Women entrepreneurs are breaking barriers and reshaping the business landscape. Despite historical challenges, women are now leading 40% of new startups and owning one-third of self-employed businesses in Canada. This article delves into the unique hurdles women face, the progress made, and the support systems available to empower female business owners. Discover how organizations like the Women Entrepreneurs of Canada (WEC) are fostering success and advocating for gender equality in the entrepreneurial world.
The traditional definition of an entrepreneur—"One who undertakes to conduct an enterprise assuming full control and risk"—is not gender-specific. However, societal norms and responsibilities have historically skewed entrepreneurship towards men. Women often juggle the dual roles of primary caregivers and household managers, leaving them with less time and resources to start and grow businesses.
As the President of the Women Entrepreneurs of Canada (WEC), I have observed several unique challenges that female business owners encounter. Research presented by the Bank of Scotland at a recent international women’s conference in Glasgow highlighted several key issues:
These factors can significantly impact the ability of women to secure financing and grow their businesses. Additionally, banks have historically been less willing to treat female business customers on par with their male counterparts, further complicating access to necessary funds.
Financing is crucial for all businesses, but it is especially critical for small enterprises. The constant struggle to maintain adequate cash flow is a common source of stress and insomnia among entrepreneurs. According to a study by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, financial worry is the most prevalent cause of stress for small business owners.
Despite these challenges, women are making significant strides in the entrepreneurial world. Women now generate 40% of new startups, and one-third of self-employed proprietorships in Canada are owned or led by women. Over the past two decades, the number of women entrepreneurs has increased by more than 200%.
Organizations like the Women Entrepreneurs of Canada (WEC) play a crucial role in supporting female business owners. Founded in Toronto in 1992, WEC provides resources, support, and networking opportunities for women in business. The organization promotes the interests of women entrepreneurs, facilitates the transfer of relevant knowledge, and partners with international groups to bring best practices and resources to its members.
These partnerships help WEC members access a global network of support and opportunities.
WEC also serves as a unified voice for women entrepreneurs, advocating for their interests to the government and the public. Recently, I had the opportunity to represent WEC before the Standing Committee on the Status of Women in Ottawa. We discussed critical issues such as financing, statistical research, daycare, and maternity leave.
WEC is committed to communicating a confident and optimistic message about the future prospects for women in business. The progress made so far is encouraging, and the support systems in place are stronger than ever. I urge any woman in business to explore the benefits of becoming a WEC member by visiting www.wec.ca.
Women entrepreneurs are not just changing the business landscape; they are driving economic growth and innovation. The future is bright, and the time for women entrepreneurs is now.
Relaxing Dentistry. It’s Not An Oxymoron!
As dentists, we all meet patients everyday who are scared stiff of what they are about to experience in the dentist chair. Well, I’m proud to say, “I make a specialty of helping patients who are afraid of dentists!” Believe it or not, many patients find a dental appointment with me can be a relaxing experience …even enjoyable!
Using Reiki for Relaxing Dentistry
The reason that many people are afraid to see a dentist probably arises from the vision they have of dentistry as it was practiced a century ago, when equipment was basic and anesthetic was scarce. Let’s face it, dentistry hurt!Today, everything about dentistry has changed for the better. But the best improvement is our use of Reiki to relax patients who are uneasy in the dental chair!
