Released on May 5, 2014
The Government of Saskatchewan today proclaimed May 5-11 Women Entrepreneurs Week. The week honours women who are running successful businesses across the province and aims to promote entrepreneurial opportunities for women.“Saskatchewan women have proven themselves to be successful entrepreneurs, operating businesses in industries that include professional services, wholesale, retail and hospitality,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. “Our government recognizes the contributions of Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. in assisting women with funds and business information so that they can realize their entrepreneurial dreams and contribute to our economic growth by starting or expanding their businesses, creating jobs and generating revenue for the province.”
The week is being marked with an annual business conference organized by Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. The organization has been at the forefront in supporting women by providing business advice and more than $29 million in loans since 1995, to women who want to start or expand a business in the province.
“Women bring a distinct set of skills and viewpoints to business that gives them a competitive edge,” Minister responsible for Status of Women June Draude said. “In our growing economy, we need more women to help build this province as both entrepreneurs and citizens. I want to thank Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. for providing training and mentoring support for women-owned businesses to succeed.”
“Saskatchewan’s women entrepreneurs play an important leadership role in our province by creating new opportunities and jobs in this prosperous economy,” 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.”
According to a report by Industry Canada, 15 per cent of small businesses in the prairies are owned by women. In 2013, more than 34,100 women were self-employed in Saskatchewan.
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For more information, contact:
Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6315
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca