DivE In: April 2023
At VentureLabs, we’re always thinking about how we can do more for diverse founders and leaders. We’re the BC regional hub for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) and a partner for the 50 – 30 Challenge launched by the Government of Canada. Most recently, we started a program called Elephant in the Room for women leaders in tech to learn from experts and build a community.
Starting this month, we want to make it easier for readers to learn about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) news, events and stories in this new blogpost series called DivE In! Follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter to be notified when these monthly blogposts are published. If you have any opportunities or news to share, please email programs(at)venturelabs.ca
📰 NEWS/UPDATES
Minister Mary Ng joins the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub to launch the State of Women’s Entrepreneurship research preview
How to hustle: Program helps Black women entrepreneurs think bigger
How equity, diversity and inclusion can drive growth and innovation in businesses of all sizes
Decolonizing Business & Entrepreneurship — A Starter Guide
🗓 UPCOMING EVENTS
- April 18 – Getting Our Hands Dirty – Women Entrepreneurs in AgTech
- April 19 – Pride at Work Canada Workshop
- April 19 – Key Elements of a Business Plan, and Staying Cash Flow Positive
- April 19 – Women in Health
- April 20 – EDI in Canadian Higher Education — A Discussion
- April 27 – The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale
- April 27 – Newcomer Women’s Entrepreneurship Forum
- October 16 – 19 – Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur Conference and Job Fair
⭐️ COMMUNITY
The State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada 2023: Research Preview
New research highlights the importance of rethinking how we assess the economic impact of SMEs and women entrepreneurs. There is continued evidence of broader contributions to the United Nations sustainable development goals and net-zero priorities.
Resources for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs: An Analysis of the Current Supports Available in the Ecosystem
This analysis considers the current resources that are available to support Indigenous women entrepreneurs across the country, highlighting initiatives that are already trailblazers in this space.
👤 SEE IT. BE IT.
The WEKH See It. Be It. Database spotlights the stories of women entrepreneurs making an impact.
Dayna Elijah is a holistic health practitioner and the founder of Spirit Earth Holistics, which sells bath, body, and wellness products. The business has been featured in Canadian media outlets like Elle Canada and Women’s Health Magazine. Dayna is from the Oneida Nation of the Thames near London, Ontario.
VentureLabs has partnered with Toronto Metropolitan University’s Diversity Institute as a BC partner for the 50 – 30 Challenge.
WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE?
The Challenge is aimed at advancing gender parity and increasing diversity on boards and in senior leadership roles. The aim:
- 50% of board seats and leadership roles held by women and non-binary people
- 30% of board seats and leadership roles held by members of other under-represented and/or equity-seeking groups (including racialized, Black and/or people of colour, people with disabilities, LGBTQ2+ people, and Indigenous people)
VentureLabs is proud to be the Regional Hub for the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) in BC. We are driven to create a more inclusive and supportive environment to grow women’s entrepreneurship in Canada. We challenge stereotypes, overcome barriers, and bring resources together in support of women entrepreneurs.
WEKH is a Government of Canada initiative that brings together service providers, programs, partners, and research across Canada in support of women entrepreneurs.
