Small Business and Tourism Branch, Industry Canada

Are you a woman entrepreneur in Canada looking to grow your business? While the business landscape is always evolving, understanding past trends can offer valuable context. This page provides insights from a 2010 report analyzing the financing activities, challenges, and growth patterns of women-owned businesses in Canada. Please note that this report is 15 years old, and current conditions may differ.

Key Findings

• Significant Presence: Even in 2010, women-owned SMEs represented a substantial portion of the Canadian business landscape.
• Unique Characteristics: The report highlighted that women entrepreneurs often bring different experiences and operate in diverse sectors.
• Financing Access: The 2010 data indicated that while women-owned firms were as likely to seek financing, they might have faced challenges in securing approval, particularly for short-term debt.
• Growth Potential: The report suggested that firms with growth ambitions, regardless of gender, demonstrated stronger performance.

Recommendations

• Address Financing Barriers: The 2010 recommendations included initiatives to mitigate challenges women faced in accessing financing, such as credit history or collateral requirements.
• Focus on Growth Intentions: The report emphasized the importance of understanding the specific needs of women entrepreneurs based on their growth goals.

Access the full report for a detailed analysis of the 2010 landscape.