November 19th is the inaugural celebration of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day! Part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 17-23), Women's Entrepreneurship Day will be celebrated in 144 countries in recognition of the contribution that women make to local, national, and global economies.
Some statistics about women entrepreneurs:
- Approximately 37.7% of self-employed British Columbians were women in 2013. The national average was 36.3%.BC Stats, Small Business Profile 2014
- Between 2008 and 2013, the number of self-employed women in B.C. increased by 6.6%. BC Stats, Small Business Profile 2014
- 71% of women would like to start their own business. BMO Financial Group, BMO Women’s Day Study (2012)
- 49% of women in BC are likely to start their own business in the next 10 years. BMO Financial Group, BMO Poll (2013)
- 19% of Canadian women under 35 are likely to start their own business in the next 5 years. BMO Financial Group, BMO Poll (2013)
- In 2011, the aggregate contribution of majority-owned women’s business was an estimated $148 billion. RBC Economics, Canadian Women Grabbing the Baton (2013)
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day events
Vancouver
As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, WED Vancouver is a day to celebrate the significant contributions that women make to drive Canada’s economy. This event, hosted by the BC Technology Industry Association, in partnership with ACETECH, Futurpreneur, and Women in Communications & Technology, will be a chance for female leaders to enjoy a casual evening of networking, sharing experiences, and making new connections.
Steamworks, Uber Lounge
375 Water Street in Vancouver
November 19, 2014, 5:30-8:00pm
$30 for members, $60 general admission
Visit BCIC for 50% off general admission tickets.
NYC
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day will be celebrated in partnership with GEW and the US Department of State at the United Nations in New York City on November 19th. This will be the world’s largest celebration of women innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. This day-long event, which includes speakers, panel discussions, and an awards ceremony, will be streaming live.
Resources for women in business
Women's Enterprise Center
The Women’s Enterprise Center is a business resource centre for women who are, or are considering, starting, purchasing or growing a small business in BC. They offer skills development opportunities, small business loans, professional guidance, and mentoring programs. Additionally they host events and workshops throughout the year.
The WEB Alliance of Women's Business Networks
The members of The WEB Alliance of Women’s Business Networks collaborate to create change towards better business, stronger communities, and an enhanced business culture for women. If you are a woman entrepreneur, a professional woman, or a woman in business, the WEB Alliance aims to help you find the right business network for you with listings for over 30 women’s business networks.
Women in Biz Network
Women in Biz Network provides business opportunities for women across Canada through education, awareness, advocacy, and collaboration. The Mentor Her Biz is a no-cost mentorship program that matches successful business women and small business owners with entrepreneurs seeking guidance.
Here's to the first of many Women's Entrepreneurship Days!