Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH)

🌍 We're in #Vancouver taking part in the ACS / AEC - Metropolis Institute / Institut Metropolis Identities Summit today and tomorrow at the Sheraton Wall Centre. This summit unites leaders, experts and changemakers to explore the evolving intersections of migration, diversity and social dynamics shaping Canada’s future. Today, our research director, Guang Ying Mo, PhD, presented Immigrants and House Prices: Myths and Realities, addressing misconceptions about immigration’s impact on housing. The session highlighted the significant economic contributions of immigrant entrepreneurship and the importance of balanced, effective housing policies. Looking ahead to tomorrow, we invite you to join us for two insightful sessions: Restoring Trust and Rebuilding Relationships in Uncertain Times 🔸 October 31 (9:00-10:15 a.m. PDT) 📍 Grand Ballroom, North Tower This plenary will focus on strengthening community trust, countering misinformation, and fostering resilience as Canada navigates social and institutional challenges. Immigrant Entrepreneurship: Navigating Multilevel Challenges and Opportunities 🔸 October 31 (12:00-1:00 p.m. PDT) 📍 Junior Ballroom AB, North Tower, 3rd Floor In this session, we’ll examine the unique ecosystem immigrant entrepreneurs operate within, their critical contributions to the economy and the supports necessary for their success in today’s digital landscape. Visit their website for the complete conference schedule: https://lnkd.in/gNPrZaAq. #MetropolisSummit #Immigration #Diversity #Economy #Entrepreneurship Future Skills Centre - Centre des Compétences futures SSHRC-CRSH

We are excited to participate in the upcoming ACS / AEC - Metropolis Institute / Institut Metropolis Identities Summit, which will explore good practices in combating discrimination, racism and prejudice. The summit's theme is Renewing Canada: Migration, Intersections and Evolving Identities. 🏢 If you are attending the conference this year, find our executive director, @Mohamed Elmi, at plenary session two, Restoring Trust and Rebuilding Relationships in Uncertain Times. Mohamed will be presenting alongside: - Neelam Sahota, FCPA, FCGA, ICD.D, CEO, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society (session chair) - Gayatri Jayaraman, Director General, Justice, Diversity and Population Statistics Branch, Statistics Canada | Statistique Canada - Jack Jedwab, President and CEO, ACS / AEC - Metropolis Institute / Institut Metropolis - Barbara Perry, Director, Centre on Hate, Bias & Extremism, Professor at Ontario Tech University, and UNESCO Research Chair in the study of hate - Robert Brym, FRSC, SD Clark Professor of Sociology Emeritus, Department of Sociology and Centre for Jewish Studies, University of Toronto Our researchers will also be presenting on two other panels - Immigrants and House Prices on Oct. 30 alongside Statistics Canada | Statistique Canada and Immigrant Entrepreneurship workshop on Oct. 31 alongside Ejibola Adetokunbo-Taiwo, Simply Ejibola ➡️ Register today! https://lnkd.in/gNPrZaAq

We were proud to participate in #FrancoTech2024 in Paris, with our executive director, Sabine Soumare, representing WEKH as part of the Ontarian delegation. Hosted by France and organized by the Ministère de l'Europe et des Affaires étrangères, Business France and the Alliance des Patronats Francophones, this international event explored key economic, technological and societal trends within the global Francophone community. Highlights included discussions on #AI and #DigitalInnovation and the vast potential these sectors offer for Francophone #WomenEntrepreneurs, with Canadian leaders like Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in attendance. Read more about the event and its impact on the Francophone entrepreneurial ecosystem: https://lnkd.in/gCff9d2c // Nous étions fiers de participer à #FrancoTech2024 à Paris, avec notre directrice exécutive, Sabine Soumare, représentant le PCFE dans le cadre de la délégation ontarienne. Accueilli par la France et organisé par le Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires étrangères, Business France et l’Alliance des Patronats Francophones, cet événement international a exploré les grandes tendances économiques, technologiques et sociétales au sein de la communauté francophone mondiale. Les moments forts ont inclus des discussions sur l’#IA et l’#InnovationNumérique ainsi que l'immense potentiel que ces secteurs offrent aux #FemmesEntrepreneures francophones, en présence de leaders canadiens tels que le Premier ministre Justin Trudeau. Découvrez-en plus sur cet événement et son impact sur l’écosystème entrepreneurial francophone : https://lnkd.in/gtFg6trX #Francophonie24 #FrancophoneInnovation #FrenchTech

✨ Join us at Lab2Market Summit in #Toronto tomorrow and Thursday! Hosted by Lab2Market, #L2MSummit is a 2-day event designed to bring together Canada’s brightest minds and most ambitious innovators. We’re excited Dr. Wendy Cukier, our founder and academic research director of Future Skills Centre - Centre des Compétences futures, will host a breakout session on Culture Insights: Evaluating and Enhancing Your Company’s Inclusivity. This session will help startups, researchers/faculty and other stakeholders in the ecosystem think more constructively and actionable about #EDI. With a network of over 50 academic institutions nationwide, the Lab2Market Summit is the ultimate gathering for Canada’s dynamic innovation ecosystem. 🎟️ Learn more and get your ticket now: https://lnkd.in/gQWE8Yge #50_30Challenge

Canadian Council for Indigenous Business’ Research team, with support from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada | Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada, is hosting a webinar series highlighting the various supports available for Indigenous small businesses nationwide. CCIB and CCC (Canadian Commercial Corporation | Corporation commerciale canadienne ) discuss programming related to procurement in international markets with foreign governments on Oct. 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. EST. Register today https://bit.ly/3Bz6jGc

🎉 Visit us at Booth 19 at the Small Business Forum in #Toronto on October 30!

