Today is International Women’s Day, a day where the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women across the word are celebrated. Saskatchewan is flourishing with talented, unique, and qualified women-owned business. Today, we’d like to introduce you to two of them.

A couple of weeks ago, we had the opportunity to chat with Meghan Hawkins and Cristie Zyla, Co-Owners of The Prairie Grazer in Saskatoon, as well as Lisa McIntrye, Owner of The Optical Shoppe in Regina, to understand their entrepreneurship journey and to get their thoughts on this year’s IWD theme, #BreaktheBias.

Meghan and Cristie: The Prairie Grazer was born around a campfire in Saskatchewan. Meghan had recently returned from a trip to Tofino where she had come across a little charcuterie shop that was extremely popular with the locals. She knew Saskatoon needed something like it! She approached Cristie with the idea, and after much research and planning, The Prairie Grazer was born!

Lisa: I grew up in a multi-generation family business. I think it was in my blood to become an entrepreneur, deep down I always knew I wanted to be my own boss. After working in the family business for a number of years, we decided to sell, and I was on the hunt for my next adventure. I became aware that the previous owner of The Optical Shoppe had a desire to retire. After research and negotiation, I decided to jump in with both feet and take on my own business. 

Lisa: I’ve experienced many challenges relating to stereotypes, including being called “young lady” in a condescending tone.  Because of my gender, I also am frequently underestimated in my knowledge and negotiation skills, particularly when working with industry suppliers and sales representatives

Meghan and Cristie: Women are consistently underestimated, particularly in business. As women, we have qualities that make us strong leaders, and those qualities are often underutilized. It is important to have more women in leadership roles so we can serve as role models and inspire the next generation of future women leaders.

Meghan and Cristie: As women, we need to support other women entrepreneurs, but also consider them our equals. By approaching every interaction as though we are equally qualified, we can help others to see our strengths as women. Know your worth and recognize the hard work you have put in to get where you are today! Let’s celebrate our successes!

Lisa: We need to continue to work together toward the same goal of equality. Women need to continue to push the boundaries and rise to leadership positions. We must support each other, encourage our peers, and mentor women coming up behind us.

ABOUT THE PRAIRIE GRAZER

The Prairie Grazer creates unique charcuterie experiences through hand-crafted artisan boxes and grazing tables featuring local products and ingredients. We strive to support local where possible and give back to our community. Learn more here.

ABOUT THE OPTICAL SHOPPE

The Optical Shoppe is a beautifully curated eyewear boutique in the heart of Regina’s downtown. For almost 40 years the store has been leading the way in finding unique frames and the best designer eyewear. We are on a mission to find the perfect frame for every person.  Learn more here.

To learn about other great women-owned businesses right here in Saskatchewan, visit our Women-Owned Business Database here.

If you’re a woman entrepreneur yourself and haven’t yet self-declared with WESK,  be sure to do so! Signing up is free, and gets you access to an exclusive woman-owned Saskatchewan business logo, social media template, and the opportunity to be listed in our Women-Owned Business Database. Learn more here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 5, 2021

Regina, SK – The City of Regina has signed the Saskatchewan Women Entrepreneurship Charter, becoming the first city in Saskatchewan to formally commit to supporting local women entrepreneurs. This initiative is led by Women Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan (WESK) to address the gender entrepreneurship gap in the province.

In May of 2019, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the creation of the WESK-led Saskatchewan Advisory Committee. A group of prominent business leaders advised on strategies, policies, and activities to help achieve gender parity for Saskatchewan women entrepreneurs. The final report, entitled Enabling Scale in Saskatchewan, includes ten recommendations. The launch of the Saskatchewan Women Entrepreneurship Charter is one of the first recommendations to be addressed.

The Charter affirms a commitment to advancing women entrepreneurship and building connections through four defining principles: 1) Procure with her; 2) Amplify her voice; 3) Share skills with her; and 4) Shatter a ceiling. Through signing, Charter Champions are not only committing to doing business with local women-owned companies, but they are also actively seeking and creating opportunities to support women entrepreneurs in practical and quantifiable ways.

