The Women’s Enterprise Centre is thrilled with the provincial government’s commitment of $100,000 in funding to support its Taking the Leap to Entrepreneurship Mentoring Program.
“Women entrepreneurs are one of the fastest growing segments of the Canadian economy and represent a growing economic force,” said Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto.
“Getting started is the most important step, and through mentoring and sharing knowledge to help guide the success of each individual, we become more successful as a province as a whole.”
Laurel Douglas, CEO of the Women’s Enterprise Centre in Kelowna said, “Women own 37 per cent of all businesses in B.C., and having a mentor helps women business owners improve their business results, increase their confidence and create economic benefits for their families, their communities and the province.
“Our Taking the Leap to Entrepreneurship Mentoring Program is recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the best mentoring program models for women entrepreneurs.”
Over the last five years, the Women’s Enterprise Centre program has been able to develop a network of 150 women business mentors who have mentored more than 1,000 women business owners in communities all over the province—from Abbotsford to Ymir and Dawson Creek to Pender Island to right here in the Okanagan Valley.
“We are excited to be able to continue this worthwhile program,” said Douglas.
