Released on May 3, 2007
The week of May 7 to 13 has been proclaimed as Women Entrepreneurs Week in Saskatchewan to recognize the significant contributions of business and professional women to the provincial economy.
Women entrepreneurs are a significant force in the province’s business community, owning and operating approximately one-third of Saskatchewan’s businesses.
“Women Entrepreneurs Week salutes the valuable contributions and commitments that businesswomen make to the provincial economy,” Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. “This week also recognizes the important work and programming which Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan provides.”
Membership in the Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. has grown to over 820 since the organization was founded in 1995. To date, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. has assisted over 27,600 women with information and path finding services; has provided business training sessions for over 13,750 women; has scheduled over 20,550 business advisory appointments; and received over 318,000 unique visits to the website. In addition, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan has lent over $13.4 million from its loan fund to help women start, expand or purchase existing businesses in the province and leveraged an additional $10.3 million in funding.
“Saskatchewan women need strong role models if we are to continue closing the gender gap in terms of both wages and social equality,” Minister responsible for Status of Women Joan Beatty said. “The achievements of women entrepreneurs such as these are helping raise the standard by which we judge our opportunities in the workforce.”
Highlights of Women Entrepreneurs Week include the Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan annual general meeting on Friday, May 11 in Saskatoon featuring Carol Boothroyd, a dynamic trainer and keynote speaker whose seminars focus on working and communicating with others.
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For more information, contact:
Nadine Sisk
Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4156
Email: nsisk@lab.gov.sk.ca