Alberta's women-owned businesses to receive support from federal government
A federal program is providing $860,000 to support two organizations that provide resources for women-led companies and gender-diverse entrepreneurs in the Prairie provinces.
The initiative is supported by Prairies Economic Development Canada, and provides just under half the funds to the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association, and the slightly larger portion to an organization called Movement51.
Bobbie Racette, founder and CEO of Virtual Gurus, has received assistance from Movement51 in the past.
She says this will help break down barriers for other entrepreneurs like her.
As a queer, Indigenous female CEO in the tech industry, she says she faced hardships and discrimination starting out.
"Nobody would hire me just because of who I am and who I look like, and so I needed to find a job, so I created my own work-from-home position," said Racette.
Her tech business continues to grow, with more than 40 employees and increasing opportunities to mentor other startups.
Another 550 women across the Prairies are expected to benefit from Movement51, as part of the funding program announced Friday in Calgary.
The other recipient organization is the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA).
Its portion of program funding will focus on newcomer entrepreneurs, providing training covering business plans, business registration and licences, and finances.
"These two organizations are going to help women entrepreneurs learn, but also start off and support their business development and growth," said George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview.
CIWA leaders say this program is timely.
"It is no secret that the pandemic hit women harder than anyone, and specifically immigrant women," said Paula Calderon, CEO of CIWA.
Lara Jane King received training through CIWA earlier this year, and launched her handmade jewelry business When Janey Makes in October.
"It's like I found my passion. I want to make things and I made things but I didn't sell them, so it was just piled up in my place. So I thought, why not start a business? So here we are."
The CIWA training program includes 60 women, bringing the total estimated to benefit from the federal funding to more than 600.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.