Harper Government supports women entrepreneurs
by Scott A. Sumner
The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor, today announced an investment by the Harper Government to support women’s business development and growth throughout Northern Ontario.
“Women are active and dynamic entrepreneurs and small businesses owned by them are one of the fastest growing business segments in Canada,” said Minister Clement. “The Harper Government is keen to celebrate women’s entrepreneurial ambitions by supporting organizations such as the PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise which provide women across Northern Ontario with the tools they need to capitalize on business opportunities.”
A FedNor investment of $1.5 million will enable PARO to deliver a series of workshops, training sessions, coaching and mentoring activities that will provide women entrepreneurs and business owners with access to information and expertise to help them strengthen their businesses. This pan-Northern initiative also includes outreach activities aimed specifically at Aboriginal and Francophone women.
“We are proud of our long-standing history of supporting women’s entrepreneurial dreams,” stated Rosalind Lockyer, Executive Director of PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise. “With FedNor’s support, we look forward to making a difference, helping businesswomen explore new markets, as well as take advantage of innovative technology and procurement opportunities.”
The funding announced is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that strengthen community economic development, enhance business growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
FedNor – 25 years of successful investment in Northern Ontario. To learn more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca and follow us on Twitter @FedNor
Rosalind Lockyer, Executive Director of PARO Centre of Women’s Centre. “ Since 2006 and to 2013 we have helped 5727 women in business which is 8 times what we did from 1995 to 2006. I am really pleased it is three years funding because we have a lot of hard work to do in the next while. We will be working with women to take advantage of these new changes in the economy, the new mining sector but also health and education sectors. Part of our work will be around technology and the experts they need. We need to work together to support the local people and businesses so our youth will stay here and the local businesses will thrive.” Minister Tony Clement “ This is great story, the example of how many women you have helped through PARO. I am here to make an important funding announcement. PARO is one of the leading business centers for women in Canada. We are building upon our economic action plan which is about growth and jobs and the federal government operating in a fiscally responsible manner, being careful how we spend tax payers dollars. Entrepreneurial activity is how we become a success in Canada.” “ The theme of the announcements I made today are about supporting Thunder Bay and regional entrepreneurs who are making a difference in a diversity of areas.” “ PARO is dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs which is the fastest growing segment in our country. It is all positive. Thunder Bay is showing itself as a leader. PARO has shown their work and record of success.” “ I have seem the changes in Thunder Bay over the last 7 years as FEDNOR Minister. The forestry went through a rough patch and was hit hard but I have seen the bounce back and the buzz in the air with many new entrepreneurs ready to get going. It is very positive to be here in Thunder Bay. People in the north are tough and businesses have adapted well here in Thunder Bay. That is a good sign. I think much of what is happening here is national in scope whether it be the health applications example, PARO which is nationally recognized or the Ring of Fire has the opportunity to have a multi generational impact for the region and country as a whole.”
