Released on May 6, 2013
The Government of Saskatchewan today proclaimed May 6-12 as Women Entrepreneurs Week. The week celebrates the successes of this province’s women entrepreneurs and their contributions to our thriving economy.
“As we retain this growth and prosperity in our province, Saskatchewan’s women entrepreneurs will continue to play an important leadership role by creating jobs and new opportunities, growing and expanding their businesses, and supporting Saskatchewan’s reputation as a great place to do business,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said.
Several events will be taking place in conjunction with the week, including a business conference hosted by the Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan. Taking place May 9-10 at Teacher's Credit Union Place in Saskatoon, this networking and learning event will bring together business and professional women from across the province.
“Women Entrepreneurs Week is an opportunity to honour women past and present from all backgrounds who have helped shape Saskatchewan’s economic growth and prosperity,” Minister responsible for Status of Women June Draude said. “We also thank the Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan for their significant role in recognizing and advancing women entrepreneurs throughout the province and for helping them to achieve their goals.”
“Saskatchewan’s economy is strong, and women are playing a big part in that,” Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan CEO Laura Small said. “It’s important to recognize the contribution that women-owned businesses are making and to also encourage women who may be thinking of entrepreneurship as an option.”
Women entrepreneurs make up a significant cross-section of Saskatchewan’s business community, with 31,100 self-employed females in the province in 2012.
Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan is a business service organization that provides women with loans, business assistance, path-finding services, business training, and business advisory services among other programs. In 2012, the organization invested $1.8 million in entrepreneurs starting, expanding or purchasing a business and has assisted nearly 2,000 women with information and path-finding services.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4765
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca