The project “Changing the Narrative – Unleashing the Full Potential of Women-owned Enterprises” has received a substantial boost of $960,000 from the Federal government. This funding will enable the project to persist in its mission of fostering innovation, enhancing workforce diversity, and addressing systemic barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, with a specific focus on Black and official language minority communities.

Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced the funding on Tuesday, February 22nd, at an event hosted by the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) in Toronto. This financial support empowers the organization to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and equitable digital economy.
Minister Ien emphasized the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs, stating, “Every day, women entrepreneurs are taking risks, bringing new ideas to life, and making contributions to our country. Yet they continue to receive less financing and opportunities than their male counterparts.” She emphasized that the investment in ICTC aims to create a more inclusive social entrepreneurial landscape, especially for women from Black and official language minority communities.

The government, in an official release, expressed the belief that the full and equal participation of women in the economy is crucial for Canada’s competitiveness and prosperity. Breaking down systemic barriers for women entrepreneurs is seen as a means to achieve more economic independence and contribute to the development of more resilient communities.
The government projects that supporting equal opportunities for women in the workplace could potentially add $150 billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2026.
Namir Anani, President & CEO of the Information and Communications Technology Council, commended the government’s investment, saying, “In the digital age, the success of our economy is intertwined with the success of women-led businesses.” He expressed enthusiasm that the Government of Canada is investing in the program to unlock the full potential of women entrepreneurs. Anani highlighted that by supporting social enterprises led by women, particularly from marginalized communities, the initiative goes beyond creating businesses; it builds bridges to economic empowerment, job creation, and a better standard of living for all.”