Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs - BDC · Women entrepreneurs can register their business on...
Transcript of Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs - BDC · Women entrepreneurs can register their business on...
Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneursfor the Quebec region
Updated December 5, 2019
1BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Table of contents
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) ............................................................................................................ p. 3-5 Women Entrepreneurs .................................................................................................................................................. p.3
Women in Technology Venture Fund ........................................................................................................................... p.4
Supplier Diversity........................................................................................................................................................... p.5 Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) .......................................................................................................... p.6
Cheffes de file................................................................................................................................................................ p.6
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions ..................................................................................................... p.7 Canadian Intellectual Property Office ............................................................................................................................ p.8
IP awareness and education program........................................................................................................................... p.9 Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal – ACCLR/Info entrepreneurs ......................................................... p.9
City of Montréal ............................................................................................................................................................. p.10
École d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce ............................................................................................................................ p. 11 Ernst & Young (YE).......................................................................................................................................................... p.12
EY Entrepreneurial Winning WomenTM....................................................................................................................... p.12
Export Development Canada (EDC) ............................................................................................................................... p.13 EDC’s Women in Trade Investments Program ......................................................................................................... .p.13
Femmessor................................................................................................................................................................. p.14-23
Conventional loans via the Fonds pour les femmes entrepreneures FQ.................................................................... p.14 Share capital financing for women entrepreneurs ..................................................................................................... p.15
Welcome and referral over the phone........................................................................................................................ p.16
Pre-financing advisory services ................................................................................................................................... p.17 Personalized post-financing support........................................................................................................................... p.18
Femmessor Experts ..................................................................................................................................................... p.19
Femmessor Co-Development Cells (start-ups)............................................................................................................ p.20 Femmessor Co-Development Cells (growing) ............................................................................................................. p.21
Femmessors seminars (men and women) .................................................................................................................. p.22
Visibility and success of women entrepreneurs in Quebec ........................................................................................ p.23 Fondation Montréal Inc. ................................................................................................................................................ p.24
Women’s entrepreneurship ........................................................................................................................................ p.24 Fonds de solidarité FTQ.................................................................................................................................................. p.25
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) ..................................................................................................................................... p.26-28
Trade Commissioner Service (TCS).............................................................................................................................. p.26 Business Women in International Trade (BWIT) ......................................................................................................... p.27
CanExport .................................................................................................................................................................... p.28
Inno-Centre (Corporation Inno-Centre du Québec) ...................................................................................................... p.29 Les Innovantes ............................................................................................................................................................. p.29
Innovation Canada ......................................................................................................................................................... p.30
La Ruche .......................................................................................................................................................................... p.31 Activer les idéateurs d’ici.......................................................................................................................................... p.31
Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec (MEQ) ..................................................................................................... p.32 Montréal International .................................................................................................................................................. p.33 OSEntreprendre .............................................................................................................................................................. p.34
OSEntreprendre Challenge, Business Creation and Successful Business Inc. divisions .............................................. p.34
2BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Table of contents
Public Services and Procurement Canada – Office of Small and Medium Enterprises ...........p.35 How to do business with the government of Canada.............................................................p.35
Réseau des femmes d’affaires du Québec (RFAQ) ............................................................. p.36-45 Support cells ............................................................................................................................p.36 Training, networking and assistance ......................................................................................p.37
ACCROIT (cooperative growth accelerator) and ACCROIT Tremplin ......................................p.38
Identification of women-owned businesses and large corporations .....................................p.39 Webinar – How to get Quebec government contracts ...........................................................p.40
Growing business development office (BDEC)........................................................................p.41 Support for certification as a women-owned business ..........................................................p.42
Due diligence audit..................................................................................................................p.43
Matching of certified women-owned businesses with large corporations ............................p.44 Trade missions in Canada, the U.S., Europe and different countries of the Francophonie....p.45 SADC + CAE ........................................................................................................................... p.46-48
Training, networking and assistance ......................................................................................p.46 Financial products and support ..............................................................................................p.47
Youth Strategy ........................................................................................................................p.48
Sous-traitance industrielle Québec (STIQ) ...............................................................................p.49 WEConnect ........................................................................................................................... p.50-52
Supplier forums and meet the buyer events ..........................................................................p.50
Annual conferences across the globe .....................................................................................p.51 Office hours .............................................................................................................................p.52
WEConnect Academy ..............................................................................................................p.53 Women Initiative Foundation ...................................................................................................p.54
Transatlantic ............................................................................................................................p.54
3BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Business DevelopmentBank of Canada (BDC)
Mission
Help make canadian entrepreneurs the most competitive in the world.
