Following its commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, the Government of Canada is partnering with Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association and Movement51. These organizations are providing leadership and training to women entrepreneurs in Alberta’s economy.
George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, on behalf of Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, announced a federal investment of $861,980 for two Calgary-based initiatives. The investment focuses on growing small businesses through targeted support for women entrepreneurs and investors.
The initiatives: Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association and Movement51
Firstly, the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association is receiving $375,630 to launch a new business incubator program for immigrant women in Alberta. This program will help them build entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, create business plans and access start-up financing. The investment is expected to help train over 60 immigrant women. Simultaneously, it will assist in the growth of more than 20 small businesses.
Secondly, Movement51 is receiving $486,350 to deliver financial literacy workshops and coaching to women investors across the Prairies. The initiative aims to equip women with the capacity, confidence and networks to become active early-stage investors. More than 550 women across the Prairies are expected to benefit from this training.
These organizations provide leadership and expertise which support inclusive economic growth in communities across Alberta. With PrairiesCan investment, they will increase the rate of women-owned and women-led businesses across the Prairies.
In total, the initiatives are expected to directly assist more than 600 women entrepreneurs and investors. Both initiatives will play a leading role in advancing economic growth and innovation in Alberta and across the Prairies.
Quotes from government officials
“Our government recognizes that in order to reach our full economic potential, we cannot afford to leave anyone behind. More women are entering the workforce. We are working to ensure they have the tools and capacity needed to fully participate in the economy, create jobs and be leaders in their community. Our government’s investment will ensure more women entrepreneurs and investors have access to the resources, training and networks needed. They will advance their small businesses, create high-quality jobs Canadian workers can depend on and drive economic growth across the Prairies.” –Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan.
“Calgary and Alberta are full of talented women entrepreneurs and investors. I’m proud to see our government providing the resources needed to two great organizations that will play a leading role in our economic growth and competitiveness. Our investment will help take women-owned businesses to the next level of growth. We will continue building an inclusive economy for our city and our province.”–George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview.
“Creating an inclusive and accessible economy where everyone can succeed is the foundation of our economic strategy and vision for Calgary. The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund is a supporter of Movement51’s Financial Feminism Investing Lab and this funding. Together, with the Government of Canada’s investment it will help advance the economic empowerment of women. We want our city to be the place to scale big ideas to the size of your ambitions.” – Deana Haley, Vice President, Corporate Initiatives & Intelligence, Calgary Economic Development.
Quotes from Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association and Movement51
“CIWA developed Immigrant Women’s Business Circles in response to the need to support entrepreneurship for mid-skilled immigrant women in Alberta. With PrairiesCan funding and CIWA’s comprehensive curriculum, immigrant women can embark on the entrepreneurial journeys of their choice. Supporting immigrant women to become business owners enables them to be part of an ecosystem and a driving force of Alberta’s economy.”–Paula Calderon, CEO, Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association.
“We work to eliminate gender disparity in the realms of investing, entrepreneurship and financial knowledge. Championship from national partners like PrairiesCan is significant for Movement51. This funding will enable us to continue the expansion of our educational platform. And powering the full economic participation of women and gender-diverse people in Canada.”–Danielle Gifford, Executive Director, Movement51.
Quick facts
- Federal funding is being provided through two programs administered by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan):
- Through the CEDD program, PrairiesCan makes targeted investments that aim to generate sustainable, inclusive economic growth and help communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba to fully participate in and benefit from economic opportunities.
- The RIE program creates, grows and nurtures inclusive regional ecosystems that support what businesses need to innovate from start to finish and an environment where companies can innovate, grow and compete.
For more news about government initiatives in Canada, read up next Evol Provides Up To 50K Loans to the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund.
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