FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 29, 2021
Regina, SK – Recognizing the major contributions women entrepreneurs make to our economy and our way of life, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK) and Economic Development Regina (EDR) have signed an MOU to foster continued growth in this vital area of the economy.
Prabha Mitchell, CEO of WESK stated, “The MOU is not only intended to advance the four principles of the Saskatchewan Women Entrepreneurship Charter, but also encompasses the development and delivery of programs in Regina to help close the gender entrepreneurship gap”.
The agreement leverages key initiatives from both organizations, including WESK’s newly launched “Supporter of Women-Owned Saskatchewan Businesses” brand and EDR’s Audacity YQR movement to inspire, celebrate and promote entrepreneurism. The organizations have pledged to develop a strategy to execute on recommendations made by the provincially mandated and WESK-led Saskatchewan Advisory Committee on the Gender Entrepreneurship Gap.
Specifically, WESK and EDR will collaborate to address the four principles outlined in WESK’s new Saskatchewan Women Entrepreneurship Charter, including sharing critical resources (including access to professional experts and mentors). EDR is one of 35 organizations across Saskatchewan that have committed to the Charter. This partnership will also explore options for enhancing women entrepreneurs’ access to capital.
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. This is despite the unique barriers faced by women entrepreneurs.
“Regina’s economy offers huge opportunities, and we’re thrilled to work alongside WESK to advance women entrepreneurship – and to share their inspiring stories through Audacity YQR,” EDR President and CEO John Lee said. “This important work also helps EDR live into its values of diversity, inclusion and collaboration. Regina works best when we work together.”
To ensure key priorities are advanced, the organizations will take part in regular meetings and develop additional partnerships to further enhance collaboration. WESK and EDR will be sharing more details on this partnership in the coming months.
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.
To learn more, visit wesk.ca.
About Economic Development Regina Inc.
Economic Development Regina Inc. (EDR) is the lead agency for economic development and tourism marketing for the Greater Regina Area. We are a not-for-profit public-private partnership and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, with the City of Regina as its sole shareholder.
To learn more, visit economicdevelopmentregina.com.
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For more information contact:
| Josie Fries, Marketing Advisor WESK jfries@wesk.ca 306-477-6286 | Chris Bonk, Communications Senior Manager Economic Development Regina Inc. Tourism Regina cbonk@economicdevelopmentregina.com (306) 552-5242 |