Play a leadership role in the ecosystem by supporting the growth and
success of women entrepreneurs by building relationships of trust and
respect with all partners through our leadership, guidance, customized
advice and financial solutions, and workshops throughout Canada.
Objectives
• Improve access to bdc services for women entrepreneurs
• Meet the unique needs of women entrepreneurs by adopting a
personalized approach
• Play a leading role in gender equality in relation to venture capital
• Be a thought leader and catalyzer of canada’s ecosystem of
women entrepreneurs
• Support skills development and financial literacy for women
entrepreneurs to help them access their ecosystem
Women Entrepreneurs
Marie-Chantale Lortie, Regional Manager, Partnerships
514-461-5609 | [email protected]
France Beaulieu, Regional Director, Strategy implementation
514-461-5690 | [email protected]
All revenues
4BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Business DevelopmentBank of Canada (BDC)
Mission
The BDC Capital Women in Technology (WIT) Venture Fund of $200M
is one of the world’s largest venture capital funds dedicated to investing
in women-led technology companies.
The fund invests in women-led technology companies (from seed, to
series A and B financing) that bring together the right people,
technology and resources to transform and disrupt today’s markets. The
fund invests in strong, scalable, revenue generating companies that
want to grow quickly.
Most importantly, each company must be women-led—meaning it has a
female founder, co-founder, CEO or executive driving the direction of
the business. Executives must be in their role for a minimum of one
year.
bdc.ca/capital
Women in Technology Venture Fund
All revenues
5BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Supplier Diversity
Business DevelopmentBank of Canada (BDC)
bdc.ca/fournisseur
Mission
Diversity makes good business sense
As the only bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs, BDC has an
important role to play in promoting diversity and helping build world-
class businesses.
As such, BDC is committed to expanding the presence of diverse
suppliers in its procurement process.
Women entrepreneurs can register their business on bdc.ca/supplier,
and find all procurement opportunities at BDC regarding goods,
services and construction projects.
All revenues
6BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)
Cheffes de file
cdpq.com
Mission and objectives
The CDPQ launched a unique initiative with the goal of accelerating
growth among women-owned companies. Cheffes de file brings
together, by invitation, women entrepreneurs from across quebec with a
track record of achievement and leadership who are running solid
companies with a promising future.
Cheffes de file is a community of women entrepreneurs to which the
CDPQ provides value-add resources and information to hone their
strategic and operational thinking.
$5M to $25M
7BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:For more information, please contact the CED business office in your area. You
will find their contact information at the following link:
https://www.dec-ced.gc.ca/fra/contact/bureaux/index.html
Mission
Promote the long-term economic development of the regions of Quebec by giving special attention to those where slow economic growth is prevalent.
Objective
CED offers guidance to Quebec businesses and regions toward the
economy of tomorrow. CED focuses its interventions on SMEs and
economic NPOs by building on innovation and inclusive growth, notably
women entrepreneurs.
CED targets projects with significant economic spin-offs, by supporting
SME investments for growth, productivity (adoption or adaptation of
advanced technologies) and international commercialization, or by
acting as a facilitator to bring together the right partners for a project.
Selection criteriaBeing a Quebec SME in manufacturing or high-added value services
Canada EconomicDevelopment for Quebec Regions
Not specified
8BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
IP awareness and education program
Canadian IntellectualProperty Office
Xavier Genest
438-340-2218
www.ic.gc.ca
Objective
Our aim is to ensure that IP is better understood by Canadians and is
more strategically used as an integral part of innovation and business
success. CIPO is committed to increasing IP awareness by delivering
tailored and responsive products, services and training in collaboration
with our partners and networks across Canada and around the world.
Not specified
9BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal – ACCLR / Info entrepreneurs
Cindy Desmarais
Head, Business Information
514-496-4636
acclr.ccmm.ca
Mission
Provide free, timely information to businesses about federal, provincial
and municipal government programs, services and regulations as well
as private-sector programs and competitions via the web, email and
telephone, and in person, in 12 languages.
Strategic information centre: statistics and trends, company profiles,
sector studies, etc.
Selection criteria
Pre-diagnosis of business needs for a more effective referral.
Not specified
10BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
City of Montreal
Mission
Optimize the potential of women entrepreneurs through the Action Plan
for Entrepreneurship, which is implementing actions to specifically meet
the needs of women entrepreneurs.
The many areas of action include support, coaching, skills development
and awareness-raising among young women about the technology and
digital industries.
Diane Duhamel
514-872-9944
ville.montreal.qc.ca
Not specified
11BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
École d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce
Isabelle Leber
Executive Director
418-228-5558
www.eebeauce.com/
Mission
Create a mythical institution, a space bringing all factors together to
promote mutual exchange and support among entrepreneurs with the
goal of driving the prosperity of Quebec as a whole.
Selection criteria
No distinction between female and male entrepreneurs. All candidates
are eligible.
Not specified
12BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Entrepreneurial Winning WomenTM
Ernst & Young (EY)
Objectifs
Help women entrepreneurs achieve their potential through a personalized leadership program. Specifically:
• Grow their knowledge of business strategy and practices• Identify possibilities for partnerships, strategic alliances, clients and
suppliers as well as potential private capital sources• Benefit from access to advice and support• Build leadership skills and identify growth opportunities • Gain greater national and regional visibility
Selection criteria
• Be the founder and CEO of a private company in Canada or the United States (with at least a 51% interest)
• Have founded the company within the last 10 years• Have declared company sales of at least $2 million a year for the
last two financial years (candidate companies generally report annual revenue of between $2 million and around $30 million)
Martine Quintal
514-874-4613
www.ey.com
$2M to $30M
13BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
EDC’s Women in Trade Investments Program
Export Development Canada (EDC)
1-888-220-0047
www.EDC.ca/femmes-en-commerce
MissionDedicated to helping Canadian companies of all sizes succeed on the
world stage. As international risk experts, we equip Canadian
companies with the tools they need – the trade knowledge, financing
solutions, equity, insurance, and connections – to take on the world
with confidence.
Objectives• Educate and provide knowledge to women entrepreneurs regarding
export planning, financial risks and mitigation tools, and market
strategies to help build skills and confidence to enter new markets
• Offer awareness of export opportunities and provide business
connections
• Increase access to EDC’s financial tools for women-owned and
women-led businesses for exporting and international expansion
including loan guarantees and credit insurance
• Personalized approach to providing advice, insights, long-term
relationship, and added value
• Inspire and build a trade culture in Canada to ultimately have more
Canadian women-owned and women-led companies exporting and
growing in global markets
$100,000 and over
14BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Conventional loans via the Fonds pour les femmes
entrepreneures FQ
Femmessor
Mission
To contribute directly to the creation, growth and acquisition of
businesses managed and held solely or in part by women, in the 17
regions of Quebec.
To provide financing, coupled with guidance adapted to women
entrepreneurs' specific needs, enabling them to build sustainable and
prosperous businesses.
Objective
To foster the creation, growth and acquisition of businesses managed
and held solely or in part by women.
Selection criteria
Women holding at least 25% of the business's shares (votes) and
occupying a strategic position.
Stéphanie Dumont
1-844-523-7767, ext. 210
femmessor.com
$200,000 to $1M
15BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Share capital financing for women entrepreneurs
Femmessor
Objective
Promote the growth of women-owned businesses through share capital
investments.
