Entrepreneurs Working to Close Gender Gap for Women Trying to Advance in Business Ownership

A group of 12 prominent entrepreneurs and business professionals is hoping to close the gender gap for women trying to advance in the world of business ownership.

CEO of Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan, Prahba Mitchell, says men and women start businesses at the same rate, but women-owned businesses don’t scale up at the same rate. Some of the biggest barriers are access to capital, mentors and networks. The Saskatchewan Advisory Committee will look at what the specific challenges are in this province and advise on the development of strategy, policy and action to close the gap.

Mitchell says along with this being a chance to increase diversity, inclusion and equity, it’s also the right thing to do economically. She explains that a national survey in 2011 indicated women-owned businesses brought $148-billion to the economy. A 10 per cent increase in the number of female-owned businesses could bring another $50-billion to the economy.

The committee was initiated and is funded by a partnership between WESK and the provincial government and it will continue over the next 8 months.

The Saskatchewan Advisory Committee Members are:

Al-Katib, Murad – President and CEO, AGT Food and Ingredients Inc.

Buettner, Adele – Founder and President, AgriBiz Communications Corp

Clark, Eric – COO and Partner, PFM Capital Inc.

Dubreuil, Janis – Partner, Allan Construction

Hardy, JoeAnne – President and Partner, WBM Technologies Inc.

Hrudka, Christine – Pharmacy Owner; Chair, Canadian Pharmacists Association

Ivey, Adrienne Co-owner, Evergreen Cattle Co.; Owner, View from the Ranch Porch

Mielke, Rachel – CEO and Founder, Hillberg & Berk

Parent, Kimberly – Owner, Saskatoon Salsa Dance Company

Soulier, Alicia – Founder, SalonScale Technology Inc.; Owner, Capelli Salon Studio Inc.