Canada/PEI Business Service Centres

Women in Business Initiative

The Women in Business Initiative (WBI) is designed to improve the growth and competitiveness of women-owned businesses and increase their representation in Atlantic Canada's emerging growth sectors. The WBI focuses on strengthening management capabilities and business development skills of women business owners, improving their access to capital and business support services, and increasing involvement of women-owned business in exports and knowledge-based industries.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, the business must be owned by a woman (or women) who:

• owns at least 50% of the business;
• has at least 51% of its operating control;
• is involved in the day-to-day running of the business.
  

Eligible Area

Atlantic Canada

Eligible Activities

All industry sectors are eligible.

Summary

Whether you own your own business or are seriously thinking about starting one, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's (ACOA) Women in Business Initiative can provide you with the tools you need to overcome challenges such as planning, financing, training, marketing, networking and to grow your business competitive and strong.

The Women in Business Initiative can help you to:

• Get the right business advice, information and support

The WBI offers individual support to meet individual business needs. A member of the WBI team will help you determine the information and services your business requires and will help you make contact with the individuals or organizations in your region that provide it.

• Improve your skills and your connections

The WBI works with partners in your region to deliver business management and skills training, professional development and networking opportunities tailored to meet your business' needs.

• Improve your access to financing 

The WBI can help you to determine potential sources of business financing and work to better prepare you to meet the requirements to obtain it.

• Obtain expert advice

The WBI can help you to identify the additional expertise your operations require for ultimate performance, and help address business opportunities and problems.

• Identify and take advantage of new and emerging markets

The WBI can assist you in forging the strategic alliances you need to increase your business' technological capabilities, develop new technologies and get them to market. It can also work with you to identify and capitalize on opportunities in growing international markets.

Prince Edward Island Contact(s):
Ms. Rachel Clark McDearmid
Economic Development Officer Entrepreneurship & Business Skills Coordinator
ACOA PEI & Tourism
Women In Business Initiative
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
3rd Floor
Royal Bank Building
100 Sydney Street
P.O. Box 40
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island  C1A 7K2
Telephone: (902) 626-2480
Fax: (902) 566-7098
E-mail: rachel.mcdearmid@acoa-apeca.gc.ca