“On behalf of City Council, it is important we provide all residents with an equal opportunity to succeed” says Mayor Sandra Masters. “The City of Regina is signing this Charter with WESK to provide procurement inclusion for women entrepreneurs and bolstering growth in our local economy.”

One of the priorities identified in the City of Regina’s Community Plan is fostering economic prosperity by supporting a vibrant and diverse economy, which aligns with the intentions of the established Charter. Through this alignment, there is an evident opportunity to stimulate women-owned business growth in Regina and in turn, the province. By signing the Charter, the City of Regina is creating space for other municipalities to declare their commitment to closing the gender entrepreneurship gap in Saskatchewan.

“The City of Regina’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs in our province is applauded,” commented Prabha Mitchell, CEO of WESK. “By being the first municipality in Saskatchewan to formally sign the Charter, the City of Regina is pioneering the way for other cities to convey their dedication.”

Women entrepreneurs are major contributors to economic growth and job creation. In 2019, women entrepreneurs contributed $23.1 billion to the Saskatchewan economy and created 191,836 jobs. However, research indicates women entrepreneurs encounter unique barriers that hinder full participation in growing the wealth of our province. By understanding and addressing the unique barriers that women entrepreneurs encounter, Charter Champions can enhance opportunities to scale businesses and boost economic growth in the province.

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For more information, please contact:

Josie Fries, Marketing Advisor, WESK

T: 306-477-6286

E: jfries@wesk.ca

W www.wesk.ca

Click here to view our Newsroom page for media-related assets.

About WESK

WESK is a non-profit, membership-based organization that provides business advising, lending, mentoring, networking, and learning opportunities. WESK is supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada.

Since 1995, WESK has provided over $40.4 million in financing to women entrepreneurs and as a result, more than $3.43 million has been leveraged.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 26, 2021

Regina, SK – SaskPower has signed onto the Saskatchewan Women Entrepreneurship Charter, an initiative led by Women Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan (WESK). As a Charter Champion, SaskPower has committed to supporting women-owned businesses in Saskatchewan. 

In May of 2019, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the creation of the WESK-led Saskatchewan Advisory Committee, an influential group of respected business leaders responsible for advising on strategies, policies, and activities to level the playing field for Saskatchewan women entrepreneurs. In July 2020, the Committee released their final report of recommendations entitled Enabling Scale in Saskatchewan. The report includes ten recommendations, including the launch of a charter to build a pool of champions in support of women entrepreneurs.

The Charter affirms a commitment to advance women entrepreneurship and build connections through four defining principles: 1) Procure with her; 2) Amplify her voice; 3) Share skills with her; and 4) Shatter a ceiling. Through the signing of the charter, Champions are not only committing to doing business with local women-owned companies, but they are also actively seeking and creating opportunities to support women entrepreneurs in practical and quantifiable ways.

“SaskPower firmly believes in advancing women entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan and will continue to actively look for opportunities to do so, which is why we have signed onto the Charter,” said SaskPower President and CEO Mike Marsh. “SaskPower is committed to a sustainable supply chain and this partnership with Women Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan will allow SaskPower to continue to build a diverse chain of suppliers and help support women-owned businesses in Saskatchewan.”

“We are very pleased to see SaskPower join the ranks of those paving the way towards gender entrepreneurship parity,” commented Prabha Mitchell, CEO of WESK. “Notwithstanding that SaskPower is the largest crown corporation in our province, signing onto the Charter reflects a strong commitment to advancing equal opportunities for economic growth. Through the support of the Government of Saskatchewan, the province has positioned itself to lead the country as the preeminent place for women to start, grow, and scale their businesses.”

