solutions to persistent social, cultural and environmental challenges. The program can provide $10,000 to $100,000 in non-repayable capital to design, plan, measure, and scale social enterprises in order to get ready to accept investment.

“We are excited to be a part of this Consortium of organizations that includes 3 other Community Foundations: Saskatoon, Battlefords & District, and Prince Albert. The Consortium also has several other provincial and local based organizations who want to support social purpose organizations that have innovative ideas and want to make a difference right here in Saskatchewan,” says Donna Ziegler, Executive Director for the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation. “We are truly appreciative of the confidence the Government of Canada has provided to our national body, Community Foundations of Canada and the many Community Foundations across Canada, to deliver this program.”

The Investment Readiness Program will help social enterprises across Canada grow, and build their capacity to accept investment and participate in Canada’s growing social finance market.

“This is an exciting opportunity to take our social enterprise to the next level of its development. Through this type of innovation, we are able to better support those facing food insecurity and create pathways to independent sustainability,” says John Bailey, CEO Regina Foodbank.

“Business isn’t just about the bottom line. It can be a source for good and a catalyst for social and environmental change in communities across Canada. We are honoured to support social enterprises across Canada in building a better world,” says Andrew Chunilall, CEO of Community Foundations of Canada, a national partner in the Investment Readiness Program.

Applications for the IRP should be submitted by February 10, 2020 through the program’s website https://cfc-fcc.smapply.ca/prog/the_investment_readiness_program_/ . Additional application periods will open in 2020.

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Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund

Aug 19, 2019

Source: https://innovationsask.ca/research/saskatchewan-advantage-innovation-fund

The Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund (SAIF), is a research and development (R&D) funding program managed by Innovation Saskatchewan (IS). It is intended to support and accelerate commercialization of game-changing technological innovations in the province’s core economic sectors.

Through SAIF, IS provides non-repayable grants for approved projects proposed by a group of companies. To apply, please refer to the “Program Guidelines” downloadable below.

Target Sectors

Projects developing technologies relevant to the following sectors are eligible for funding:

Mining
Energy
Agricultural Technologies
Manufacturing
Education
Healthcare

Eligibility Criteria

All applications must meet the following criteria to be considered for funding:

Proposed by a group of active private sector partners. Ideally, the group should be representative of the project’s full value chain, including researchers, those involved in the production/supply process, and customer/end users.
- Active partner: participating in the project either through cash and/or in-kind contribution, equity investment, and/or letter of intent to purchase.
- The lead proponent must be a private entity based in Saskatchewan.
- Priority is given to proposals that also have an academic partner from a Saskatchewan post-secondary or research institute.
Demonstrate how the technological innovation will solve a specific industry-wide challenge and benefit the sector as a whole, not just individual companies.
Development of novel and innovative solutions.
Demonstrate a feasible path to commercialization, benefits expected, and how those impacts will be sustained in the long-term.
Industry partners providing half or more of the proposed project’s budget. The amount requested from IS is no more than 30% of the proposed budget.

Intake Periods

Intakes for SAIF are held twice per fiscal year. Prospective applicants are to submit an EOI and complete the “Eligibility Questionnaire” before the EOI deadline to be considered for funding. Only selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals. Shortlist decisions made by IS’ internal selection committee are final.

In years where applicants exceed available funding, only proposals determined to be most strategically aligned with the province’s R&D priorities will be invited to submit full proposals. The number of grants approved per year will be based on budget availability.

Below are important dates for each intake periods:

Intake Period 1:

April 30 – Deadline for EOIs

May 31 – All invites for full proposals sent

July 31 – Deadline for full proposals

September 30 – Funding decisions made

Intake Period 2:

September 30 – Deadline for EOIs

October 31 – All invites for full proposals sent

December 31 – Deadline for full proposals

February 28 – Funding decisions made

For more information, visit https://innovationsask.ca/research/saskatchewan-advantage-innovation-fund or contact Kevin Chung at kevin.chung@innovationsask.ca.

The Road Less Travelled – featuring Prabha Mitchell

Apr 10, 2019

WESK CEO Prabha Mitchell recently had the opportunity to sit down with Evan Drisner, host of The Road Less Travelled. In his show, you’ll experience lively, informative, & entertaining chats with local leaders about their journey to success.

Canadian Business Women in International Trade (BWIT) Trade Mission to Baltimore, Maryland

Apr 4, 2019

The Business Women in International Trade (BWIT) program of the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is organizing a delegation to WBENC in partnership with the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) and the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C.

