Celebrated by over 144 countries, November 19th, 2022 marks Women's Entrepreneurship Day, a chance to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of the women entrepreneurs in our communities who work tirelessly to drive economic growth, create vibrancy, and inspire the next generation of girls.
In Canada, over 1 million women are entrepreneurs, with 17 per cent of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses being owned by women. And that number continues to grow! In fact, over the past 40 years, the number of female entrepreneurs has quadrupled. The Government of Canada has identified that continuing to increase women's participation in the economy could add up to $150 billion towards Canada’s GDP.
That’s why it is so important that we build supports our women entrepreneurs can rely on. At Alberta Women Entrepreneurs we take that commitment seriously. Alongside our training and workshops, business advising, and mentorship opportunities, we’re working to transform the business environment for women. Earlier this year we worked with partners across the province to publish our Impact Paper, Leveraging Economic Opportunities for Women in Alberta, a framework that will help systematically address gaps for women entrepreneurs, current and future.
And Alberta is no stranger to incredible and hard-working women entrepreneurs. Alberta Women Entrepreneurs recently celebrated four inspirational women at the 2022 AWE Awards for their contributions to the province: Jennifer Schaeffer, owner of Onlea Enterprises; Vanessa Marshall, owner of Jack59 Inc.; Breanne Everett, owner of Orpyx Medical Technologies Inc.; and Manjit Minhas, owner of Minhas Breweries, Distilleries, and Winery. These women are a true example of what’s possible when women are full participants in entrepreneurship.
This Women's Entrepreneurship Day take the time to visit and support your local women-owned businesses. Their contributions continue to be vital to the health and liveliness of our province and country.