Women entrepreneurs are major contributors to economic growth and job creation. In 2019, women entrepreneurs contributed $23.1 billion to the Saskatchewan economy and created 191,836 jobs. However, research indicates women entrepreneurs encounter unique barriers that hinder full participation in growing the wealth of our province. By understanding and addressing the unique barriers that women entrepreneurs encounter, Charter Champions can enhance opportunities to scale businesses and boost economic growth in the province.

“This partnership fits so nicely with SaskPower’s Diversity and Inclusion strategy,” noted Kathy McCrum, Vice President, Human Resources & Safety at SaskPower. “We have put significant focus on changing our traditional norms to allow for more space and opportunities for women to succeed at SaskPower.  We know we have more work to do, but our executive leadership is committed to continuing to take intentional action to ensure women are more representative in our workforce and in our supply chain.”

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For more information, please contact:

Josie Fries, Marketing Advisor, WESK

T: 306-477-6286

E: jfries@wesk.ca

About WESK

WESK is a non-profit, membership-based organization that provides business advising, lending, mentoring, networking, and learning opportunities. WESK is supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada.

In the past 26 years, WESK has provided over $40.4 million in financing to women entrepreneurs and as a result, more than $3.43 million has been leveraged.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 19, 2021

This evening, WESK recognized five women entrepreneurs from Saskatchewan with awards at the virtual WESK Summit Gala. The event falls during Women Entrepreneurs Week, which, as proclaimed by the Government of Saskatchewan, runs from May 16 through May 22, 2021. In alignment with Women Entrepreneurs Week, the WESK Summit Gala provides an opportunity to not only recognize awards finalists and recipients, but also to applaud and showcase all of Saskatchewan’s women entrepreneurs.

“I’d like to thank the Government of Saskatchewan for proclaiming this week as Women Entrepreneurs Week across the province. This week, we honor and celebrate every woman entrepreneur in our province who makes an economic and social contribution to our community. We encourage you to join us in this celebration,” said Prabha Mitchell, CEO of WESK.

Awards were presented in the following categories: Community Involvement, Indigenous Entrepreneur, Innovation, Resilience, and Celebration of Achievement. Below is a summary of each award category and the respective finalists.

The 4th annual Celebration of Achievement award pays tribute to an exceptional woman entrepreneur who has built a business in Saskatchewan of significant impact to the economy and the community. She is an inspirational leader and a role model for women in business. The finalists are: Janna Dutton (Dutton Group Tim Hortons) and Christine Hrudka (Pharmacy First). Celebration of Achievement Award: Christine Hrudka (Pharmacy First)

The Community Involvement Award is presented to the Saskatchewan woman entrepreneur that has been a leader in creating ways of conducting business that have a positive impact on the community. The finalists are: Jennifer Denouden (Avana), Shaina Lynden (Ryde YXE Cycle Studios), Valerie Sluth (Praxis Consulting).

The Indigenous Entrepreneur Award is presented to the Indigenous Saskatchewan woman entrepreneur, which through a strong business concept shows plans for future growth and viability over the long term. The finalists are: Christine Marie (Awasis Boutique), Destinee Peter (Tangles Hair and Beauty Salon), Jennifer Dubois (Miyosiwin Salon Spa).

The Innovation Award is presented to the Saskatchewan entrepreneur that is pushing conventional boundaries and is disrupting and reshaping her industry through ground-breaking achievements in bringing innovation to market. The finalists are: Jennifer Denouden (Avana), Monique Simair (Maven Water and Environment), Serese Selanders (SolusGuard & ORA).

The Resilience Award is presented to the Saskatchewan woman entrepreneur who has shown strength and determination through COVID-19. She has shown an ability to pivot in response to unexpected and difficult challenges brought about by the pandemic, while continuing to maintain strong business operations. The finalists are: Jolene Watson (Clarity Coaching and Development), Heather Monaghan (Helping Hands Care Group), Shaina Lynden & Bradie Mustoe (Ryde YXE Cycle Studios).

The 2021 recipients are:

Mitchell stated, “Congratulations to our award recipients for this well deserved recognition. The importance of celebrating women entrepreneurs is even more amplified this year.  Their grit through this time of uncertainty and risk is not only remarkable; but the resilience to pivot, adapt and remain agile is extraordinary.”

To continue to celebrate and raise awareness of Women Entrepreneurs Week in Saskatchewan, WESK is showcasing a different woman entrepreneur every day across their social channels, and has released a special Women Entrepreneurs Week video.

Additionally, WESK will be holding the annual WESK Summit on Thursday, May 20, a rebrand of WESK’s traditional and long-standing Small Business Conference. While the event is virtual this year, attendees can still expect engaging workshops, powerful keynote presentations (including Michele Romanow of CBC’s Dragons’ Den), insightful panel discussions, and plenty of chances to network amongst attendees.

Associated Links

For more information:

Josie Fries

Marketing Advisor, WESK

306.477.6286

jfries@wesk.ca

About WESK

WESK is a non-profit, membership-based organization that provides business advisory; start-up, purchase and expansion lending; mentoring and networking and learning and training opportunities. WESK is supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today, WESK announced the names of the 13 women entrepreneurs selected as finalists for its five women entrepreneur awards. The five award recipients will be announced at the WESK Summit Gala on Wednesday, May 19^th, 2021 at a virtual event. The event will recognize outstanding Saskatchewan female business leaders in the following categories: Community Involvement, Indigenous Entrepreneur, Innovation, Resilience, as well as the esteemed Celebration of Achievement Award.

This year, WESK underwent a rebrand of its annual Awards Gala and Small Business Conference, and it is now referred to as the WESK Summit Gala and the WESK Summit. The WESK Summit Gala provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding female entrepreneurs with one of five entrepreneur awards, while also celebrating the achievements of all woman entrepreneurs in our province.

This year marks the fourth year of WESK’s Celebration of Achievement Award. This award pays tribute to an exceptional woman entrepreneur who has built a business in Saskatchewan of significant impact to the economy and the community. She is an inspirational leader and a role model for women in business. The finalists are: Janna Dutton (Dutton Group Tim Hortons) and Christine Hrudka (Pharmacy First).

The Community Involvement Award is presented to the Saskatchewan woman entrepreneur that has been a leader in creating ways of conducting business that have a positive impact on the community. The finalists are: Jennifer Denouden (Avana), Shaina Lynden (Ryde YXE Cycle Studios), Valerie Sluth (Praxis Consulting).

The Indigenous Entrepreneur Award is presented to the Indigenous Saskatchewan woman entrepreneur, which through a strong business concept shows plans for future growth and viability over the long term. The finalists are: Christine Marie (Awasis Boutique), Destinee Peter (Tangles Hair and Beauty Salon), Jennifer Dubois (Miyosiwin Salon Spa).

The Innovation Award is presented to the Saskatchewan entrepreneur that is pushing conventional boundaries and is disrupting and reshaping her industry through ground-breaking achievements in bringing innovation to market. The finalists are: Jennifer Denouden (Avana), Monique Simair (Maven Water and Environment), Serese Selanders (SolusGuard & ORA).

The Resilience Award is presented to the Saskatchewan woman entrepreneur who has shown strength and determination through COVID-19. She has shown an ability to pivot in response to unexpected and difficult challenges brought about by the pandemic, while continuing to maintain strong business operations. The finalists are: Jolene Watson (Clarity Coaching and Development), Heather Monaghan (Helping Hands Care Group), Shaina Lynden & Bradie Mustoe (Ryde YXE Cycle Studios).

Associated Links

For more information:

Josie Fries, Marketing Advisor, WESK

306.477.6286

jfries@wesk.ca

About WESK

WESK is a non-profit, membership-based organization that provides business advisory; start-up, purchase and expansion lending; mentoring and networking and learning and training opportunities. WESK is supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada.

Saskatoon, SK – April 8, 2021

Today, at a virtual press conference, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK) announced the launch of its new series of initiatives to assist in closing the entrepreneurial gender gap in the province.

This series of initiatives is in direct response to recommendations made by the provincially mandated and WESK-led Saskatchewan Advisory Committee on the Gender Entrepreneurship Gap. It includes the launch of a new digital entrepreneurship hub to provide curated resources relevant to needs at the various stages of the entrepreneurial journey. This digital hub is accompanied by the recently restructured membership packages.

WESK’s next initiative consists of the release of the Saskatchewan Women Entrepreneurship Charter. The charter is comprised of four principles to support women-owned businesses. Embracing this charter means committing to doing business with women-owned companies, promoting, mentoring and including them in practical and quantifiable ways.

The last initiative in this series provides a woman entrepreneur with a brand identity, allowing her to self-declare as an official Woman-Owned Saskatchewan Business, making it easier for customers to notice and support her. The brand identity also includes a supporter logo allowing organizations to get involved and display their support of women-owned businesses.

These initiatives illustrate WESK’s efforts to help address the unique barriers women face in their entrepreneurial journey, from start-up to scale-up. They fulfill its mandate to support the province’s women entrepreneurs as they increasingly contribute to Saskatchewan’s socio-economic growth.

Quotes

“WESK is committed to delivering practical programs that help women entrepreneurs be successful at every step of their business journey, from feasibility to expansion. Together, we can move the needle to close the gender gap in Saskatchewan’s business landscape.” – Prabha Mitchell, WESK’s Chief Executive Officer

“Today’s announcement is a substantial step in the right direction to help address the gender entrepreneurship gap . Investing in Saskatchewan women entrepreneurs is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.” – Prabha Mitchell, WESK’s Chief Executive Officer

“As an established entrepreneur, I am looking forward to taking full advantage of the new digital hub. The entrepreneurial journey can be lonely and distressing at times, this type of program is really helpful.” – Rauncie Kinnaird, Owner of Sandy Shores Resorts

“Tackling the challenges women entrepreneurs face, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, begins by addressing the barriers that make it difficult for innovators to thrive. As a champion of the Saskatchewan Women Entrepreneurship Charter, I’m committed to fostering an ecosystem in which entrepreneurs can continue to create positive social change in their local and global economies” – Jeff Pickett, Managing Partner at EY

Quick Facts

Associated Links

Contact:

Josie Fries, Marketing Advisor, WESK

Tel: 306-477-6286 – Email: jfries@wesk.ca

About WESK

WESK is a non-profit, membership-based organization that provides business advisory; start-up, purchase and expansion lending; mentoring and networking and learning and training opportunities. WESK is supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada.

Impact on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Job Creation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 28, 2020

SASKATOON, SK – Women entrepreneurs are major contributors of economic growth and job creation. In 2019, women entrepreneurs contributed $23.1 billion to the Saskatchewan economy and created 191,836 jobs. Yet, research indicates women entrepreneurs encounter unique barriers that hinder full participation in growing the wealth of our province.

The final report presented today to the Government of Saskatchewan’s Status of Women Office by the Saskatchewan Advisory Committee on the Gender Entrepreneurship Gap focused on levelling the playing field by outlining ten recommendations that support women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. 

“Enabling women-owned businesses to scale not only advances gender equality but also spurs economic growth,” said WESK CEO Prabha Mitchell. “If Saskatchewan accounts for 4.2 per cent of national GDP, there is potential for an additional injection of $6.3 to $17.64 billion in GDP by supporting women in scaling their businesses.”

The Committee’s recommendations were defined under the following four key pillars:

Evidence indicated women are less likely to secure capital than their male counterparts. One of the 10 recommendations referenced policy changes to creating incentives for angel investors. Research has shown companies with at least one female founder outperformed all-male founding teams by 88% over a ten-year period. Women-led businesses can successfully scale and incentives for angel investors provides potential capital beyond traditional financial institutions.

