The Grand Bank Development Corporation is forming a
women in business network for female business owners from across the
Burin Peninsula. Supported by a $14,000 contribution from the Provincial
Government, the network builds off the momentum established through the
corporation's Women in Business Program — an initiative
focused on pooling the resources of women business owners so they can
collectively maximize their business potential and target new
opportunities.
"Leveraging the interest garnered over the last four
years, the regional women in business network will provide a program for
networking and mentoring, as women join forces to strengthen their
businesses," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation,
Trade and Rural Development. "The regional business network encourages
the partnership and collaboration of female entrepreneurs on the Burin
Peninsula. By working together they are increasing their ability to
advance their individual businesses and identify new opportunities for
success."
For its inaugural year, the Grand Bank Development
Corporation is working to attract 10 active and two aspiring women
entrepreneurs for the regional network.
"Our government recognizes the many ways women work to
strengthen the economy," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister
Responsible for the Status of Women. "
The
work of female entrepreneurs across Newfoundland and Labrador
contributes to the development of families, communities and the
province. Women's business networks, such as that being formed on the
Burin Peninsula, encourage business development and the efforts of
female entrepreneurs, and provide a supportive forum for women to grow
sustainable businesses."
Under its Women in Business Program, the Grand Bank
Development Corporation has been hosting events for women in business in
the Grand Bank-Fortune area since 2006. In 2009, an external consultant
recommended the development of a regional network. The regional women in
business network is now set to include 36 mentoring sessions over the
next year, as well as information sessions, lunch and learns, workshops,
and the corporation's annual trade show and holiday fair.
Topics for the upcoming regional women in business
network sessions include lean manufacturing, storefront design, time
management, quality control, and succession planning. Sessions will take
place in various locations throughout the Burin Peninsula.
"Over the past four years the GBDC's
Women in
Business Program
has grown," said Doug Richardson, Executive
Director, Grand Bank Development Corporation. "It is the support from
our government and community partners that has made it possible to
assist the women entrepreneurs on the Burin Peninsula to grow their
businesses."
Key partners involved in the project include the
Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs, the Burin
Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, and College of the North Atlantic, along
with the Provincial and Federal Governments.
The initiative also plans to enhance opportunities for members of the
regional network through the development of partnerships with businesses
in St. Pierre and Miquelon.
"It is a positive step for the region's business
community when its representatives come together and work collectively
to grow their businesses," said the Honourable Darin King, MHA, Grand
Bank. "The regional network would not have gotten off the ground without
the leadership of the Grand Bank Development Corporation and its various
partners. Their vision and continued work will help strengthen and grow
the region's economy."
This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral
Diversification Fund and Business Networks Program.
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