This resource presents highlights of the first annual report from the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH). The report synthesizes government, academic, and expert research to highlight some of the structural barriers facing diverse women entrepreneurs in Canada.
The report shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified structural barriers, has affected women entrepreneurs more than men, and has affected Indigenous, racialized, and other diverse entrepreneurs most of all.
The report shows that more data are needed on diverse women entrepreneurs in Canada. It highlights the percentage of businesses in which women are majority owners; sectors in which women are more likely to be business owners; incidence of women entrepreneurs seeking and receiving financing; and the comparative rate at which women-owned businesses have laid off employees in the first part of the COVID-19 pandemic period.
The report was prepared in support of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy. The strategy aims to increase women entrepreneurs’ access to financing, talent, networks, and expertise. It estimates that closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship in Canada could add $41-$81 billion to Canada’s GDP.
Published By: Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
Publication Date: August 2020
View State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada 2020 report highlights Here
