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News in entrepreneurship

Updates, information and ideas from WEOC and other organizations around the women’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

New partnership brings loan program to Nova Scotia

Subheading Centre for Women in Business becomes 7th loan fund partner for WEOC National Loan Program

“I am thrilled that women entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia will now have access to a loan program that offers not only much-needed capital, but the additional wrap-around supports and services that help lead to long-term growth and success,” says Alison Kirkland, CEO, WEOC.

The State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada 2023

July 4, 2023

The State of Women’s Entrepreneurship (SOWE) annual report is a go-to resource for the most complete picture of research on women’s entrepreneurship in Canada. It spans sectors and regions across the country.

The Federal Government selects CGLCC to administer the fund for Canada’s first 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program

June 15, 2023

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, announced that the Government of Canada has selected Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) to administer Canada’s first-ever 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program. The $25 million investment will assist entrepreneurs who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ in overcoming the systemic barriers they face when starting and expanding their businesses.

Entrepreneurship Headlines

WEOC
December 2022

A Holistic Approach to Lending Supports Women Entrepreneurs

Prairie Manufacturer Magazine
Spring 2023

A Game Changer for Women Entrepreneurs

WEOC
November 2022

New report: Bootstrap or Borrow? Improving Equity and Access to Financing for Women and Non-Binary Entrepreneurs in Canada

Prairie Manufacturer Magazine
Fall 2022

Women entrepreneurs face financing challenges

Toronto Star
October 2022 – WEOC Partnership

How Stacy’s Pita Chips is supporting Canadian women entrepreneurs

More News From Across the Ecosystem

When one woman rises, we all rise

Stacy’s Rise Project winners announced January 20

Congratulations to the first-ever Canadian Stacy’s Rise Project grant recipients! We were thrilled to be a partner in this project that celebrates women entrepreneurs.

Introducing the Class of 2023 winners:

Kristyn Carriere (Edmonton, AB), founder of 7 Summits Snacks

Jolene Johnson (Tobique First Nation, NB), founder of Wabanaki Maple

Elaine Tan Comeau (Coquitlam, BC), founder of Easy Daysies Ltd.

Carolyn Simon (Toronto, ON), founder of Choose Life Foods

The Future is Female

December 2022

A new “Startup and Scaleup” campaign from Innovation Canada launched December 22 and spotlights the WEOC National Loan Fund and the work we are doing as a result of the Bootstrap or Borrow? survey and report.

WEOC Board Welcomes New Chair

November 16, 2022

At the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) Annual General Meeting in St. John’s, NL on October 28, 2022, Jennifer Bessell (frontrow, centre) was named Board Chair for a two-year term. Bessell Is the CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE).

CEO Alison Kirkland talks data with Shauna Rae on “Clearing a New Path” podcast

February 2022

Host Shauna Rae speaks with entrepreneurs who identify as women and the organizations and people that support them, in rural Canada. In this episode, she speakes with WEOC CEO Alison Kirkland about supporting entrepreneurs during a pandemic, and the exciting new Loans, Capital and Women Entrepreneurs Survey.

A large group stands by a podium with lush trees as a backdrop

Minister Ng announces WEOC will deliver much-needed access to capital to women entrepreneurs

August 15, 2022

Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, announced that Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) will be providing loans of up to $50,000 to women entrepreneurs and business owners this fall through the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund.