A pair of new training programs will help women social entrepreneurs get businesses up and running across Northern Ontario.
Under the Women of Ontario Social Enterprise (WOSEN) program, women entrepreneurs running or looking to start up a social enterprise can take part in workshops to help them enhance their business skills.
Social enterprises are characterized as businesses that generate enough revenue to help solve a social problem.
The programming will be run through Sault Ste. Marie's NORDIK Institute.
“Based on previous research, we know there are many women who are deeply connected to their communities, and this opportunity will enable them to contribute while maintaining their values,” said Krista Bissiallon, a researcher and program lead at NORDIK, in a May 12 news release.
“The programming will give women the tools and processes necessary for developing their existing businesses, as well as prioritizing creating networks of women working and making change in the social enterprise sector.
"The collaborative aims to reflect the communities it serves, and will be reaching out to Indigenous and newcomer women in particular.”
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For those who are thinking about starting a business, have some ideas, or are passionate about a particular issue, the Ideation/Start stream will assist participants in consolidating their ideas and stories into a viable business offering.
The Resilience stream aims to provide existing social purpose businesses with ways to maintain and strengthen operations during these challenging times.
The 16-week Resilience program is now accepting applications and Ideation/Start will follow in a few months.
This project is funded in part by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp.
