Women Entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurs get help connecting with suppliers


Topics : WEConnect Canada , Women Business Enterprise , Atlantic Canada
[ATLANTIC REGION] – Women entrepreneurs are facing many challenges in the patriarchal world of business, but one program is looking to lift them up.

WEConnect, a non-profit organization that helps support firms owned by women, has received a boost from Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

ACOA is granting WEConnect with a contribution of more than $134,000 through its Business Development Program.

“Our government declared 2011 the Year of the Entrepreneur because businesses play a key role in securing Canada’s ongoing economic recovery,” said Keith Ashfield, minister for ACOA. “Every year, entrepreneurs create about 130,000 new companies in Canada. We are pleased to support businesses through programs and services that stimulate economic growth, create more jobs for Canadians and open doors to new export markets.”

WEConnect is also investing an additional $152,000 into the program. WEConnect will manage Canada’s Women Business Enterprise in Atlantic Canada which qualifies eligible firms and connects them with the corporate and private sector and the growing demand for suppliers in Canada and abroad.

Only firms that are at least 51 per cent owned, managed and controlled by women are eligible to qualify for the program.

“WEConnect Canada is thrilled to be able to help meet a growing demand for diverse suppliers through our certification program and mentoring efforts,” said Mary Anderson, executive director of WEConnect Canada. “ACOA’s funding will allow us to deliver certification that ensures women business owners meet an international standard needed to access global supply chains, and will help us introduce women-owned businesses to a comprehensive network of large corporations. It’s great news for women entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada.”