TORONTO — On Sunday, Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, and Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business, issued the following statement regarding Women’s Entrepreneurship Day:
“As women in government, we know how important it is for women to lead, innovate and succeed. Our province’s economy depends on women’s ability to participate without barriers, especially in areas where they are underrepresented – such as entrepreneurship.
That’s why Ontario has been leading a range of initiatives to build a better foundation for women who own – or want to own – a small business.
Behind every small business is an entrepreneur with a vision, passion and purpose. They represent the best of the Ontario Spirit – generosity, grit and determination. Our government is proud to support small business owners by providing them with the tools and resources needed to grow their businesses. That’s why we are helping Ontario entrepreneurs seed, start and scale their businesses quickly and efficiently, here at home, online and in the global marketplace.
Between 2021-23, the Investing in Women’s Futures and Women’s Economic Security programs helped more than 3,600 women become employed, start their own business or pursue further training and education. During that time, they also helped more than 14,000 women access supports that address gender-based violence, life skills training, and employment training opportunities.
On top of that, we are continuing to help Ontario’s small businesses access new customers by taking their offerings online through the Digital Main Street Program. To date, this program has helped almost 80,000 small businesses create or expand their digital presence so they can compete and succeed in today’s online marketplace. Through Futurpreneur Canada, we are also supporting the next generation of young entrepreneurs with mentorship programs and helping them access loan capital.
Our government knows that supporting women to be successful entrepreneurs and innovators is critical for them, and for our province.
So, on Women’s Entrepreneurship Day 2023 – and every day – we encourage everyone to celebrate the diverse women entrepreneurs and small business owners who are building Ontario together.
Because when women succeed, Ontario succeeds.”
SOURCE Province of Ontario
Leave a Reply