“When we support women entrepreneurs, we increase Saskatchewan’s economic growth and competitiveness and build a better quality of life for all residents,” says Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Office Tina Beaudry-Mellor. “Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan and its Advisory Committee are to be commended for this important study, which charts a collaborative course towards increasing women’s economic participation and prosperity.”

A proposed partnership with post-secondary institutions related to access to capital accounted for another recommendation. Financial acumen relative to accessing capital, and more importantly, increasing the number of female investors and leaders in decision-making teams is paramount.  The Committee recommended post-secondary institutions develop and deliver micro-credentialing programs to augment financial literacy as well as educate and empower women to engage in investment activities.  

The Committee, created by the Government of Saskatchewan in May 2019, had a mandate to advise the Government on strategies, policies and activities to close the entrepreneurship gap by examining gender disparity in business growth. The twelve-member Committee commenced work in September 2019 and concluded in June 2020. In spring 2020, the Committee re-examined the original recommendations to address the challenges emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Building a business climate conducive for women-owned businesses to scale also contributes to advancing the achievement of goals defined in the Saskatchewan Growth Plan.

The complete final report is available here: https://wesk.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Enabling-Scale-in-Saskatchewan_July_27.pdf

Watch the live recording of the press conference here: https://youtu.be/3tgAOb7YVBs

Links

For more information, please contact:

T: 306-477-6286

E: jfries@wesk.rbdemo.site

W www.wesk.rbdemo.site 

About WESK

WESK is a non-profit, membership-based organization that provides business advisory; start-up, purchase and expansion lending; mentoring and networking and learning and training opportunities. WESK is supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 16, 2020

SASKATOON, SK – Canadian women entrepreneurs are contributing to the economic success of our communities. At the same time, they have unique and systemic hurdles to overcome when starting and growing a business, and have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, many of the sectors where women entrepreneurs tend to operate like retail, accommodation and food services, have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. 

To help remedy this situation, Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Western Economic Diversification Canada), today announced $8.3 million through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund to support the Women’s Enterprise Initiative (WEI) organizations across Western Canada. PS Duguid made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD).

The Women’s Enterprise Centre in British Columbia, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK), and the Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba will each receive $2 million in additional loan funds for women entrepreneurs. In addition, $300,000 in operating funding will be divided equally among the four WEIs to meet the increased demand for advisory services and business supports.

These organizations will use the funds to assist Canadian women-owned businesses unable to access larger federal relief funding programs by providing them with immediate liquidity to face COVID-19-related challenges. WEI organizations have extensive experience working with women entrepreneurs, assisting them to overcome barriers and challenges in building their businesses. They also have a proven track record in providing loans and after-care services to women entrepreneurs to ensure their long-term success.

Supporting businesses during this unprecedented time of crisis is an integral part of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. These businesses are the backbone of our economy—they provide good jobs that support families across the country.  By supporting employers today, Canada will be in a stronger position as we come out of this crisis.

“The RRRF will assist in amplifying the supports provided by WESK (and other members of the Women’s Enterprise Initiative) to women entrepreneurs in our province. Women entrepreneurs leveraging the new loan fund can also utilize the wrap around services of WESK to address business recovery in a strategic fashion.”

“Women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses are facing unique challenges in Canada and across the West. I’m pleased the Government of Canada is able to provide these supports so they can continue operating and building Canada’s economic future. Women entrepreneurs want to go back to building their businesses, and we will be there to help them build back better.”

“Western Canadian women entrepreneurs make incredible contributions to our economy and communities every day. Their economic empowerment is essential for a thriving economy and will be crucial for the economic recovery of western Canadian communities. With WD’s assistance and other Government of Canada supports women-led businesses will come back stronger than ever.“

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Jeremy Ghio

Communications Director, Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages

jeremy.ghio@canada.ca

Josie Fries

Marketing Advisor, WESK

jfries@wesk.rbdemo.site

WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388