The full and equal participation of women in the economy is essential to Canada's competitiveness and prosperity. Investing in women's economic participation means their families and their communities can prosper.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, on behalf of the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced $296,000 in funding for the Société d'aide au développement des collectivités (SADC) Shawinigan to support their ongoing project, "Flexi-Loan for Women".
The project aims to ensure full participation in economic life for women who are part-time entrepreneurs (flexipreneurs). SADC Shawinigan's work helps women improve their economic security and prosperity with a new approach to financing and support that is tailored to their needs and assists them in starting up, sustaining, and growing their businesses.
The term "flexipreneur" was coined by SADC Shawinigan to describe the activities of women who run businesses while juggling another job, full- or part-time studies, a family, or other forms of caregiving. The term was inspired by women who did not recognize themselves in the typical definition of an entrepreneur. Flexipreneurs are a growing group in Quebec, as part-time entrepreneurship among women has experienced the most growth in recent years.
Over the last 40 years, greater participation of women in the workforce has accounted for about one-third of Canada's economic growth. The Government of Canada will continue to collaborate with women's movements, organizations, and experts to facilitate the economic participation of women and continue to advance intersectional approaches to support gender equality.
