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Info-Guide - Women Entrepreneurs
Last Verified:
2006-06-06
This document is designated to Québec women entrepreneurs to guide them through different federal, provincial, municipal and private programs and services available. This Info-Guide has been prepared by Info entrepreneurs from information provided by Canada Business to answer a growing demand for strategic information by business people. While most of your questions will be answered in this document, it is not intended to be exhaustive. Further information can be obtained by contacting Info entrepreneurs at 514 496-4636, Ressources Entreprises at 418 649-4636 or, across the province, at 1-800-322-4636.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Basic steps
3. Financial assistance programs
3.1 General Financing Programs
3.2 Regional Development
3.3 Investment / Job Creation
4. Export (resources)
5. Academic Network
6. Resources
6.1 Federal Contacts
6.2 Regional Contacts
6.3 Networking
7. Others sources of information
1. Introduction
Portrait statistique des femmes entrepreneures
In its report Entreprendre au féminin, published in November 1997, the working group identified a need to "establish mechanisms to gather statistics related to companies owned by women." This report therefore attempts to meet the need expressed in this recommendation, more specifically in the component Portrait statistique des femmes entrepreneures. The report is divided into four chapters, presenting contextual information related to female entrepreneurship and the definition of "woman entrepreneur;" identifying the indicators of female entrepreneurship; defining the problem related to sources of data concerning women and their companies; and presenting proposals to resolve them and an overview of the profile of women entrepreneurs. http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/ministere/nav/Publications.html?&page=details_publication.jsp&iddoc=46242 (In French only)
Small Business Financing Profiles: Women Entrepreneurs
Women entrepreneurs have been the topic of many research studies throughout the last decade. Using the most comprehensive database on small business financing available through the SME Financing Data Initiative, this article will examine the unique characteristics of women entrepreneurs and investigate whether these qualities influence the financing of women-owned businesses.http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/insme_fdi-prf_pme.nsf/en/00948e.html
2. Basic Steps
Starting a business is a step-by-step process. You must first structure your projet: prepare a business plan, choose a legal structure, verify specific permits, licenses, registrations needed to operate your business. We invite you to consult the Info-Guide
Info-Guide - Start-Up and Expansion which presents the preliminary steps in starting a business in Québec and refers to online tools such as the
Interactive Business Planner - IBP
SELF-EVALUATION
Evaluate your aptitudes for becoming an entrepreneur by answering the following self-evaluation tests questions:
Moi entrepreneur ? - Fondation de l'entrepreneurship (In French only)http://www.entrepreneurship.qc.ca/fr/entrepreneur_etudiant/Intro_Passez_Test.asp
Entrepreneurial Self-assesment - Business Development Bank of Canada
http://www.bdc.ca/en/business_tools/entrepreneurial_self-Assessment/selfassessment.htm?cookie%5Ftest=1
3. Financial Assistance Programs
3.1 General Financing Programs
Women Entrepreneurs' Fund - Business Development Bank
BDC has dedicated this amount to increase the availability of financing for fast-growing, women-owned firms in Canada. The fund primarily offers subordinate financing which means that the borrower has the obligation to repay the loan which is based on cash flow, instead of depreciating company assets. Companies with annual sales between $250 000 and $5 million are eligible. For further information, consult the document
Women Entrepreneurs' Fund, call 1-888-463-6232, or visit the Web site at:http://www.bdc.ca/en/i_am/woman_entrepreneur/default.htm
3.2 Regional Development
Assistance program for women entrepreneurs in the regions (AFER) - Canada Economic Development (CED)
This program targets women in the regions wishing to start a business, thereby contributing actively to the development of their communities through the creation of companies and jobs. Under the terms of the fund, women entrepreneurs could receive non-repayable assistance of up to $28,000 to develop their projects, to carry out their business plans and to cover business start-up costs in innovative and value-added niches. Beneficiaries will also gain from an introduction to entrepreneurship by taking advantage of the support and guidance of their local CFDC, consult the Business Services Offered for your region, see Related Reading at the end. For further information, contact the CFDC Network (known as Réseau des SADC du Québec) at 418 658-1530 or visit the Web site at: http://www.reseau-sadc.qc.ca/fr/index.php (In French only)
Fonds d'investissement pour l'entrepreneurship féminin - Ministère du Développement écononomique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE)
