WINNIPEG, July 16, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Canada's Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, announced Government of Canada funding for a new project to help women entrepreneurs succeed in Manitoba's food processing industry.
The Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba is receiving $300,000 in Government of Canada funding for its three-year project to assist women entrepreneurs in Manitoba's value-added food sector. Through the project, the organization will address institutional and systemic barriers in programs and policies that can make it difficult for women entrepreneurs to commercialize their processed food products. Women entrepreneurs in both urban and rural areas will benefit from this project, which includes a number of partners in the food processing industry, as well as provincial and municipal governments.
This project was selected through the Government of Canada's call for proposals entitled Increasing Economic Prosperity for Women.
Quick Facts
- The Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba is receiving $300,000 in Government of Canada funding for its three-year project to assist women entrepreneurs in Manitoba's value-added food sector.
- The call for proposals, Increasing Economic Prosperity for Women, supports projects that promote women's economic prosperity by addressing barriers to success and capitalizing on opportunities.
- Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested over $162 million through Status of Women Canada in support of more than 780 community-based projects across Canada. This includes more than $68 million for projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity.
- Since 2007, the Government of Canada has delivered more than $68 million through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada for projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity.
- Status of Women Canada has launched a new campaign called It Starts with One: Be Her Champion, which challenges leaders in all fields to make a difference in a woman's life by pledging to be her champion or mentor.
- Under Economic Action Plan 2015, the Government of Canada will create and execute an Action Plan for Women Entrepreneurs to help more women start and grow their businesses. The Government of Canada has also committed to implementing measures that will ensure increased representation of women in leadership roles with some of Canada's largest companies.
- Economic Action Plan 2015 has proposed to modernize Canada's corporate governance framework. These changes include proposed amendments to the Canada Business Corporations Act to promote gender diversity among public companies using the "comply or explain" model of disclosure.
Quotes
"Women entrepreneurs play a vital role in strengthening our economy and creating prosperity for all Canadians. We all benefit when women-owned businesses succeed, creating jobs and growth in communities across the country. When their companies succeed its good for women, great for the Canadian economy and great for Canada."
The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
"We are pleased to partner with the Government of Canada on this project, which will open up new opportunities for women with value-added food businesses in Manitoba. Through this project, we will work with industry stakeholders to ensure that these women entrepreneurs can reach their full economic potential."
Sandra Altner, Chief Executive Officer
Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba
Related Products
- Information about the call for proposals entitled Increasing Economic Prosperity for Women
Additional Links
SOURCE Status of Women Canada
For media inquiries only: Heather Tory, Issues Manager, Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P., Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, 819-953-5646, [email protected]; For all other inquiries: Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Public Affairs, Status of Women Canada, Tel: 819-420-6810
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