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Government of Canada Supports Women Entrepreneurs in Vancouver

November 4, 2011

VANCOUVER, BC – The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada support for a project designed to help improve access to financial resources and growth opportunities for women business owners.

"I encourage all Canadians to reflect on the contributions of women in business and their pivotal role in economic growth and job creation in Canada," said Minister Ambrose. "Canadian women have a long history of excellence in business, and we can take great pride in their individual and collective achievements, which have contributed positively to Canadian life."

The Vancity Community Foundation is receiving $299,600 from the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada for its project to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

"We know that small business depends on the support programs of training institutions, small business centres and other support allies, and that it is important to examine the lending practices of institutions that can provide growth opportunities and working capital to women entrepreneurs," said Mr. Derek Gent, Executive Director, Vancity Community Foundation. "Our project uses gender-based analysis to review the existing landscape to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses, test new approaches and strengthen the participation of women as business owners, particularly newcomer, Aboriginal and social entrepreneurs."

Today's announcement is part of the innovative Blueprint Projects initiative launched by Status of Women Canada in February 2011. Blueprint Projects area series of projects that address one or more of Status of Women Canada's priority areas: ending violence against women and girls; improving women's and girls' economic security and prosperity; and encouraging women and girls in leadership and decision-making roles.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, growing from $10.8 million to close to $19 million, its highest level ever.

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For more information, please contact:

Michelle Bakos
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819-997-5421

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839

Ce texte est également disponible en français.

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Date Modified:
2011-11-04