 WP Business News
Women Entrepreneurs – why they matter to Canada.
Entrepreneurs are the engine of our economy. But more importantly, women entrepreneurs are now the fastest growing business segment in Canada. With a bit of bravado, they will lead our country out of the biggest economic downturn we have experienced since the Great Depression.
Facts:
· Canadian firms run by women, create new jobs at four times the rate of the national average, collectively providing more jobs than the Canadian Top 100 companies combined
· Canadian women own and/or manage over 40% of all businesses in Canada and are starting new ones at unprecedented rates.
· Women are creating not just jobs, but entire companies, at double the rate of the national average
· The number of women incorporated businesses more than doubled during the last decade
· There are 821,000 self employed women contributing $18 Billion to the Canadian economy
· Women entrepreneurs range in age from their early 20s to their mid-eighties
· With revenues ranging from $250,000 to over $500 million there is also an increase in the number of female entrepreneurs succeeding in 'non-traditional' industries such as finance, film, construction, oil and gas, and transportation
Just think, these numbers don’t even reflect all the mompreneur businesses, which are growing each day. What I find most fascinating is the IMPACT that these entrepreneurs have on their communities and their environment. From donating part of their proceeds to charity, to forging bonds with the First Nations people, or helping to “green” their community - they are all amazing and inspiring women!
Here are just a few of the entrepreneurs in my community that I admire:
Lynn - thought maker and CIO (Chief Inspiration Officer) for your life Grace - founder of a great new community for entrepreneurs Roslyn – making schools greener, one classroom at a time
It’s no wonder the following websites are also dedicated to women in business:
RBC Women Entrepreneur Awards www.theawards.ca Women of Influence www.womenofinfluenceinc.ca Company of Women www.companyofwomen.ca TheWomenPreneur www.thewomenpreneur.com
Of course, the biggest hurdle for women starting a new business is getting financing. They have the creativity; they have the ambition; often the only thing missing is money. Financial Institutions such as Royal Bank of Canada are listening. They have created banking solutions specifically for Women Entrepreneurs. RBC is giving “credit” where credit is due. By helping women business owners start and grow their businesses, RBC is supporting this important segment of Canada that will in turn help rev up our economy!
This is also one of the reasons why I created Women & Wealth™ - a wealth management service designed to help women, and offered exclusively through RBC Dominion Securities.
When an entrepreneur is successful, they require a dedicated professional to make sure their financial future is looked after properly. Women entrepreneurs spend so much time on their business, that they often neglect their own portfolio and financial plan. That’s why it’s important to have a trusted advisor every step of the way; one that understands your needs, your drive to succeed and your long-term goals.
For more information, please visit www.womenandwealth.ca
Article written by Natalie Jamison of RBC Dominion Securities in Oakville.
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