21 September 2004 St. Andrews, New Brunswick The mystery behind access to capital problems for women entrepreneurs can be dispelled by examining the model career path and day-to-day practices of Lise Foley, President of Alliance Tactics in Montreal, and Keynote Speaker for the Women in Business Conference in St. Andrews, October 4 and 5, 2004. With more than 20 years of senior management experience crossing financial, consumer products, education and the business counselling industries, Ms. Foley is the living, breathing example of what women entrepreneurs can do to erase the myths and stereotypes many people still hold. Slated to speak to more than 100 women entrepreneurs from across New Brunswick at the Gala dinner at the Algonquin Hotel on October 4, Ms. Foley's speech will focus on the state of women entrepreneurs in Canada: challenges - myth and reality, solutions to overcoming major hurdles, traps to avoid, and moving their business forward. "Statistically, women have a tendency to do everything on their own, they are reluctant to get help when trying to find out about access to financing, they don't have the networks that men rely and benefit from and they don't have mentors that they can use as sounding boards when launching their ideas," said Ms. Foley. The conference titled "Management Strategies for Today's Entrepreneur" has been supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) in partnership with the New Brunswick Association of CBDC's and numerous other partners. Organized by a volunteer committee of women entrepreneurs and government officials, this conference is designed to provide professional development and networking opportunities for women across New Brunswick. "This conference is an essential part of ACOA's Women in Business Initiative's overall strategy to improve growth and competitiveness of women entrepreneurs," said Joseph McGuire, Minister for ACOA. "The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is proud to support initiatives for women by providing them with the tools necessary to help them level the playing field." Ms. Foley's background illustrates she is the exact opposite of the stereotype held by some business professionals. Active in the financing industry, she has learned how to raise capital working with organizations such as the Canadian Securities Institute. As the leader of a start up Labour Sponsored Investment Fund, she established various partnerships and raised $17M in assets in only one year. She's also a business trainer, speaker, mentor, author and expert advisor to the Conference Board of Canada. Her role as President of the Canadian Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals and Facilitator for the Montreal Chapter of Women President's Organization proves that she is an effective networker. "According to the Calhoun Research Survey titled A Portrait of Women Business Owners in Atlantic Canada 2003, one of women's biggest challenges is access to financing," said the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and MP for Fredericton. "With forums like this and other activities of the Women in Business Initiative, the Government of Canada is determined to change that." Starting at 1:30 pm on October 4, the conference will launch its roster of workshops and seminars showcasing experts chosen to provide women with information they can use in business. Workshop topics include: marketing on a shoestring, strategic selling, cash flow management, access to capital, exporting dos and don'ts, success strategies for running your business, training and motivating employees, sales techniques and dealing with the media. For more conference information and to view the complete program schedule, go to www.womeninbusiness2004.com. ACOA's Women in Business Initiative (WBI) helps potential and existing women business owners access business advice, information and support tailored to their needs; improve their business management skills; and secure financing for business start-up and expansion. For more information about this initiative, go to http://www.acoa- apeca.gc.ca/e/business/entrepreneurship/wbi/wbi.shtml. - 30 - Ron Crozier Office of the Minister for ACOA (902) 888-4150 Ann Kenney Senior Communications Officer ACOA NB (506) 452-3687 Judith Mackin PUNCH Productions (506) 693-5839
