Innovation, Business and Rural Development
October 25, 2013

National Conference Opening Doors for 12 Local Entrepreneurs

Twelve local business women will be attending the fifth annual WEConnect Canada national conference next month in Toronto. The entrepreneurs are able to attend this year’s conference with $12,000 in assistance from the Provincial Government’s Business Development Program.

“In light of the local participation in this nationwide conference, and today being Small Business Day, it is the ideal time to celebrate our local entrepreneurs and their substantial contribution to the provincial economy,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. “Through participation in WEConnect and with this $12,000 in assistance, these companies will be in a better position to identify how supplier diversity and certification can open doors in the supply chain they may not previously have had access to.”

The WEConnect Canada conference provides participants with the opportunity to learn about supplier diversity and experience first-hand the benefits and opportunities that are possible by participating in seminars, networking events and one-on-one matchmaking meetings. Additional information on WEConnect and a list of participating companies can be found in the backgrounder below.

By encouraging the development of new and innovative businesses, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is building a vibrant economy. The Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development has been working closely with the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE) to help foster the growth and build the capacity of local business owners. During WEConnect, departmental staff will provide on-the-ground mentoring and guidance to companies and support their business initiatives, including identification of opportunities, partnerships and provide trade expertise.

“The WEConnect Canada conference is an extraordinary opportunity for business women in Newfoundland and Labrador to make connections with buyers from large corporations and other women business owners on a national level,” said Paula Sheppard, Executive Director of NLOWE. “They will make valuable connections that will grow their businesses, and also learn how to build their capacity as suppliers. The assistance provided by the Provincial Government is instrumental in assisting these women to take advantage of this amazing opportunity.”

This year’s conference, themed Opening Doors, will take place on November 4 and 5. Additional information on WEConnect Canada can be found at: www.weconnectcanada.org .

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Media contacts:

Heather MacLean Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

Julieanne Reddy NLOWE Marketing & Communications Coordinator 709-754-5555 ext. 232 jreddy@nlowe.org

BACKGROUNDER

WEConnect Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the success of Canadian certified women enterprises to drive economic prosperity. The organization certifies firms that are at least 51 percent owned, managed and controlled by women and connects them with the growing global demand for diverse and innovative suppliers.

WEConnect Canada also partners with corporations, associations, governments, women entrepreneurs and their supporters, and is affiliated with a global certification network for women-owned enterprises.

Participating Business	Community
Karlande Designs Ltd.	Clarenville
CoachPhyllis.Com Inc.	St. John’s
Smart in Print	Pasadena
Higher Talent	St. John’s
iTranslation Services Ltd.	St. John’s
Fundamentals Fitness	Grand Falls-Windsor
Safety Marketing Limited	Bishop’s Falls
Social Media Management	St. John’s
Heart and Sole Enterprises Inc.	Carbonear
Elizabeth J. Cottages Limited	Bonavista
Renaissance Services Ltd.	Corner Brook
Smart Learning Solutions	Twillingate

2013 10 25                                     12:40 p.m.