Abstract:

With the aim to support women entrepreneurs in Canada, this study develops and improves the innovative practice model by using a community development approach. Increase independence for women delving into self-employment through a partnership with a not-for-profit organization so as to prepare the women entrepreneurs to enter the world of business enterprise and industry relations.

Women are underrepresented as entrepreneurs in Canada. For example, 18% of total entrepreneurs in Canada are women (Statistics Canada, 2018). Women owned businesses tend to be smaller and less likely to be incorporated (ISED, 2018). They are also more likely to struggle gaining start-up capital because unconscious bias in the system negatively affects women’s abilities to gain funding and investments form financial institutions (Beckton, McDonald & Marquis-Bissionnette, 2018). In spite of the challenges, a 2012 study reported that 71% of women would like to start their own business if they could, and 80% indicated a need for a role model to guide their entrepreneurial endeavors (BMO, 2012). The factors for success for women entrepreneurs include tailored supports, such as financial support, supports for family benefits and caregiving, social capital networking, addressing gender gap, and training (Prime Minister’s Task Force on Women Entrepreneurs, 2003).

The Women’s Entrepreneurship Hub (WE-Hub) is an entrepreneurship support program, which provides wraparound services for women who want to develop entrepreneurial businesses, including training and skills upgrading, mentoring, and marking testing. WE-Hub is running in partnership with Ryerson University’s Diversity Institute and the Scadding Court Community Centre.

An evaluation conducted by We-Hub showed that 77% of participants of this community reported expansion in their social networks, and 39% reported better understanding of finance and regulations (Latif, 2019). Based on feedback from the previous cohorts, this program will implement two moderations. First, in-person interviews as opposed to phone interviews will be in place to reduce dropout rates. This practice will allow WE-Hub staff to better identify suitable participants. Second, iteration for this program to suitable participants will be enhanced, including tailoring the program to participants’ business needs and prospective industries. This program allows for women entrepreneurs to be supported by Ryerson University’s Diversity Institute and Scadding Court Community Centre, a non-profit in the Toronto area, so as to prepare women entrepreneurs for anticipated success in their transition to industry with various types of supports, tools, knowledge, and opportunities, including business testing in the marketplace (Market 707), networking events with industry leaders, and mentorship opportunities.

Keywords:

Women entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship education, Representation, Diversity, Inclusion.