Selection criteria
Growing businesses (those recording three years of profit). Women
holding at least 25% of the business's shares (votes) and occupying a
strategic position.
Myriam Paquin
1-844-523-7767, ext. 201
femmessor.com
Over $1M
16BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Welcome and referral over the phone
Femmessor
Objective
Offer a personal and warm welcome to all of Quebec's women
entrepreneurs and guide them to the right resources
Selection criteria
Being a woman entrepreneur or a woman wanting to start a business.
Zineb Aharbil
1-844-523-7767
femmessor.com
$0 to $50,000
17BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Pre-financing advisory services
Femmessor
Objective
Offer guidance to women entrepreneurs who want to receive financing
Selection criteria
Women holding at least 25% of the business's shares (votes),
occupying a strategic position, and hoping to get financing through a
loan or share capital.
France Déry
1-844-523-7767
femmessor.com
$0 to $50,000
18BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Personalized post-financing support
Femmessor
Geneviève Lessard
1-844-523-7767
femmessor.com
Objectives
• Offer personalized guidance based on the needs of women
entrepreneurs receiving financing from the Fonds FQ or in share
capital.
• Help women develop their full potential and maximize their business
success.
Selection criteria
Women-owned businesses having received financing through the
Fonds pour les femmes entrepreneurs FQ or in share capital, thanks to
our partner Desjardins Capital
$50,000 to $200,000
19BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Femmessor Experts
Femmessor
Objective
Offer women entrepreneurs (or those thinking of starting a business)
across Quebec a source of inspiration and motivation to dare to take
action, and to offer them concrete tools.
Selection criteria
Any business financed through Femmessor.
Geneviève Lessard
1-844-523-7767
femmessor.com
$50,000 to $200,000
20BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Femmessor Co-Development Cells (start-ups)
Femmessor
Objective
Promote women entrepreneurs’ development through a cell made up of
peer entrepreneurs and through the power of co-development.
Selection criteria
Women in business for at most three years, holding at least 25% of the
business' shares (votes) and occupying a strategic position.
Geneviève Lessard
1-844-523-7767
femmessor.com
$50,000 to $200,000
21BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Femmessor
Geneviève Lessard
1-844-523-7767
femmessor.com
Objective
Promote the growing entrepreneur's development through the power of
co-development.
Selection criteria
Women entrepreneurs managing a growing business (often in its initial
growth phases).
Femmessor Co-Development Cells (growing)
$200,000 to $1M
22BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Femmessor seminars (men and women)
Femmessor
Objective
Offer entrepreneurs (or those thinking of starting a business) across
Quebec a source of inspiration and motivation to dare to take action,
and to offer them concrete tools.
Selection criteria
Men and women entrepreneurs wanting to start a business.
Véronique Dargis
1-844-523-7767
femmessor.com
$0 to $50,000
23BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Visibility and success of women entrepreneurs in Quebec
Femmessor
Véronique Dargis
1-844-523-7767
femmessor.com
Objective
Promote women entrepreneurs from Quebec, and feature inspiring
models.
Selection criteria
Inspiring women entrepreneurs, recognized for their business
success(es).
Over $1M
24BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Women’s entrepreneurship
Fondation Montréal Inc.
Mission
Promote the success of ambitious young entrepreneurs from Montreal
who have an innovative start-up project. Bursaries (up to $30,000),
workshops and coaching are offered by 450 experienced business men
and women who volunteer to help. New program in 2019: one-day
Boost camp.
Objectives
• Increase the number of women who move from an idea/intention to
action
• Increase the number of women who submit bursary applications
Selection criteria
• From 18 to 35 years old
• Having an innovative project
• Not having made sales / recurring sales for over a year
• Being ready to initiate sales within the next 12 months
• Show that the project has the potential to create jobs
• Live in the Greater Montreal area (head office on the Island of
Montreal or the South Shore)
514-872-8401
www.montrealinc.ca $0 to $50,000
25BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Fonds de solidarité FTQ
Mission
Created in 1983, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ is a development capital
fund that calls upon the solidarity and savings of Quebecers to help
fulfill its mission to contribute to Québec's economic growth by creating,
maintaining or protecting jobs through investments in small and
medium-sized businesses in all spheres of activity. The Fonds also
seeks to encourage Quebecers to save for retirement and to offer its
over half a million shareholders-savers a reasonable return over and
above the outstanding tax benefits they receive by purchasing Fonds
shares.