Business delegates will deepen their understanding of supplier diversity opportunities open to them with Fortune 500 companies. They will participate in business networking opportunities, a notable business fair, and be included in Canadian programming events, such as a networking reception, and a welcome activity with corporations.

BWIT trade mission feature:

High-calibre networking
Business-to-business matchmaking
Inspired programming
Government of Canada on-the-ground support

What is WBENC?

The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs.

Event: BWIT Trade Mission to the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) National Conference and Business Fair
Focus Sectors: Multi-sector
Dates: June 23-27, 2019
City: Baltimore, Maryland

Participate in WBENC 2019 – the world’s largest gathering of corporate and government buyers and connect with businesswomen from around the world. This years’ theme is “Connect-Grow-Thrive”. Attendees enjoy Canadian programming and three days of acclaimed speakers, executive workshops, matchmaking and networking opportunities, including the WBENC Business Fair – the largest of its kind with more than 350 exhibitors and procurement specialists looking to source from women-owned businesses.

What to expect on BWIT Trade Mission to WBENC?

Join the BWIT Trade Mission to the WBENC National Conference and Business Fair in Baltimore in partnership with the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC), Export Development Canada (EDC) and Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).

BWIT offers Canadian delegates valuable support by helping you:

Make the most out of your stay: On top of the 1:1 MatchMaker Meetings offered by WBENC to certified enterprises, our service provider will arrange business matching meetings for qualified export-ready Canadian women entrepreneurs. BWIT will do our best to ensure you meet the right corporate/government buyers while in Baltimore!

Learn from seasoned businesswomen: Two preparatory webinars will give you the opportunity to learn from businesswomen who have already attended and prepared for such large events, and ask the questions you need, to decide whether this trade mission is a good fit for your business growth.

Get valuable tips: From how to get the most out of networking opportunities, to guidance through the four-day program, to the how’s and where’s to do business in Baltimore, don’t forget that our team on the ground is there to assist you to navigate through the undertakings of doing business abroad.

A welcoming environment: Pre-departure webinars and on-the-ground assistance during the Conference and Business Fair; support from Canadian Government officers, including Export Development Canada (EDC); Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC); Canada booth on the premises, everything you need to get the right kick-start for the show.

Meet the right people: Attend a series of special activities including;

A “meet and mingle” to get to know your fellow delegates, the WEConnect International Day, WBE Canada’s Breakfast with Brands, a networking reception hosted by the Canadian Government, Canadian Programming. Build relationships, attend workshops and panels, take advantage of unassigned seating during the Conference luncheons, be strategic.

Program at a glance – Key events and dates

Registration to participate in the BWIT trade mission is now open! Take advantage of the Canadian programming, including listing your company in the Canadian Directory of Participants.

June 23 (evening): Government of Canada “Meet-and-Mingle”
June 25-27: Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) National Conference and Business Fair
June 24-25: pre-WBENC conference orientation sessions:
- June 24: WEConnect International Day and evening reception;
- June 25: WBE Canada Breakfast with Brands
June 25: Government of Canada reception (by invitation only) – an opportunity for Canadian businesswomen delegates to network with invited corporations, trade commissioners, and others (group photo)
June 26: Government of Canada Booth at the WBENC Business Fair
June 27: WBENC Finale Luncheon, followed by a group photo of Canadian delegation on WBENC Stage

Register

To register for the trade mission:

Complete a trade mission Registration form, online.
Complete a Company objectives and profile form, online.
Register for the WBENC National Conference and Business Fair

Please note: There is no fee for receiving services from BWIT and the Trade Commissioner Service. Delegates are responsible for covering the cost of their travel, accommodations and registration for events. Eligible women-owned companies could qualify for CanExport financial assistance. More information.

The Secret Life of Entrepreneurs with Prabha Mitchell

Mar 30, 2019

WESK’s CEO, Prabha Mitchell, was recently featured on the Secret Life of Entrepreneurs, a live radio show with Barb McGrath of Above the Fold Canada.

About the Secret Life of Entrepreneurs

We are live with a new guest each week including local business owners and entrepreneurs who are making a difference in YQR for the ‘Secret Life of Entrepreneurs.’

Regina entrepreneurs are being audacious and we are excited to be a part of the movement!

