The Government of Canada is significantly enhancing the profile of women entrepreneurs - and that of B.C. Women's Business Networks - through its support of the Women's Enterprise Centre's first of its kind publication, "The New Pioneers".
More than $104,000 in federal funding for the Women's Enterprise Centre (WEC) was announced today by Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.
"The New Pioneers publication will help ensure that Western Canada continues to celebrate the achievements of women in realizing their business potential," said Mr. Cannan. "The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that western entrepreneurs are provided access to tools required to create opportunities for success in Canada's economy."
The New Pioneers publication will consist of inspirational photos and stories of 100 B.C. women entrepreneurs. Profiles and listings of Women's Business Networks from around B.C. will be a vital source of information also included in the book. Funding will help the Women's Enterprise Centre research, create and distribute 3,000 copies of the 100-plus page book.
This publication will be the first of its kind in British Columbia and provides a showcase for the successes and accomplishments of women entrepreneurs from all walks of life. This includes entrepreneurs from urban and rural communities, traditional and non-traditional fields, as well as a wide range of ethnic backgrounds.
"We're pleased that WD has acknowledged the valuable role women entrepreneurs play in the BC economy by funding this book," said Laurel Douglas, CEO of the Women's Enterprise Centre. "This book will itself be a pioneering activity to showcase the role of women entrepreneurs, whether they're aboriginal or immigrant, young or old, from Dawson Creek to White Rock and from Queen Charlotte City to Fernie."
"We're thrilled to be included as New Pioneers in this book," said Tracy Gray and Suzanne Mick, owners of Discover Wines Ltd. in Kelowna, British Columbia. "Our thriving, multi award-winning business would never have come to fruition without our loan from the Women's Enterprise Centre. Great business ideas and dreams cannot be fulfilled without planning and financing", Discover Wines is the number one British Columbia privately owned wine store retailer and was awarded 2006 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneurs of the Year.
Funding for the Women's Enterprise Centre is provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada, which created the Women's Enterprise Initiative in 1995 to address barriers faced by women in starting and expanding their businesses, and in recognition of the increasingly important role that women play in the expansion and diversification of the economy. With offices in Kelowna, Vancouver and Victoria, B.C.'s Women's Enterprise Centre has helped over 88,000 women since its inception.
WEC is a strong resource for women entrepreneurs, offering skills development, business loans, free business guidance, business resources, mentoring, networking, and scholarships.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy as well as to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.
For additional information, contact:
Pierre Floréa
Director of Communications
Office of the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification
(613) 943-1838
Marilyn Strong
Event Specialist
Women's Enterprise Centre
Kelowna, BC
Tel: 1-800-643-7014 ext. 113