Financing
The Fonds de solidarité FTQ offers businesses custom financing that
complements traditional sources. Two types of loans are available:
Equity loan
• Investment horizon of 5 to 10 years
Insecured loan
• No collateral required
• Competitive risk-base interest rate
• Custom terms
www.fondsftq.com/Not specified
26BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Objective
For more than 120 years, the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) has
been helping Canadian companies break into international markets.
Canadian trade commissioners are located in more than 160 cities in
Canada and worldwide, and can help with international business
expansion by providing key business insights and access to an
unbeatable network of international contacts.
Selection criteria
Businesses must fit the TCS’s definition of a client, including the ability
to export immediately.
Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
All revenues
27BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Business Women in International Trade (BWIT)
Objective
The BWIT program seeks to open international markets to Canadian
women-owned companies. It offers targeted products and services to
help women entrepreneurs go global with their businesses.
Selection criteria
Businesses must fit the TCS’s definition of a client, including the ability
to export immediately.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
All revenues
28BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
CanExport
Objective
CanExport provides direct financial assistance to small and medium-
sized businesses (SMEs) registered in Canada to help them develop
new export opportunities and markets, especially high-growth
emerging markets.
Eligible activities
To be eligible, activities must aim to promote international business
development and must go beyond the applicant’s core activities,
represent new initiatives and provide an opportunity to yield
incremental results. For illustrative purposes, these activities could
include:
• Business travel
• Participation at trade fairs
• Market research
• Adapting marketing tools for a new market
• Legal fees associated with a distribution/representation agreement
Global Affairs Canada (GAC)
All revenues
29BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Les Innovantes
Inno-Centre(Corporation Inno-Centre du Québec)
Mission
Offer consulting services to SMEs that must meet the challenge of
expanding their companies.
Objectives
• Help women entrepreneurs perfect their skills
• Help them with consulting resources
• Help them develop within the business
• Help their business attain its optimal development
Selection criteria
• Businesses with more than $2M in sales
• Women shareholders holding a managerial position
• Businesses having to meet a growth challenge
• Referral from a venture capital investor, a government agency for
the economy, a city or region's economic development service, or
from Femmessor
Pierre Nelis
Chief Operating Officer
514-987-9550 / 1-877-987-9550
inno-centre.com
Not specified
30BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Innovation Canada
Mission
From funding to expert advice to driving new collaborations, the
Government of Canada’s flagship programs and services are designed
to help businesses innovate, create jobs and grow Canada’s economy.
The innovation.canada.ca digital platform brings it all together in one
place. It's the place to go to get a tailored list of everything that
government can do for your business.
www.innovation.canada.caNot specified
31BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Activer les idéateurs d’ici
La Ruche
Sophie Reis
Executive director, innovation, La Ruche
Co-founder, La Ruche Grand Montréal
Mission
La Ruche is a non-profit organization specialized in crowdfunding. Its
mission is to encourage the emergence of projects that stimulate the
influence and vitality of a given region. Through its proximity
crowdfunding platform and its partners, La Ruche actively contributes to
the development of new projects in the province of Quebec.
• Program 1 : Crowdfunding coaching
• Program 2 : Access to additional financing (bursaries, loans and
grants) through partners
Not specified
32BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec (MEQ)
Ana Meija
Director, Manufacturing Projects
514-866-7774, ext. 119
cme-mec.ca
Mission
Support manufacturers facing labour, innovation and export issues, as
well as represent members before provincial and federal governments
to create a business environment that will allow manufacturers to
compete at home and abroad.
