[SASKATOON, SK] – Women Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan (WESK) proudly announces the launch of a new Rural Ambassador Program with federal funding of $450,000 through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). The program provides current and aspiring women business owners with the resources, mentorship and networking opportunities they need to start, grow or scale their businesses.
“Women play an essential role in advancing economic growth and building strong communities. Supporting women to reach their full potential in their own communities is an important step towards addressing the persistent gender entrepreneurship gap,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan. “The Rural Ambassador program will help meet the needs of women entrepreneurs across Saskatchewan and support community economic development that leads to well-paying jobs and a strong economy for all Canadians.”
“Supporting women entrepreneurs isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. WESK’s Rural Ambassador Program provides a new resource for women entrepreneurs throughout Saskatchewan, so that they can receive valuable advice and support from rural businesswomen who have paved the way before them,” said the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business. “Supporting women entrepreneurs in communities across Canada is one of the ways our government is working towards a more inclusive society, creating good jobs, and building a strong economy that works for everyone.”
Five regional ambassadors, who are business owners themselves and have a passion for entrepreneurship, will serve as connection points within rural communities to support women at every stage of their business-ownership journeys. The regional ambassadors will make it easy for women business owners to access pathfinding support close to home to ensure they get the knowledge and resources they need, whether it’s advisory services, lending or learning opportunities. The ambassadors will also facilitate networking, mentorship, and promotional opportunities through local WESK Connect events, trade shows and ongoing efforts to showcase women-owned businesses in their communities. The connections women business owners make will empower them and provide a source of inspiration by being part of a larger community of like-minded entrepreneurs who support each other as they strive for success.
“The Rural Ambassador Program is a testament to our ongoing commitment to women entrepreneurs throughout the entire province,” said Miriam Johnson, CEO of WESK. “Providing support to women-owned businesses in the regions where they live will ensure they have access to everything they need to start or grow their businesses. This easily accessible support in rural regions will help build stronger communities and sustainable economic development.”
The program aligns with WESK’s broader mission of empowering women entrepreneurs and creating an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. With a “no-wrong-door” approach, the Rural Ambassador Program complements existing programs and services to ensure rural women have access to a comprehensive support network. The goal is to help rural businesses thrive, which contributes to a strong and diversified Canadian economy.
See the attached backgrounder for more information about the Rural Ambassador Program, the five rural ambassadors and entrepreneurship in Saskatchewan.
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About WESK
WESK is a non-profit, membership-based organization that provides business advisory services; start-up, purchase and expansion lending; mentoring and networking; and learning and training opportunities. WESK is supported by Prairies Economic Development Canada.
Contact
Michael Betteridge
Brand Manager, WESK
Email: mbetteridge@wesk.ca
Phone: 306-477-6286
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