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

“If you want to be happy and healthy, you have to let go of that incredibly destructive word: Perfect,” Silken Laumann, an Olympic medalist, speaker, author and founder of Unsinkable, explained. As you build your business, it's important to create a workplace environment that supports the mental health and well-being of your employees. In this article, we will explore ten practical steps you can take to cultivate a positive and nurturing work atmosphere. Foster a Positive and Inclusive Culture The Link Between Entrepreneurship and Mental Health Conditions Source: https://www.visualcapitalist ..read more

In the face of recent wildfire tragedies that have impacted our beautiful province, we extend our heartfelt empathy and support to you. We understand the challenges you may be facing and want to provide guidance on how to navigate the effects of the wildfires on your businesses, as well as offer insights on recovery strategies. Alberta Wildfire Dashboard, CTV News Edmonton The Effects of Wildfires on Entrepreneurs: 1.1 Physical and Emotional Challenges: The devastation caused by wildfires can lead to significant physical and emotional challenges for entrepreneurs. Loss of property, disrupti ..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

As the world celebrates Earth Day on April 22nd, businesses and entrepreneurs are being reminded of the crucial role they play in the sustainability of the planet. Alberta, well-known for its oil and gas industry, has seen a significant rise in environmentally conscious entrepreneurs in recent years. Alberta women entrepreneurs especially are at the forefront of this movement, driving innovation and creating new business models that prioritize both profitability and environmental responsibility. These entrepreneurs are paving the way for a more sustainable future, while also promoting economi ..read more

For women entrepreneurs, it’s not just about working harder or better than the competition. It's about utilizing technology and tools that can help you work more effectively and efficiently. New technology in the digital world can empower you to build your business, no matter the industry. For business owners, knowing what type of technology to use can be a challenge, though. Where should you get started? The following are some of the best options in new technology for the digital world for women entrepreneurs. Project Management Technology for Entrepreneurs Juggling numerous tasks, assignmen ..read more