Join us to meet a new local business owner and hear their story of what makes them tick, what drives them to succeed and their entrepreneurial secrets.

If you are a local business owner, or entrepreneur, and would like to be a guest, please Contact us.

Watch the video to learn what drives her to work with one of the craziest, self-employed groups. What keeps her going in spite of some challenging times financially? Learn about makes this lady tick!

Women Entrepreneurship Fund

Nov 7, 2018

The Government of Canada is committed to advancing gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and supporting women entrepreneurs through the new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (the Strategy), announced in Budget 2018. As part of the Strategy, the Government has made funding available to women-owned and/or women-led businesses to support them in their growth and to pursue market opportunities abroad.

The full and equal participation of women in the economy is essential to Canada’s competitiveness. Current female entrepreneurs face unique barriers as they move along the business cycle. As a result, women own fewer than 16% of businesses and are underrepresented in the economy.

By addressing women’s economic empowerment through initiatives such as the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, Canada will have the potential to add $150 billion in incremental GDP by 2026 and reach its goal of doubling the number of majority women-owned businesses by 2025.

Entrepreneurship Fund objectives

The Entrepreneurship Fund is a $20 million investment which aims to assist women entrepreneurs to grow their existing businesses and enable them to pursue opportunities in domestic and global markets. It will provide successful applicants up to $100,000 in non-repayable contribution funding for a 12 month project.

3. Application process details and deadline

A complete application package for the Women Entrepreneurship Fund must be submitted by November 15, 2018 23:59 PST and must include:

The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Application Form, and
Required supporting documents (see Attachments section below)

Application intake:

Applications should be submitted through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy portal by the November 15, 2018 at 23:59 PST deadline. Receipt of your application package will be acknowledged within two business days. All applications will be reviewed after the deadline. If your application package is incomplete, your application will be rejected.

It is highly recommended that your application be submitted before the deadline to ensure there are no unforeseen issues at the time of submission. Late submissions will not be considered for funding.

Applicants living in rural or remote areas with limited internet access may send their application package (postmarked no later than the deadline date) by registered mail to:

Women Entrepreneurship Strategy – Small Business Branch
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
C.D. Howe Building
235 Queen Street, 5th Floor, West Tour, Mail Box 13
Ottawa, ON K1A 0H5
Canada

More information here: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/128.nsf/eng/00001.html

Minister Ng announces funding for women’s entrepreneurship

Sep 28, 2018

The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund will support women-owned and women-led businesses
TORONTO, Sept. 28, 2018 /CNW/ – The full and equal participation of women in the economy is essential to Canada’s competitiveness because when women succeed, everyone succeeds.

That’s why in Budget 2018, the federal government launched the first ever (WES), a $2-billion investment that seeks to double the number of women-owned and women-led businesses by 2025.

Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, and the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, who were joined by women entrepreneurs and leaders, announced the and participated in a panel on women’s entrepreneurship.

The up to $85-million investment will help organizations address the barriers and challenges that women entrepreneurs face and deliver improved support and programs for women-owned and -led businesses.

The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy complements Government of Canada efforts to advance gender equality through addressing pay equity, introducing more affordable childcare and putting an end to gender-based violence.

Quotes

“Our government believes that women’s economic empowerment is not just the right thing to do; it’s good for the bottom line. That’s why we launched the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, a strategy that seeks to double the number of women-owned and women-led businesses by increasing their access to financing, networks and advice. It’s a smart investment with an economic and social return. I’m thrilled that the WES Ecosystem Fund will help foster women entrepreneurship from coast to coast to coast.”
– The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion

“When we invest in women, we strengthen the economy for everyone. That is what our government is doing with the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy and the significant investment announced today during Gender Equality Week. By supporting women in business, we are growing our middle class and creating a thriving economy that benefits our sons and daughters. And we have a $150 billion reason to do this well because that’s what we’ll add to our GDP in less than a decade if we successfully take steps to advance equality, such as boosting women’s participation in the workforce.”
– The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women

Quick facts

Associated links

Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: .

Follow Canada Business on social media.
Twitter:
Facebook:

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

For further information: Mallory Clyne, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, mallory.clyne@canada.ca; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, , ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca

Original Article can be found at: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/minister-ng-announces-funding-for-womens-entrepreneurship-694619111.html

Building Export markets in Europe and the U.K.

Sep 20, 2018

What: An exciting trade mission!

