Creating Opportunities for Women
News Release
Funding supports Women entrepreneurs and business professionals’ organization
February 21, 2018 – Charlottetown, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Bolstering supports for new entrepreneurs and professionals at all levels of business promotes an inclusive economy that creates more opportunity for job growth and innovation. That is why the Government of Canada supports organizations such as the Prince Edward Island Business Women’s Association (PEIBWA), enabling women in PEI’s workforce to continue to benefit from the organization’s education and advocacy services, leadership workshops, mentoring and other essential programming.
Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), today announced program funding for PEIBWA.
Through its Business Development Program, ACOA is providing a non-repayable contribution of $304,086 over two years to PEIBWA to support women in PEI by providing business advisory services, access to resources and tools, professional and business skills development, networking opportunities and community outreach.
These investments build on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, by supporting strategic initiatives and organizations that help diversify and advance job opportunities within the business community.
Quotes
“Innovation thrives in a more inclusive economy. The Government of Canada wants to ensure that all entrepreneurs and job creators across our country are well-positioned to build on their ideas and on the strengths of each region. We are grateful for the leadership shown by organizations like the PEI Business Women’s Association, providing vital resources to a growing economy in Atlantic Canada.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“For 25 years the PEI Business Women’s Association has been a catalyst for our business community, improving participation and supports for professional and business women at all stages of their careers. PEI has a more vibrant and diverse economy thanks to the vision and leadership of this organization, and I’m pleased to see continued investment from governments in this vital resource.”
Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown
“The funding support from ACOA is critical because it enables PEIBWA to support business women and entrepreneurs and provide them with the resources, tools, and connections to start and grow successful businesses in PEI. Without this kind of ongoing support, we would not be able to deliver the programming to communities across the province.”
Nancy Beth Guptill, Board President, Prince Edward Island Business Women’s Association
Quick Facts
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• PEIBWA was founded in 1990 as part of the Atlantic Women Business Owners Association and was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1993. It currently has nearly 465 members.
• PEIBWA supports professional women in PEI, and provides women business owners with the resources they need to improve their growth and competitiveness.
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Nancy Beth Guptill
PEI Business Women’s Association
902-892-6040