An agreement has been concluded between the Quebec government and Filaction to set up and finance regional investment funds for women entrepreneurs. This financial assistance will target the following regions: Mauricie, Bas St-Laurent, Gaspé-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Saguenay-Lac St-Jean. For further information, contact Filaction at 418 522-3334 or visit the Web site at: http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/entreprises/service.prt?svcid=PAGE_GENERIQUE_CATEGORIES30&iddoc=45679 (In French only)
Entrepreneuriat au féminin - CLD de Portneuf
To increase the number of women entrepreneurs in Portneuf, special attention is paid to women wishing to start a business. The program objectives: improve access to funding for women entrepreneurs, particularly the funding of projects aiming to start or develop a business; promote female entrepreneurship, ensure follow-up, and facilitate networking. Financing in the form of loans from the local investment fund of the Portneuf LDC. For further information, call at 418 285-4616 or visit the Web site at: http://cld.portneuf.com/fr/site.asp?page=element&nIDElement=771 (In French only)
3.3 Investment / Job Creation
A matter for Equality Program - Secrétariat à la condition féminine
The objective is to facilitate and promote the access of women to decision-making positions, increase the number of women candidates for these positions, prepare and train women to hold such positions, promote the continuation of women in these positions, and encourage concrete actions from those in positions of power. For further information, call 418 643-9052 or visit the Web site at: http://www.scf.gouv.qc.ca/index_an.asp
4. Export (Resources)
Businesswomen in trade - Trade Commissioner Service
This site provides women who head SMEs with the information and assistance they need to begin exporting or to improve their current export performance. Information on preparing for the export marketplace. Tools such as an export readiness quiz, sources of training, and export financing. For further information, consult the document
Businesswomen in Trade , call 613 850-7496 or visit the Web site at: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/businesswomen/menu-en.asp
5. Academic Network
Women Entrepreneurial Center of Québec
The Women Entrepreneurial Center of Québec is a non-profit organization providing women entrepreneurs a one-stop centre where they can have access to consultation, information, customized services, mentoring, business coaching and courses in enterprise management. Front-line services provide speedy assessment of entrepreneur needs. Clients of the Center are informed about various assistance programs and are referred to the appropriate resources. Our objectives are to provide courses, coaching, mentoring to ensure the development and growth of new or established enterprises led by women in manner to increase the survival rate and the success of those businesses. For more information, call at 514 521-5733 or 1-866-521-5733 or visit the Web site at: http://www.cefq.ca/pregenerate/cmsFrameMain_EN_CEFQ.html?Lang=EN&ParentID=CEFQ
6. Resources
6.1 Federal Contacts
Businesswomen in Trade - International Trade Canada(ITCan)
This is the gateway for women entrepreneurs who lead small and medium enterprises to meet the special information and assistance that are relevant to their exporting and export activities. For more information, consult the document
Businesswomen in Trade, call 613 850-7496 or visit the Web site at: http://www.maeci.gc.ca/businesswomen/menu-en.asp
Woman entrepreneur - Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
The BDC works with women to find complete solutions promoting the long-term success of their companies. Whether it is looking for financing or experienced consultants, the BDC looks at the whole project. The site includes information on financing, assessing entrepreneurial potential, useful links, and business tools. For further information, call 1-888-463-6232 or visit the Web site at: http://www.bdc.ca/en/i_am/woman_entrepreneur/default.htm?cookie%5Ftest=2
Women entrepreneurs- RBC Royal Bank
This site was created by the RBC Royal Bank to help women entrepreneurs achieve their aspirations. You will find practical advice, information about start-up and financing, tools, resources, and useful links to help Canadian women entrepreneurs build their businesses. For further information, call 514 874-7992 or visit the Web site at: http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/sme/women/index.html
Entrepreneuriat au Féminin - Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE)
Useful information about expanding a business, the expertise of other women entrepreneurs, and financing in the regions. For further information, visit the Web site at: http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/entreprises/nav/Entrepreneuriat/42324.html?iddoc=42324 (In French only)
6.2 Regional Contacts
Compagnie F
A not-for-profit organization providing a place for women from all backgrounds to emerge, develop, and manage their own companies. A place of support and discussion offering the opportunity to acquire the tools needed to fully develop entrepreneurial skills. A range of training and support programs focused on specific needs. For further information, call 514 381-7333 ext. 201 or visit the Web site at: http://compagnie-f.org/ (In French only)
