The federal and provincial governments have announced a combined funding of $255,000 to support women entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan. This initiative, aimed at newcomer women, will be managed by Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. (WESK).
Marci Ien, the Federal Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, highlighted the unique challenges faced by newcomer women, including language barriers, discrimination, and limited access to services.
“These obstacles also put immigrant and refugee women at higher risk of experiencing gender-based violence,” Ien stated. “By supporting newcomers and especially those who are female entrepreneurs, we are creating pathways for success, and a more equitable and inclusive society for all.”
The funding includes $128,000 from the province and $127,000 from the federal government’s National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. It will support WESK’s Newcomer Training Support program, which targets up to 25 newcomer women who either own existing businesses or are interested in starting one.
“Increasing female participation in the labour force and ensuring equal opportunity for all is a priority for our government and a key component of the labour market strategy,” said Laura Ross, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Office. “Through this funding, we are also expanding our support for newcomers to reach their full potential and contribute to Saskatchewan’s growing economy.”
The funding will also enable WESK to conduct research on the unique needs of newcomer women entrepreneurs and develop a program tailored to these needs. WESK CEO Miriam Johnson emphasized the importance of this investment: “Investing in newcomer women entrepreneurs not only fosters economic growth but also cultivates a more inclusive and vibrant business landscape in Saskatchewan.”
Since 2017, WESK has delivered training programs tailored to various groups of women entrepreneurs, including Indigenous women, women in rural and northern communities, and women in tech. This experience positions WESK to effectively support newcomer women through the new program.
WESK member Ana Liza Carlos, owner of Little Patch of Heaven Daycare, shared her positive experience: “Joining WESK changed my business journey. The support from my advisor, Alauna, and the resources I received were so helpful. WESK gave me tools, templates, and, most of all, confidence to run my business in Canada.”
This initiative aligns with the province’s recently released “Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy: the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy,” which prioritizes support for under-represented groups. The investment aims to equip women with entrepreneurial skills, thereby preparing them for jobs and contributing to economic growth in Saskatchewan. It also promotes the retention of newcomers and supports their long-term success in the province.