“Access to Capital: Investing with a Gender Lens“

Sponsor: Mackenzie Investments

 

 

 

Moderator: Roslyn Kunin, President, Roslyn Kunin & Associates Inc. Economic Consulting

While the topic of “Feminine capital and Feminine leadership” has grown substantially over the past few years, studies show that women business owners still face difficulties in obtaining capital. In 2023 the State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada report suggested systemic biases continue to play out as women face barriers such as access to financing, whether it be in the form of loans, venture capital or angel investing. The report also highlighted the disproportionate challenges faced by Indigenous and racialized women in the space. What has developed, changed? In this session, the panelists dive deeper into the realities of accessing capital, the latest research and what is available to WBOs.

Plenary Speakers/Panelists:

• Cathy Bennett, Co-Founder, Sandpiper Ventures
• Sheri Griffiths, SVP, Head of Ontario Corporate Finance, BMO Commercial Bank, Canada
• Wendy Cukier, Academic Director, Diversity Institute; Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub; Future Skills Centre
• Teara Fraser, Founder, Elibird Aero, and Founder,CEO, Iskwew Air

 

Further Information to be Noted:

Members from the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) and WEDO Canada celebrated Women’s Entrepreneurship Day and a TSX Market Open Ceremony in Toronto with diverse entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners. The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business, joined by the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced nearly $4 million in funding for WEKH.