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:

1. The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Application Form, and
2. 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

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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

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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 

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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.

 

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

 

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The ability to “be your own boss” is often cited as one of the most attractive aspects of entrepreneurship, but it can also raise problems for those new to the craft. Who do you turn to when you get stuck? How do you handle areas of business you don’t have any experience in? In these instances, a mentor can be the difference between success and failure for a fledgling business.

Are you ready to find your next mentor? The Raj Manek Business Mentorship Program (RMMP) is currently accepting applications for their September 2018 intake.

What is RMMP? The RMMP is a non-hierarchical process made possible by clear communication, openness and trust. They provide one-on-one mentorship for a mentor and protégé pair. This relationship is not one-sided, and instead, it is an interactive sharing environment which results in an enriching, mutual learning experience

RMMP provides:

1. One-on-one mentorship with an experienced mentor whose skill sets compliment your targeted areas of improvement.
2. Monthly seminars on topics of interest create an environment where participants can feel comfortable asking questions.
3. Technical advisors available one-on-one in the areas of Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, IT, Legal, and Strategic Planning.
4. Program affiliations to access databases and resources from other programs including PCensus, Reference Canada, Hoovers, iSell, Kompass.
5. Access to RMMP databases including e-Statement Studies, First Research, and Profit Driver.
6. Peer-to-peer mentorship service where business owners can congregate and share their thoughts, ideas, and jointly solve problems with the guidance of a technical expert.
7. Networking opportunities.

Ready to inquire or apply:

Email RMMP at info@manekmentorship.sk.ca; or
Visit RMMP at manekmentorship.ca

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Changes to CanExport?

Did you know there have been changes to the CanExport grant?  If you were previously ineligible because you already had sales in the US or another market, we have good news!  The government has modified the rules; small and medium-sized companies are now eligible for the CanExport grant even if they have had sales in the target market (aka country).  Thus, you can be eligible for CanExport as long as you have had less than $20K sales per annum in the target market in the last 24 months, or if the target market represents less than 10% of your international sales.

What is CanExport?

CanExport is a federal government grant for small/medium size businesses, with annual revenues within the $200K-$50M range, who are interested in developing new export markets.

The grant can cover up to 50% of your market development expenses for new market development.  Expenses such as business travel, trade fairs, market research and adaptation of your marketing materials for new markets are eligible.  Note that there are ineligible expenses.

This is a 50/50 matching grant to a maximum of $100K. For example, if you spend $200K in market development activities, you may be eligible to receive up to $100K from the CanExport grant.  

CanExport is definitely a good opportunity for small businesses interested in exporting and there is a lot more to know about it. For more information, check out the CanExport here.

What is the AgriMarketing program?  

Note: If your products or services are related to agriculture, you may not be eligible for the CanExport grant. However, you should check out a similar grant through Agriculture and Agrifood Canada’s AgriMarketing program. 

 

By Katherine Britton, CPA CMA MBA

Director, Business Development | Women’s Enterprise Centre, BC

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On May 23, 2018, WESK recognized three female business leaders from Saskatchewan with the Emerging Entrepreneur Award, the Growth & Expansion Award, & the Innovator Award. Additionally, the Celebration of Achievement award was formally presented.  

The Emerging Entrepreneur Award was presented to Meagan Barabash (Bravo Dance Co.). This award is given to a female entrepreneur who has built a strong, scalable business foundation and has achieved early success with strong market potential. Congratulations to Meagan, and to finalists Jeanny Buan (Viahera Canada) and Heather Murphy (Authentically: Business and Life Solutions).

The Innovator Award was presented to Brooke Longpre, (Sound Solar Systems Inc.). This award is given to a female entrepreneur who has built an innovation or technology-based business and has achieved early success with strong market potential. Congratulations to Brooke Longpre, and to finalists Caitlin Barlas, Julie Gryba, and Bailey Wilmot (The Local Kitchen) and Jackie Martin (Viking Innovations Ltd.).

The Growth & Expansion Award was presented to Jordana Jacobson (Cravings Maternity-Baby-Kids). This award was given to a female entrepreneur who has built a solid foundation for her business and is now experiencing rapid growth and significant expansion opportunity for her business by strengthening her leadership capacity and developing new market opportunities. Congratulations to Jordana, and to finalists Connie Buchanan (Zoom Zoom Groom, PreZoomably Cats, and Apex Academy) and Colleen Haussecker (Canadian Organic Spice & Herb Co. Inc.).

WESK’s Celebration of Achievement Award pays tribute to an exceptional female entrepreneur who has built a business in Saskatchewan with a significant impact on the economy and the community. This award was presented to Rachel Mielke, CEO and Founder of Hillberg & Berk. Read the initial press release announcing the Celebration of Achievement recipient here.

“The Celebration of Achievement Gala & Entrepreneur Awards is the only event of its kind in Saskatchewan that brings together female entrepreneurs with representatives from government, industry, media, and educational institutions to celebrate the outstanding contributions of inspiring female entrepreneurs,” – Prabha Mitchell, CEO of WESK. 

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Brooke Longpre is Co-Founder and Operating Partner of Sound Solar Systems Inc. She is trained in solar PV design, construction management and has developed a wide range of technical and business skills since the company was founded in 2010. Her small business has hundreds of kWs of turn-key solar projects installed across Western Canada. The company focus is solar energy and energy storage systems for residential, commercial, and industrial markets within Western Canada.

About Sound Solar Systems Inc. 

Sound Solar Systems Inc. has been in operation since 2010. Their principal objective and focus is design and engineering, supply, install, monitor, & service of solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems for commercial and residential markets. They have constructed and managed a growing portfolio of hundreds of kW’s of distributed solar energy in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

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Jordana Jacobson is an award-winning entrepreneur. Though her businesses CRAVINGS maternity-baby-kids, Layla+Ryan apparel, and Entrepreneur306 keep her busy, she is equally devoted to her family, fitness, and community. Jordana volunteers for many community and charitable organizations including the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce SABEX Awards Committee, the Saskatchewan Amateur Bodybuilding Association, and her own foundation “In Memory of Marlo” which supports the Children’s Health and Hosptial Foundation.

About CRAVINGS:

CRAVINGS is Saskatoon’s premier maternity, baby, and children’s boutique. A one-stop-shop for everything from belly bump to big kid!

 

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