The success of the Women's Enterprise Initiative in assisting women entrepreneurs and helping create new jobs and opportunities was recognized at a luncheon today as part of Women's Enterprise Week, May 21 to 26 throughout Western Canada. The initiative is funded by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and delivered in Saskatchewan by Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. (W.E.).

The Honourable Ron J. Duhamel, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Francophonie) helped celebrate this special week with an award presentation to the winner of the Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. Youth Business Planning Award.

Cara Lauscher, a Grade 12 student at Aden Bowman Collegiate in Saskatoon won the award for her business plan on The Equine Inn, an accommodation for people travelling with horses and dogs. Visitors can use the campground while their animals have corrals and kennels in which to stay. The contest was open to female students between 15 and 18 in Regina and Saskatoon high schools. Cara received a $1,000 cash prize to further her entrepreneurial endeavours. The business plans were evaluated based on criteria including their descriptions of the product or service offered and a typical customer and a demonstrated need for the product or service.

"Cara is an excellent example of the youthful innovation and ingenuity that is driving our economy," said Minister Duhamel. "I want to thank W.E.'s staff and its volunteer board of directors for their work helping Saskatchewan's women entrepreneurs create sustainable businesses. WD's support for and partnership with W.E. highlights the Government of Canada's commitment to ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities for all Canadians."

During Women's Enterprise Week, the WEI offices in Western Canada will host events such as open houses, workshops and seminars.

Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. (W.E.) was established in 1995 under the Women's Enterprise Initiative to help eliminate the barriers faced by women entrepreneurs. It offers business advisory services, mentoring, training, networking and financing programs and services to more than 650 members province-wide.

"W.E. has grown in numbers and in strength over the past five years and recently celebrated our achievements, with our sister organizations, at our successful Pan-Western Conference in Saskatoon, earlier this month," said Jan Ursu, chair of W.E.'s board of directors. "We are proud of the vital role we play in the western Canadian economy by starting new businesses and creating employment at a rate greater than the national average."

W.E. has chapters in Arborfield, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Swift Current and Yorkton where local businesswomen meet regularly to discuss business issues, network and participate in educational opportunities.

Since 1995 the organization has responded to almost 15,000 inquiries for business information. They have financed 140 loans valued at over $4.2 million and created or maintained 300 jobs. They have provided 705 seminars and workshops, and trained over 7,500 Saskatchewan women.

Offices of the Women's Enterprise Initiative (WEI) are part of the Western Canada Business Service Network (WCBSN), composed of WD, Community Futures Development Corporations, Canada Business Service Centres (CBSCs) and Francophone Economic Development Organizations. The network helps WD coordinate and expand federal business services.

Since going into operation in late 1994, Women Enterprise Centres have responded to nearly 123,000 inquiries for business information. They have financed 668 loans valued at over $16 million and created or maintained more than 1,350 jobs.

There are 600,000 self-employed entrepreneurs in western Canada. In the last eight years alone, 150,000 people started their own small businesses. About half of those businesses were started by women. In Saskatchewan about 25 per cent of all businesses are owned by women.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Joanne Mysak
Manager, Consultations, Marketing and Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
(306) 975-5942

Laura Small
Executive Director
Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
(306) 477-7173