FedNor Invests in Entrepreneurial Opportunities for Women

THUNDER BAY, Ontario, April 26, 2006 – The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for FedNor, today announced a FedNor contribution of $499,930 to the PARO: Centre for Women’s Enterprise to enhance its business development services in Northern Ontario. This three-year initiative will help women in rural and isolated communities have greater access to business resource materials, workshops, networking, mentorships, and referrals.

“This government is committed to strengthening business learning opportunities for women,” stated Minister Clement. “By supporting this venture, we’re ensuring that residents in small, remote communities will have the skills they need to not only challenge themselves, but also act as role models for others.”

With FedNor’s support, the Centre will offer a comprehensive training program designed specifically for rural women living in Northwestern Ontario communities who wish to start or expand a business. Working with strategic community partners, PARO will build on its work in the Thunder Bay region by expanding its programs and services to women in the Atikokan, Superior North, Rainy River and Patricia areas.

PARO will deliver these enhanced regional services by using improved technologies and an innovative mobile program, called PARO on Wheels, that will feature regularly scheduled visits throughout Northwestern Ontario. Among the many outreach programs offered will be e-learning workshops, monthly networking events, one-on-one business advisory services, the establishment of mentorship groups and the development of partnerships with regional business associations.

“By addressing an identified need for business skills training and access to information, we are fostering an entrepreneurial culture for women that will help their businesses grow and prosper,” said Rosalind Lockyer, Executive Director for PARO: Centre for Women’s Enterprise.

By supporting business learning opportunities for women in rural and isolated communities, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario.

To find out more about FedNor, visit us at: http://fednor.ic.gc.ca

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For more information, please contact:

Erik Waddell
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Tony Clement
(613) 957-0200

Kim Fewchuk
Communications Officer
FedNor
(705) 941-2105 or 1 877 333-6673