Harper Government supports women entrepreneurs
THUNDER BAY, Ontario, February 19, 2013 – The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor, today announced an investment by the Harper Government to support women’s business development and growth throughout Northern Ontario.
“Women are active and dynamic entrepreneurs and small businesses owned by them are one of the fastest growing business segments in Canada,” said Minister Clement. “The Harper Government is keen to celebrate women’s entrepreneurial ambitions by supporting organizations such as the PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise which provide women across Northern Ontario with the tools they need to capitalize on business opportunities.”
A FedNor investment of $1.5 million will enable PARO to deliver a series of workshops, training sessions, coaching and mentoring activities that will provide women entrepreneurs and business owners with access to information and expertise to help them strengthen their businesses. This pan-Northern initiative also includes outreach activities aimed specifically at Aboriginal and Francophone women.
“We are proud of our long-standing history of supporting women’s entrepreneurial dreams,” stated Rosalind Lockyer, Executive Director of PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise. “With FedNor’s support, we look forward to making a difference, helping businesswomen explore new markets, as well as take advantage of innovative technology and procurement opportunities.”
The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that strengthen community economic development, enhance business growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
FedNor – 25 years of successful investment in Northern Ontario. To learn more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.gc.ca and follow us on Twitter @FedNor
FedNor Minister Tony Clement met with representatives from the PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise on Tuesday, February 19th, where he announced a FedNor investment of $1.5 million in the Centre to support women business development and growth across Northern Ontario. Pictured here with Minister Clement from left to right: PARO Centre For Women’s Enterprise Executive Assistant Fabiola Martinez, Executive Director Rosalind Lockyer, Program Developer Maria Talarico and Business Development Trainer Cassandra Riddle.
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For more information, please contact:
Matthew Conway
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
613-854-7802
Kim Fewchuk
Communications Officer
FedNor
705-941-2105 or 1-877-333-6673 Ext 306
