The number of women-owned businesses in Canada is on the rise, and there’s a lot to celebrate on this International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. However, research from our partners at the Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub shows that women in business—especially those with intersecting identities—still face numerous challenges. In this article, you’ll hear from AWE client Erin Davis, the owner of Erin Davis Co. and an award-winning expert dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. In celebration of International Women’s Day and in support of diversity ..read more

On March 4th, 2024, our dedicated AWE team participated in a Women Entrepreneur Roundtable at McDougall House, hosted by Premier Danielle Smith and the Government of Alberta. We had a chance to stand up and talk about the five priority frameworks we have developed as part of our Strengthening Partnerships: Action for Impact report to support women entrepreneurs that show a path to full participation and economic growth for Alberta: Financial Knowledge Empowerment: A framework to help uncover and address some of the barriers women face when it comes to accessing the capital they need to start ..read more

Women entrepreneurs are making great strides in a very competitive business world by bringing innovation and creativity to the forefront. Although there are many difficulties and opportunities surrounding women in business, one of the most important areas that need focus is cash flow management. For the purpose of this blog, I’d like to discuss special issues and tools of empowerment for women in small businesses. The Landscape for Women in Small Business While in theory, entrepreneurship is anybody’s game, rates of female entrepreneurship have historically lagged those of men. Thankfully, fo ..read more

Women-owned SMEs also focus on inclusivity by providing opportunities for equity-deserving groups such as women, Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized people, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. - Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, State of Women’s Entrepreneurship 2023 Small Business Week 2023 has come to a close, and it's time to reflect on the central themes of community and inclusivity that were at the core of this year's celebrations. It's with great pride that we reflect on the past week, giving recognition to the dedicated community partners and our team's involvement. Women’s Entrepre ..read more

Running a business comes with its own set of pressures and expectations. The constant drive to prove yourself, coupled with the infamous imposter syndrome, can sometimes create feelings of self-doubt. Furthermore, finding the delicate balance between work and personal life can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed, and more susceptible to stress and burnout. This is where discovering support networks can help.  Support networks are incredible allies in your journey, providing a pillar of strength and understanding. These networks consist of individuals and communities that offer emotional supp ..read more

Alberta's technology industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, with Calgary and Edmonton emerging as key tech hubs in the province. According to a report by the Alberta Enterprise Corporation, the province's technology sector has seen an average annual growth rate of 4.2% since 2010, and now employs over 55,000 people across more than 6,500 companies. Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in Alberta's Tech Scene Access to a large and diverse talent pool: Alberta's universities and colleges produce a large number of graduates in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, pro ..read more

Supporting the entrepreneurs in our community means recognizing the amazing work women are doing and celebrating their successes. This past month, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs had the pleasure of honoring four outstanding Alberta women for their dedication and commitment to the Alberta business community at the 2022 AWE Awards. Celebration of Achievement Award Awarded to an exceptional female entrepreneur who has achieved recognizable success and acts as a role model for women in business. This visionary woman is an inspirational leader who has built an entrepreneurial venture in Alberta that ..read more

When a customer decides to go in search of a product or service, they have a plethora of options available. So, what drives them towards one option over another? There are many factors, but a big factor is the sense of loyalty they feel. And that’s driven by the community that’s built around a business. You can start building a community by creating opportunities for customers to get to know your business better and even a chance to find a group of like-minded people. Those interactions make people feel like they’re part of something bigger, and if that feeling is consistent, then it strengthe ..read more

EDMONTON, AB – A group of ten extraordinary Alberta women entrepreneurs were named this year’s AWE Awards finalists. “These finalists represent incredible possibility, remarkable innovation, and undeniable talent,”  says Marcela Mandeville, CEO, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs. “They are moving their businesses and our province forward.” The awards, presented by ATB Financial, recognize the efforts of women entrepreneurs in four categories. This year’s finalists include: Emerging Entrepreneur Award – Awarded to a female entrepreneur who has built a strong, scalable business foundation and has ..read more

Sustainability has many advantages for your business. It can provide an improved brand image, greater employee retention, competitive advantages, and tax benefits, as well as minimize business costs and increase productivity and efficiency. Caring about sustainability has become more prominent in recent years, and consumers are more aware of a company’s impact on society, the economy, and the environment. Taking action to create a more sustainable company can increase customer loyalty and help to grow a successful business. This article will break down sustainability into its three main pilla ..read more