ACOA investments support resources and opportunities for women entrepreneurs across Atlantic Canada

May 6, 2021 · Dartmouth, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Women’s contributions to business are a major part of Canada’s economic success. However, women who are trying to start, grow and scale their own businesses face significant barriers to gaining full and equal participation in the economy. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the organizations that empower women by providing the necessary resources, mentorship and capital needed to grow successful businesses.

Today, at an Atlantic women in business forum, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages will announce more than $5.8 million in non-repayable contributions through ACOA to nine organizations that offer business and advisory services to women. This will help these organizations to empower women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to maintain and grow their businesses, and offset the negative impacts of COVID-19.

Nova Scotia

Centre for Women in Business                                                                                                                                 $1,496,250
Halifax, NS

Operational funding for 2020 to 2023 to help potential and existing Nova Scotia women entrepreneurs access the business management skills and counseling services necessary to grow their firms. The Centre works with women entrepreneurs from ideation to start-up to scale-up. It also provides entrepreneurial and business skills development opportunities to students at Mount Saint Vincent University. The contribution is provided through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.

Centre for Women in Business                                                                                                                                 $459,200
Halifax, NS

Funding increase to support consulting advisory services to help women entrepreneurs navigate the COVID-19 economic situation. Programming available to women entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The contribution is provided through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund.

Centre for Women in Business                                                                                                                                 $500,000
Halifax, NS

Funding to offer consulting advisory services to additional women entrepreneurs to help offset the demand to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The contribution is provided through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF).

Centre for Women in Business                                                                                                                                 $500,000
Halifax, NS

Funding over a three-year period (2021 to 2024) to deliver a consulting and advisory services program for women-owned businesses. This program helps women entrepreneurs build their processes and identify ways to expand their businesses. The contribution is provided through the REGI program.

Atlantic Women’s Venture Fund                                                                                                                               $360,000
Halifax, NS

Support for a two-year pilot initiative to create a more inclusive innovation ecosystem for women-led tech start-ups in Atlantic Canada. This funding, provided through the REGI program, will help women-led tech firms access capital, educational services, mentors and business networks.

Craft Alliance Atlantic Association                                                                                                                           $64,125
Halifax, NS

Funding increase to provide more Atlantic Canadian small manufacturers with business development, export readiness and skills training to identify and enter new international markets. It will also allow the Association to continue adapting to virtual trade events brought on by the pandemic. The contribution is provided through the Business Development Program (BDP).

New Brunswick

Saint John Community Loan Fund Inc.                                                                                                                    $46,250  
Saint John, NB

Funding to deliver energy auditor training to women in the Greater Saint John area through Next Inc. This social enterprise provides energy efficiency services to the region and helps position women in the energy industry. The contribution is provided through the REGI program.

Saint John Community Loan Fund Inc.                                                                                                                    $57,500
Saint John, NB                                                      

Support to convert the Enterprising Women program to an online format in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides aspiring and existing women entrepreneurs with training to help them start and grow their business. The contribution is provided through the REGI program.

New Brunswick Association of CBDCs                                                                                                                     $1,000,000
Bathurst, NB

Support to deliver the Women in Business initiative from 2019 to 2022.  The funding will allow Women in Business New Brunswick to offer one-on-one services to both rural and urban women entrepreneurs. Development officers will ensure that women business owners have the products and services they need to start, expand, grow their businesses and export their products. The contribution is provided through the Business Development Program (BDP).
 

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs Inc.                                                 $688,800
St. John’s, NL

Funding increase to support business advisory services to help women entrepreneurs navigate the COVID-19 economic situation. Programming available to women entrepreneurs in New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador. The contribution is provided through the WES Ecosystem Fund.

St. John's International Women's Film Festival, Inc.                                                                                          $126,777
St. John’s, NL

Funding to host industry development sessions for women filmmakers. These sessions provide professional training, networking and support for women to sustain and grow their companies. The contribution is provided through the REGI program.

OceansAdvance Inc.                                                                                                                                                     $105,000
St. John’s, NL

Support to implement a strategic plan to advance the Newfoundland and Labrador ocean economy. The strategic plan includes supporting the Women in Ocean Technology initative to encourage the participation of women in the ocean innovation ecosystem. The contribution is provided through the REGI program.
 

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island Business Women’s Association Inc.                                                                               $400,000
Charlottetown, PE

Core funding to provide support to women in business across Prince Edward Island. Programming includes business advisory services, access to resources and tools, professional skills development, networking and community outreach. The contribution is provided through the REGI program.