Our team had a great time celebrating the 14th Anniversary of the Friends of Africa Economic Summit 2024, presented by Casa Foundation ! This year's Economic Summit explored the latest trends, challenges and opportunities in strengthening economic and trade partnerships. The summit brought together leading experts, delegates, policymakers, academics, entrepreneurs, investors and other key stakeholders from around the world to share insights, exchange ideas and foster collaboration. Our academic director, Dr. Wendy Cukier, led the panel discussion on "Building a Digital Presence: Essentials for Small Business Success," and our executive director, Sabine Soumare, joined the panel "Building and Sustaining Community Networks for Entrepreneurial Success." #FOA2024 #FriendsofAfrica2024

🌟 It’s BDC's Small Business Week! Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business? 💭 You’re not alone—41% of Canadians report entrepreneurial interests. Our latest report created in partnership with The Environics Institute for Survey Research and Future Skills Centre - Centre des Compétences futures provides insights into Canada’s entrepreneurial landscape, highlighting regional differences, demographic disparities and motivations for #selfemployment. 📊 Key findings: 🔹 Recent immigrants (in Canada for 10 years or less) were the most likely to express interest in starting a business (63%), with intentions decreasing in successive generations. 🔹 The primary motivation for self-employment among those who are not currently self-employed was the desire for autonomy and control (53%). 🔹 Indigenous respondents had higher entrepreneurial intentions (62%) than non-Indigenous counterparts (39%). 🔹 However, confidence in financial support and navigating government programs is low, underscoring the need for targeted support and training. 👉 Explore the full report to learn how we can build a more dynamic, inclusive ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and drives economic growth across Canada: https://bit.ly/4cpB3GA ✏ Authors Dr. Wendy Cukier, Betina Borova, Dr. Alyssa Saiphoo, PhD #BDCsbw #CanadianBusinesses #Entrepreneurship #50_30Challenge #SmallBusinessWeek #DiversityMatters

Exciting Discussions at the Toronto Global Forum 2024! From October 16 to 18, global leaders converged in Toronto for the 18th edition of the Toronto Global Forum, centered on the theme "Scaling for a Sustainable Future." This year's discussions focused on how businesses and economies can evolve to meet the challenges of #sustainability while driving growth and innovation. Sabine Soumare, our executive director, had the opportunity to attend the insightful roundtable "Olympics in Paris: Citius, Altius, Fortius", chaired by His Excellency Mr. Michel Miraillet, ambassador of France to Canada in collaboration with Business France. The #Paris2024 Olympic Games, with over 4 billion global television viewers, provide a unique platform for companies to showcase their excellence on the world stage. The panel raised important questions: ❓ How can the sports and experience economy create new business opportunities? ❓ What economic benefits can companies expect from involvement in the Olympic Games? ❓ How can businesses capitalize on the reputational gains from Olympic partnerships and sponsorships? Esteemed speakers included: Laurent Germain, CEO, Egis Michel Miraillet, ambassador of France to Canada Thierry Bon, director counter-UAS business segment, Thales Allan O’Dette , executive advisor, MNP Canada Morgan Stevens, senior VP, Global Security Operations and Strategy, Crisis24 Emily Heitman, country president, Schneider Electric The discussions at the #TorontoGlobalForum made it clear: scaling for a sustainable future is not just about growth, but about #innovation, collaboration and global partnerships. A special thank you to the French Embassy and Business France for organizing this compelling panel! This event provided a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends and valued partners across the ecosystem. Over the course of the three-day conference, we engaged in insightful conversations that we’re excited to continue, laying the foundation for future collaborations. We're eager to partner on upcoming projects, so stay tuned for exciting developments ahead!    #WomenEntrepreneurs #BusinessOpportunities

🚀 This #SmallBusinessWeek, we are thrilled to launch a recent partner-led report with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB) and the Diversity Institute on the Early Stages of Indigenous Women's Entrepreneurship. There are about 75,000 Indigenous businesses in Canada, with 33% owned by Indigenous women. Through entrepreneurship, they are creating their path toward self-determination and economic reconciliation. But the path isn't easy. In this report, supported by SSHRC-CRSH, we explore the experiences of Indigenous women entrepreneurs—how they transform their ideas into successful businesses, overcome systemic barriers like poor access to training and financing, and give back to their communities—and offer recommendations and wise practices to further their growth. ➡️Dive into the report here: https://bit.ly/3XStKC5 #WomenEntrepreneurs #IndigenousEntrepreneurs #IndigenousBusiness #EconomicReconciliation #TRC