Not specified
33BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Montréal International
Mission
Attract entrepreneurs to Greater Montreal.
Cédric Tawil
514-987-9393
www.montrealinternational.com
Not specified
34BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
OSEntreprendre Challenge, Business Creation
and Successful Business Inc. divisions
OSEntreprendre
Éric Darveau
581-307-2917
osentreprendre.quebec
Objective
The OSEntreprendre Challenge is deployed in all regions of Québec
to turn the spotlight on projects in their communities.
Business Creation Division
The Business Creation division of the OSEntreprendre Challenge offers
new entrepreneurs, during the launch year of their business, an
opportunity to have their project vetted, to receive bursaries, to grow
their network and to share their passion (50 % of participants are
women).
Successful Business Inc.
The Successful Business Inc. division promotes businesses that have
already taken part in the OSEntreprendre Challenge, that are still in
business after five years, and whose track record boasts five
ingredients of success: achievements, values, finances, outlook and
teamwork. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to take stock and
foster the spirit of entrepreneurship by sharing their journey.
$0 to $50,000
35BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Public Services andProcurement Canada -Office of Small and Medium Entreprises How to do business with the government of Canada
Program overview
Strives to provide information to women entrepreneurs to assist them in
identifying relevant opportunities to do business with the government.
Objective
Provide women entrepreneurs access to government tenders.
Selection criteria
Women entrepreneurs with potential to bid on and fulfill public
contracts.
The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises – Region of Quebec
514-210-5770
https://buyandsell.gc.ca/support-smaller-businesses
Not specified
36BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Support cells
Réseau des femmes d’affaires du Québec (RFAQ)
Vivianne Beauséjour
Coordinator, Support Cells
514-521-5119, ext. 112
www.rfaq.ca
Objectives
Encourage sharing expertise and professional experiences. Encourage enriching conversations between businesswomen in various fields.
• Develop strong connections (informal and private meetings)
• Share winning strategies
• Receive personalized advice
• Exchange unique expertise in a completely confidential setting
• Break out of isolation and discover the benefits of having a business
network in terms of visibility and career path
• Benefit from many different perspectives
• Develop self-confidence
• Practice teamwork
• Test leadership skills
• Speak and share in a safe and confidential environment
• Create connections to reach goals faster
• Be part of a fast-growing group of businesswomen ready to help
each other
Not specified
37BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Training, networking and assistance
Réseau des femmes d’affaires du Québec (RFAQ)
www.rfaq.ca
Program summary
Several dynamic monthly activities organized across 13 regions in
Quebec, in addition to the Réseau des jeunes femmes d’affaires du
Québec, allowing businesswomen and women in leadership roles to
reach their career and professional development goals.
Examples of training and activities include: breakfasts, lunchtime
conferences, training cocktails, round tables, business speed-dating,
days outdoors, contests, the Prix femmes d’affaires du Québec gala,
conferences, VIP receptions, etc.
Objective
Create connections, network, create partnerships and alliances, and do
business with other women.
Not specified
38BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
ACCROIT (cooperative growth accelerators) and
ACCROIT Tremplin
Réseau des femmes d’affaires du Québec (RFAQ)
Objective
Accelerate the growth of businesses owned by women and help them
meet the challenges from that growth.
Lise BlondinProvincial Coordinator514-521-5119, ext. [email protected]
Not specified
39BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Identification of women-owned businesses and large corporations
Réseau des femmes d’affaires du Québec (RFAQ)
Objectives
The RFAQ and its economic partners in Quebec identify growing
women-owned businesses (WOBs) that would benefit from meeting
with large organizations likely to select them as suppliers.
The RFAQ identifies large organizations that are interested in choosing
WOBs as suppliers or that are in the process of implementing a supplier
diversity policy.
Lise BlondinProvincial Coordinator514-521-5119, ext. [email protected]
Not specified
40BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Webinar – How to get Quebec government contracts
Réseau des femmes d’affaires du Québec (RFAQ)
Lise BlondinProvincial Coordinator514-521-5119, ext. [email protected]
Objectives
As part of its strategic plan, the Government of Quebec, in partnership with the RFAQ, held an information session to inform participants of the countless opportunities small and medium-sized enterprises can enjoy by doing business with the Government of Quebec, followed by a series of five interactive coffee meetings and practical exercises.
