Released on May 10, 2011
The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed the week of May 9 to 15 as Women Entrepreneurs Week.
The aim of this special week is to promote entrepreneurship for women, and to recognize the central role that businesswomen play in Saskatchewan's current and future economic growth and performance.
"Across the province, women entrepreneurs are seizing opportunities to apply their talents, skills and knowledge to positively impact economic growth and prosperity," Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for the Status of Women June Draude said. "Women own and operate approximately one-third of Saskatchewan's businesses and are a significant force in the business community."
"We are very pleased to recognize the tremendous impact women in business have on Saskatchewan's economy," Enterprise Saskatchewan Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "The enterprising women of this province are creating rich and rewarding opportunities for themselves and others, and it is fitting that we acknowledge their contributions - especially given that 2011 is the Year of the Entrepreneur."
"Female-owned enterprises play a significant role in the Saskatchewan economy," Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. Chief Executive Officer Laura Small said. "Our organization's role is to assist those enterprises in achieving success. The demand for the services we provide continues to grow each year, and we are rewarded through knowing that we have made a difference to so many women-owned businesses across our province over the past 16 years."
Entrepreneurs are contributing significantly to the creation of jobs creation in Saskatchewan:
- In 2010, more than 33,000 women were self-employed, representing the highest number in a decade; and
- 4,400 more women were self-employed in 2010 than in 2007.
Since 1995, the Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.'s contributions to the economy and to women entrepreneurs include: $20.4 million in start-up, expansion or purchasing capital loaned to entrepreneurs which leveraged an additional $16.1 million; help to more than 35,000 women with information and pathfinding services and delivery of business training sessions to more than 17,000 women.
"Our government proudly supports women who are striving to achieve their goals and to make meaningful contributions to all the sectors of our economy," Draude said.
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For more information, contact:
Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246