Fem Entrepreneuriat
Femmes et entrepreneuriat en Mauricie (FEM) is a not-for-profit organization that is administered by a board of directors made up for the most part of businesswomen who operate in the Mauricie area. FEM offers reference and support services for women entrepreneurs. For further information, call 819 370-1693 or visit the Web site at: http://www.fem-mauricie.ca/ (In French only)
6.3 Networking
Canadian Women in Communication (CWC)
The CWC is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the involvement and impact of women in the converging communications industries. The site includes background information, events, articles and more information. http://www.cwc-afc.com/
Canadian Women's Business Network
This site offers a range of information to business women, including a membership directory, useful links, and announcements of coming events. It is also possible to network with other members. http://www.cdnbizwomen.com/
Canadian Federation of Business & Professional Women Clubs (CFBPWC)
The CFBPWC is a national organisation whose primary concern is the education, employment and econonmic status of employed women. This organisation links business and professional women across Canada to provide support for and recognition of their achievements, and to work towards equality of opportunity and economic security for all women. http://www.bpwcanada.com/index.html
Fonds d’investissement entrepreneuriat régional pour elles (FIERE)
FIERE is an organization serving women who are entrepreneurs or potential entrepreneurs in Gaspé and the Magdalen Islands by facilitating networking, organizing training sessions adapted to the needs of women entrepreneurs, and directing women to organizations able to help them with their business proposals. For further information, call 418 364-3720, 1-866-364-3720 or visit the Web site at: http://www.fiere.qc.ca/ (In French only)
Quebec Business Women's Network Inc.
The Quebec Business Women’s Network as a broad-based network throughout whose mission is to contribute to businesswomen’s success by means of networking, contacts and mutual assistance.The Quebec Business Women’s Network has 2,500 members, of whom three-quarters are women entrepreneurs. He offers its members top quality programs of innovative services and activities in order to create a business dynamic that can exert an influence at the financial, social and political levels. The network maintains a strong presence in Quebec through its numerous networking activities, such as mutual-help groups, conferences, workshops, conference lunch, galas, trade missions and links with international networks in 40 countries. For further information, call 514 521-2441 or 1-800-332-2683 or visit the Web site at: http://www.rfaq.ca/pregenerate/cmsFrameMain_EN_RFAQ.html?Lang=EN&ParentID=RFAQ
Women Entrepreneurs of Canada
WEC is a dynamic organization offering women entrepreneurs an opportunity to profile, promote and meet with other successful business women. http://www.wec.ca/
7. Others sources of information
Journey to success Aboriginal Women's Business Planning Guide - Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC)
This guide is the result of the attention paid to the needs of Aboriginal women entrepreneurs by federal, provincial, territorial and Aboriginal leaders working to strengthen Aboriginal participation in the economy. For more information, consult the document
Journey to Success Aboriginal Women's Business Planning Guide or visit the Web site at: http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ps/ecd/js/journ_e.html
Champions Newsletter
A dynamic newsletter featuring breakthroughs and resources for women entrepreneurs. Learn about financing your business growth, training sessions and publications. http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/sme/women/champions_newsletter.html
Women in the Lead/Femmes de Tête
This a national directory of more than 550 women whose professional expertise and experience recommend them as candidates for corporate board appointment. http://www.womeninthelead.ca
Analyses sur l'entrepreneuriat au féminin
Studies, reports, and analyses containing observations, conclusions, and recommendations providing a fresh look at the reality of women entrepreneurs.
http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca/page/web/portail/entreprises/nav/Entrepreneuriat/42324/45863.html?iddoc=45863 (In French only)
Women's Y of Montréal
With a view to mutual aid and female solidarity, offers innovative services and programs to women from diverse cultural communities. Social and community services, employability and entrepreneurship services. http://www.ydesfemmesmtl.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?lang=en
Discover many other documents, tools and interesting links pertaining to the "Women Entrepreneurs cluster" in the Tool Box, What You Must Know and Links of Interest sections of our Website
Related Reading
DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.
Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.
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