Who: Canadian women business owners who want to expand their business via export

Where: Germany and England

When: November 4-10, 2018

How: email the BWIT team to sign up

Business Women in International Trade (BWIT) is part of the federal government Trade Commissioner Service (TCS). The team is made up of federal government trade commissioners who specialize in helping Canadian women entrepreneurs internationalize. Trade commissioner Lynne Thomson (third from right), attended SHEday 2018 in Winnipeg and connected with export-oriented women business owners Cindy Boissonneault (second from the left), owner of Poco Inspired and Pina Romolo (third from the left), owner of Piccola Cucina.

One of the primary ways that BWIT helps business women expand internationally is by organizing informative trade missions, like this upcoming one to Europe. With stops in Hamburg and Stuttgart, Germany and London, England, this trip will feature a series of events designed to open new markets in Europe for Canadian women business owners.

Why Europe?

With the renegotiation of NAFTA currently in process, we hear a lot these days about international trade agreements. In recent months, Canada signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with Europe.

In general, it is an advantage to you as an export-oriented business when Canada has a trade agreement with the country to which you want to export. As explained on the Government of Canada Export Market Research web page, “trade agreements help to eliminate or reduce tariffs on Canadian exports, which can increase your competitiveness in foreign markets.”

A trade agreement does not create excitement about export opportunities, but trade missions do! If you choose to invest and participate in this upcoming BWIT trade mission to Germany and England, you will benefit from on-the-ground market research, making business connections, learning the nuances of the market place, and having a better understanding of how your business could penetrate that market.

For more information on this exciting trade mission to Europe, email bwit@international.gc.ca or visit the BWIT website.

The four women’s enterprise organizations, Women’s Enterprise Centre in BC (WEC-BC), Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK) and the Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba (WECM) work collaboratively with each other and with BWIT to support women business owners who are interested in exporting. All organizations are members of the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC).

Written by Nancy Brommell, Business Advisor with the Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba. Blog post originally published September 2018 at www.wecm.ca

Government of Canada Announces New Funding and Engagement Plan for Western Canada Growth Strategy

Sep 14, 2018

https://www.canada.ca/en/western-economic-diversification/news/2018/09/government-of-canada-announces-new-funding-and-engagement-plan-for-western-canada-growth-strategy.html

From: Western Economic Diversification Canada

News release

Strategy aims to grow the economy and create middle class jobs by building on Western Canada’s unique strengths and competitive advantages

September 11, 2018 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Western Economic Diversification Canada

The new global economy presents exciting opportunities but also requires greater innovation for businesses and economies to grow. In fact, changes in today’s competitive landscape are driving businesses to rethink their strategies to reach beyond their traditional boundaries.

From coast to coast to coast, Canada’s economy is as diverse as its landscapes, presenting unique challenges and opportunities. That is why the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), today launched an engagement plan to develop a regional growth strategy with Western Canadians for Western Canadians.

As announced in Budget 2018, the Government is committing $208 million over five years to promote the development and diversification of the Western Canadian economy. This strategy will grow the region’s economy, create good middle-class jobs, and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity across the four western provinces. It also builds on the Innovation and Skills Plan to make Canada a world leader in innovation and create good middle class jobs

Western Canadians are invited to share their ideas online to help shape the Western Canada Growth Strategy. Over the fall, roundtable discussions will take place in major cities across Western Canada with businesses, different levels of government, thought leaders, Indigenous Peoples, rural communities, women, youth, and new immigrants to develop a new targeted approach to economic development with a focus on innovation.

Quotes
“Western Canada’s unique set of strengths and challenges requires a long-term economic growth strategy built in close collaboration with the people who make this economy work. Our government is committed to growing the Western Canadian economy and strengthening its middle class. By engaging directly with Western Canadians, we will develop a Western Canada Growth Strategy that builds on regional strengths and focuses on innovation to establish a foundation for long-term prosperity and good middle class jobs.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

Quick facts

The Western Canada Growth Strategy will be a roadmap to build an innovative Western Canada – one that strengthens the economy, supports innovative and resource-based industries, and increases job opportunities for all Canadians.
Western Canada is home to the four fastest-growing provincial populations.
Western Canada’s diverse economies create over 35% of Canada’s real gross domestic product (GDP).
Over 60% of Canada’s value-added agriculture is produced in Western Canada.
Over 425,000 small businesses employ over 3.4 million people across the West.
Five of the top 15 Canadian research universities are based in Western Canada.