May 31, 2019 - Winnipeg, Manitoba- Western Economic Diversification Canada
The Government of Canada is investing in women's economic empowerment with the first ever Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, a $2-billion investment that seeks to double the number of women-owned businesses by 2025.
Today, Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, announced an investment of $6,746,623 to 14 recipients in Manitoba through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
The funding will support 15 projects to bolster resources for women entrepreneurs and help Manitoba women-led businesses grow, develop and use innovative digital technologies and e-commerce tools, and access global markets.
The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy complements the Government of Canada's efforts to advance gender equality, which includes addressing pay equity, providing more affordable childcare, and putting an end to gender-based violence.
"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 businesses by increasing their access to financing, networks and advice. It's a smart investment with an economic and social return."
- The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion
"If we want Canada's economy to run on all cylinders, everyone must have the opportunity to succeed. Our government's Women Entrepreneurship Strategy will help business women reach their highest potential and provide their full contribution to our economy by supporting them with the tools they need to grow their businesses and create jobs."
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada
"The women entrepreneurs and business leaders of Manitoba make incredible contributions to our economy and community every day. I'm proud to be a part of a government that takes women's economic empowerment seriously. From tackling pay equity to modernizing parental leave, this government is taking action on gender equality because when women succeed, we all succeed."
- Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South
Quick facts
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The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) is helping women start and grow their businesses by improving access to financing, talent, networks and expertise through an investment of nearly $2 billion.
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There are 1.2 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada, but only 16% are owned by women.
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Only 8.4% of majority women-owned SMEs export, compared to 12.8% of majority male-owned SMEs.
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Under the WES, the Government of Canada is directly investing in 11 women-led businesses in Manitoba and providing support to four Manitoba-based projects that will increase ecosystem supports for women entrepreneurs.
