Entrepreneurship and Newcomer Women

Outline 1.Introduction – Women Entrepreneurs in Canada 2.Entrepreneurship Connections program 3.Strategies for supporting newcomer women 4.Importance of supporting women entrepreneurs 5.Business Profiles from Entrepreneurship Connections

Women Entrepreneurs in Canada 15.5% of SMEs were majority owned by females in 2011, most with fewer than 20 employees and an approximate 6% lower rate of growth than other companies (Industry Canada) Recognized a need to invest in women, Canada is an emerging hot spot for female entrepreneurs.

Women and a Healthy Entrepreneurial Eco-system Kauffman Foundation Study - highlights indicators for a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem Density, fluidity, connectivity and diversity Significant role to play in creating vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems

Networks in the Ecosystem Networks are needed: Greater inclusion of women board members and committee members Create opportunities for mentorship, sharing of best practices This may be a stepping stone in creating a more welcoming environment for women’s entrepreneurship

Diversity in the Ecosystem Diversity is key: diversity of women is necessary to develop a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Ecosystems need a diversity of industries and demographic groups among women entrepreneurs Newcomer women can contribute greatly to increased diversity

Entrepreneurship Connections Program

About Entrepreneurship Connections 4 Weeks Intensive Business Training Business Plan One Year Program + Training includes: -Legal considerations -Sales and Marketing Business communication -Financing info. -Accessing resources + Mentoring Support +

Benefits of the Program Customized training for newcomers Connections to professional networks and resources Advisory coaching assistance Business resource center Alumni networking events Entrepreneurship focused special events

Profile of Participants Newcomers to Canada (2/3 + have been in Canada less than 5 years) Have existing international business experience Diverse range of business interests and backgrounds

Entrepreneurship Connections Overall Program Results 220 Newcomers have participated since inception (including first pilot group and current cohort) 89 Businesses started 55 Businesses have generated sales

Women and the Entrepreneurship Connections Program 11 Women in Entrepreneurship Connections Cohort Women have gone through the Entrepreneurship Connections program

Profile of Women in Our Program Well-educated and highly skilled Institutionalized barriers in their home countries See Entrepreneurship as a more time-flexible option for income Entrepreneurship is also a unique way to use skills and background in Canada

Engaging Newcomer Women Entrepreneurs Support newcomer women to consider entrepreneurship as an option Develop strategies to encourage newcomer women to start businesses Address specific barriers facing this group

Strategies for Supporting Newcomer Women Entrepreneurs

Providing Accessible Training and Supports Balance family responsibilities next to scheduling for training and learning options Flexible and time accessible training Highly intensive, full-time and topic/area specific (ex. IT incubators) Need more adaptable options

Need to create a network of women mentors Customized mentorship support can help newcomer women to overcome hurdles Mentorship can help to empower and provide examples of success for new entrepreneurs Creating a Network of Mentors for Women

Refining Business Communication Helping with business communication and workplace culture knowledge Practice: running meetings, assertive language, sales and marketing and 30 second pitches Familiarization with Canadian context and addressing stereotypes and gender roles

Access to the Right Resources and Suppo rts Recommendations and education on resources that are available Opportunities for financing and resources in the city or community Need to connect women entrepreneurs with resources

Supporting Leadership in Women Express their initiative, take leadership roles, implement innovative ideas Increase representation at executive levels Transition attitudes in the Canadian business landscape both to newcomers and to women in the workplace Develop unique leadership training and initiatives to support this group

Women’s Business Profiles from Entrepreneurship Connections

Coraline Allard - Q&A Design About the Business: Coraline Allard Co-founder of Q&A Design. The company designs, develops and manufactures prototypes using a variety of material such as aluminum, sheet metal, wood and plastic. Skill set/ background: Architect Country of Origin: France Status: Her business is successfully running and generating sales. She is also working closely with a mentor through the Entrepreneurship Connections program.

About the Business: Raghad Alkhatib - owner/operator of Lumi, an iPhone/Android app that connects health-conscious individuals with free diet advice and dieticians in the GTA. Skill set/background: Business Administration, Science Country of Origin: Syria Status: Business launched (2016) with a few clients. Raghad has been connected with a mentor through the EC program. Raghad Alkhatib - Lumi

About the Business: Dragana Despotovic - founder of “Happy Aging”, a yoga practice program that targets seniors and their unique exercise needs. “Happy Aging” offers a safe, health-enhancing and life enriching yoga program. Skill set/ background: Yoga instruction, literature Country of Origin: Serbia Status: Operating with sales. Dragana Despotovic - Happy Aging

Why Support Newcomer Women as Entrepreneurs?

Potential for Contributions to Canada: Diversity of ideas, culture and approaches are key contributors to innovation and change Supporting and encouraging entrepreneurship by newcomer women can help Canada to gain a competitive edge Women as business owners will contribute to a shift in business culture

Thank You