Ottawa, Ontario – Cheryl Gallant, MP for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke, called attention to the economic contributions made by female entrepreneurs as part of the celebrations of International Women’s Day.
“Small and medium-sized businesses are the main source of jobs and economic growth in our communities,” said MP Gallant. “On International Women’s Day 2014, we celebrate the economic and social contributions by female owners of small and medium-sized enterprises in our city and towns.”
Entrepreneurs such as Shawna Babcock of Palmer Rapids, and the Paddler Co-op. Paddlers Co-op is a not-for-profit organization that provides high-quality outdoor programs for new and experienced paddlers and outdoor professionals. For over 15 years, they have been teaching, learning and building strong programs that recognize the value of being active in the outdoors.
Entrepreneurs such as Carolyn Jakes, President of the Calabogie and Area Business Association. The Calabogie and Area Business Association (CABA) is a proactive association with a mandate of promoting the endeavours of the local business community. In the process of CABA realizing its goals, the community benefits enormously. With over 100 members across Greater Madawaska, the CABA support local businesses, community events such as the Lions Club Christmas Parade and the Firefighters Canada Day Celebrations among others.
Entrepreneurs such as Dr. Colette Szalay, of the Natural Health Centre in Barry’s Bay. The Natural Health Centre specializes in Chiropractic, Massage, Acupuncture and Reflexology treatments for patients. They have recently expanded their services to offer hypnotherapy. Dr. Collette Szalay is the Chiropractor at the Natural Health Centre.
Entrepreneurs such as Lee Anne Kennedy, founder of Stepscount. Stepscount is Canada’s Pedometer Specialist and the trusted source of cost-effective premium research grade pedometers. They are dedicated to the development of health & wellness tools and program resources that promote and support healthy lifestyles.
Entrepreneurs such as Maggie Tyerman, of Maggie Tyerman and Daughters. Maggie Tyerman and Daughters runs the Rural Outreach Employment Centre in Eganville and Barry’s Bay. They help local residents find sustainable employment, assess their skills, capabilities, interests and experience, and assist in job search strategies, including resume preparation.
Entrepreneurs such as Eileen Malette, owner of Furniture King. After running Custom Draperies, Blinds Bedding & Home Decor very successfully for 30 years, and due to overwhelming customer demand, Eileen and her husband decided to open Furniture King. Furniture King has been grown into one of the largest and most successful furniture stores in the Pembroke and Petawawa areas.
March 8th is International Women’s Day, which was established by Canada in 1977, following a United Nations resolution calling on member states to proclaim a day for women’s rights and international peace. The theme of International Women’s Week 2014 is Strong Women. Strong Canada. Canadian Women – Creating Jobs One Business at a Time. This theme seeks to highlight the important role played by women entrepreneurs in the Canadian economy.
15.6% of small and medium-sized businesses in Canada are majority-owned by women, employing over 1.5 million Canadians, and contributing an estimated $148 billion to the Canadian economy annually.
Since 2007, the Government of Canada has provided more than $53 million in funding for projects that specifically focus on improving women’s economic security and prosperity, including over $9 million for projects which aid and support women’s entrepreneurship. The Government of Canada is continuing this support in Economic Action Plan 2014, through measures designed to support women entrepreneurs and business leaders, including a commitment to increase mentorship among women business owners.