In today's paper, you'll find a celebration of local women who have made their mark with their businesses. There are acupuncturists, breathwork trainers, naturopaths, social media managers, gardeners, a psychologist, a 2nd generation cafe owner, a veterinarian, and so much more.
In some ways, these women are rarities in Canada. The Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) estimated in a June 2023 publication that only 18 per cent of businesses, including, small, medium and large ones, are majority owned by women in Canada.
BC Stats Small Business Profile 2023 Highlights found that women make up 38 per cent of self-employed people in B.C., a rate just above the national average of 37 per cent.
Many organizations, like WEKH, emphasize the value of celebrating women entrepreneur's achievements and providing support to women-run businesses. It's important to recognize women's roles in creating a more inclusive and dynamic business environment while inspiring future generations of women to make their own mark in the business world, says WEKH.
Besides being a minority in the business world, women can also face discrimination, unwanted sexual attention, or face their own unique experiences than men. For instance, 'Mother Entrepreneurs' is a phrase used to describe mothers who run their own businesses, and their experiences can be essential to understanding the interplay between gender and entrepreneurship, says Women Enterprise Organizations of Canada.
"Given that motherhood and entrepreneurship each require a significant amount of time and dedication, mother entrepreneurs face unique challenges that often limit their ability to prioritize their professional growth and well-being," the organization says.
There are currently resources for women who want to start their own business, including WeBC, which offers business loans of up to $150,000 for women entrepreneurs in B.C.
While feminist progress has made strides – from Canadian Heather Reisman who founded Indigo Books in 1996 to Kamala Harris, a running contender for the first female POTUS title – we hope that the following publication inspires and gives insight into the wonderful women building community through their work in Sooke.