• Allow SMEs to become suppliers for the provincial government,
thereby allowing as many entrepreneurs as possible to benefit from
this opportunity
• Raise awareness of the different government opportunities
• Understand the Government of Quebec's procurement and purchase
process : public and limited tenders
• Understand how to remain up-to-date with government needs—big
and small—for products and services
• Understand how to prepare to make bids and to find them on the
sites
• Tips and tricks to take advantage of government business
opportunities
Not specified
41BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Growing business development office (BDEC)
Réseau des femmes d’affaires du Québec (RFAQ)
Objectives
The project allows the RFAQ to effectively help businesses majority-owned by women to take advantage of opportunities provided by supplier diversity programs.
With this strategic tool, growing businesses supported by this program will be able to create new business opportunities, particularly with large corporations in local, regional and international markets.
• Accelerate the business's growth by getting the support needed to do so
• More effectively help majority women-owned businesses take advantage of the business opportunities provided by supplier diversity programs
Diane Diotte
Coordinator for the Growing Business Development Office514-521-5119, ext. 123 / 1-800-332-2683
Not specified
42BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Support for certification as a woman-owned business
Réseau des femmes d’affaires du Québec (RFAQ)
Lise BlondinProvincial Coordinator514-521-5119, ext. [email protected]
Objectives
The RFAQ has a mandate to help women-owned businesses (WOBs)
increase their development potential so that they can ultimately do
business with large Canadian or international organizations.
• Access to large corporations
• Support to properly understand the criteria and issues
• Access a new business development network
• Build a new network of women entrepreneurs with the same goals
• Access the necessary resources for successful business
development
Not specified
43BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Due diligence audit
Réseau des femmes d’affaires du Québec (RFAQ)
Objectives
• Allow Quebec SMEs to become certified so that they can make bids
to large corporations with supplier diversity programs
• Inform WOBs of the certification criteria
• Accelerate the process by being the bridge between WEConnect
and the assessors
• Schedule appointments between assessors and WOBs
Main benefits: Access to large corporations and the opportunity to bid
on contracts via a portal dedicated exclusively to diverse suppliers
Lise Blondin
Provincial Coordinator514-521-5119, ext. [email protected]
Not specified
44BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Matching of certified women-owned businesses
with large corporations
Réseau des femmes d’affaires du Québec (RFAQ)
Lise Blondin
Provincial Coordinator514-521-5119, ext. [email protected]
Mission
Help Quebec SMEs bid on large-corporation contracts and ultimately
win them.
The success of the Développement économique féminin (DEF) program
is due in large part to this matching between large corporations and
certified businesses.
Not specified
45BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Trade missions in Canada, the U.S., Europe and
different countries of the Francophonie
Réseau des femmes d’affaires du Québec (RFAQ)
Lise Blondin
Provincial Coordinator514-521-5119, ext. [email protected]
Objectives
Prepare, inform and support women entrepreneurs to meet large
corporations during trade missions so they can make contacts and
become suppliers.
• Meet with large corporations’ representatives and present
products/services to them
• Know the criteria for becoming a supplier to large corporations
• Integrate large, international supply chains
• Meet women business leaders to network and create business
partnerships
Not specified
46BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Training, networking and assistance
SADC + CAE
Mission
The Réseau des SADC et CAE is a network of 66 organizations taking
an active role in the economic development of their communities by
stimulating engagement and coordination, initiating and supporting
collective projects, and providing entrepreneurs with coaching and
financing adapted to their needs.
SADC et CAE are found in all territories outside of major urban centres.
All SADC et CAE develop their own products and services, but they all
offer certain of the same services, such as custom training and
entrepreneur networking. They also provide flexible financing and
personalized coaching tailored to a business’ needs.
