Celebrating Island Women in Business
In April 2020, the Island had 3,057 continuing businesses, according to Statistics Canada. That’s compared to 3,334 one year earlier. This trend continued across the country, the Statistics Canada report says. Almost 90,000 businesses closed across Canada in April 2020, more than twice the level reported in April 2019.
By Jacqui Chaisson
T his is the fourth annual relevant than ever before. It’s a fact that Canadian women’s businesses have suffered economically Women in Business feature that PEI Living has published, but this year, it seems more from the pandemic. However, they actually fared marginally better than other business groups by responding quicker and in more innovative ways. We can talk about the statistics, but it’s the real-life experiences of woman entrepreneurs that tell the true story of how Island business owners, men and women, banded together to mentor and support each other throughout the crisis. Female entrepreneurs seek out support from each other through social media groups and organizations that cater to woman business owners. One resource is the Facebook group “Empower PEI Community,” led by Ashley Green. As of right now, the group is sitting at over 1300 members and growing. In 2020, it changed its name from “Girl Bosses of PEI” to “Empower PEI” and registered as a nonprofit, opening the group up to a larger membership. “We’re looking to support traditionally underrepresented entrepreneurs and managers in the 2SLGBTQIA+ and
BIPOC communities,” says Green, “in addition to women in business.”
virtual and small group gatherings,” says Green. “Currently we are working on producing a series of ‘After Hours Coffee Chats’ at a variety of local businesses across the Island. We’re hoping to hold our first one in March for about 20 attendees, and will be making an announcement soon.” We hope the women featured in this issue inspire you to support their ventures and other locally owned businesses.
Group members shared their resources, helped each other navigate the available assistance, prepared operational plans, and contributed to making decisions on how to move forward. “Last March, just before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, the group was eerily quiet for a few days. Everyone was thinking it, but no one wanted to be the first to mention it,” says Green. “I made a post asking how members were doing, and what changes they were making to prepare, and that’s when the floodgates opened. From there, it [COVID-19] was declared a pandemic, and the foundation of support was already well-established.” With this feature, PEI Living introduces you to outstanding women who have shown a true entrepreneurial spirit and persevered throughout these uncertain times. With COVID still lingering, especially in neighbouring provinces, groups like Empower PEI have been hesitant to plan in-person events. “Normally we would host a full day conference in March for 60 to 80 attendees, but this year, we’re looking [at] more
Ashley Green, leader of Facebook group “ Empower PEI Community” (photo Oakar Myint)
WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2021
SPRING 2021 www.pei-living.ca
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