Paul Gauthier
Executive Director
418-658-1530
All revenues
47BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Financial products and support
SADC + CAE
Annie Pomerleau
Program Director
418-658-1530
Diversified financial products
Businesses can access a selection of financial products through SADC
et CAE, from loans with preferential terms to short-term financing and
non-repayable contributions.
Support for small businesses
SADC et CAE give women entrepreneurs access to specialized
expertise in a range of fields, such as technology integration,
innovation, sustainable development, marketing, and business transfer
and acquisition, by defraying the cost of consultation fees.
All revenues
48BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Youth Strategy
SADC + CAE
Mission
This program targets young people ages 18 to 39 who want to start or
grow their own business.
• Personal unsecured loan
• Two-year interest moratorium
• Personalized coaching
• Adapted training
Criteria
Being a business owner with decision-making power. You are not
required to be the majority owner.
Annie Pomerleau
Program Director
418-658-1530
All revenues
49BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Sous-traitance industrielle Québec (STIQ)
Mission
A multi-industry association of Quebec-based businesses whose
mission is to improve the competitiveness of manufacturing supply
chains in order to promote the development of the Quebec economy.
Services1. B2B Matching – events, business opportunities, tours, conferences,
etc.
2. Manufacturing supply chain diagnostics
3. Manufacturer-specific development program
514 875-8789
www.stiq.comNot specified
50BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Supplier forums and meet the buyer events
Objectives
These events between corporate buyers and women business owners
(WBOs) may include matchmaking for certified businesses, pitching,
workshops and panels to develop entrepreneurial skills.
Criteria
WEConnect International identifies, educates, registers and certifies
business based outside of the U.S. that are at least 51% woman-
owned, as well as managed and controlled by one or more women.
647 453-5483
weconnectinternational.org
WEConnect
Not specified
51BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Annual conferences across the globe
Objectives
WEConnect International hosts conferences in its major markets for
women business owners and business networks, government officials,
corporate buyers, industry leaders and investors to participate in
industry-focused business education, focused networking and corporate
to women-owned business matching.
Criteria
WEConnect International identifies, educates, registers and certifies
business based outside of the U.S. that are at least 51% woman-
owned, as well as managed and controlled by one or more women.
647 453-5483
weconnectinternational.org
WEConnect
Not specified
52BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Office Hours
Objectives
Office Hours is a mentorship program matching women business
owners with corporate representatives to receive feedback, strategic
advice and information regarding their chosen industry.
Selection criteria
WEConnect International identifies, educates, registers and certifies
business based outside of the U.S. that are at least 51% woman-
owned, as well as managed and controlled by one or more women.
647 453-5483
weconnectinternational.org
WEConnect
Not specified
53BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
WEConnect Academy
Objectives
WEConnect Academy provides online training and additional resources
and information to help WEConnect's global network of women
business owners achieve their growth objectives, become business-
ready to close deals with multinational corporations, learn from experts
and fellow WBEs about the dos and don'ts of managing a company,
discover innovative tools and strategies, build a network of support, and
more.
Criteria
WEConnect International identifies, educates, registers and certifies
business based outside of the U.S. that are at least 51% woman-
owned, as well as managed and controlled by one or more women.
647 453-5483
weconnectinternational.org
WEConnect
Not specified
54BDC – Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact information
Women entrepreneurs’ needs
Inspiration from other women
entrepreneurs
Access to resources and available support options
Financing
Development of necessary skills
to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors
Growth stage of targeted businesses
Start-ups
Expansion
Reaching new markets
Targeted revenues:
Transatlantic
Women Initiative Foundation
Mission
Promote women in the world of business and the economy in general.
WIF aims to promote women at all levels of business and shatter the
glass ceiling they face, in terms of salary and career.
• Various events
• Training (Stanford)
• Access to women leaders to help them grow their business
• Canadian women have access to French mentors
Selection criteria
• Minimum $1M in sales
• Minimum of 3 years in business
Anne-Marie Hubert / [email protected]
Christiane Bergevin / [email protected] $1M