SASKATCHEWAN SALUTES WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

May 4 to 10 is Women Entrepreneurs Week in Saskatchewan, a time when we recognize the significant contributions of business and professional women to the province's economy.

Women entrepreneurs are a force in the province's business community, owning and operating approximately one-third of Saskatchewan businesses in 2008. Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. is a key organization that supports businesswomen through loans, business advice, mentorship programs and training opportunities.

"Women entrepreneurs from rural and urban Saskatchewan are making significant contributions to our booming economy," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "This special week gives us the opportunity to recognize this contribution, as well as the very successful program Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan provides."

As a non-profit organization, Women Entrepreneurs disbursed more than $14.4 million in loans to help women start, expand or purchase existing businesses in the province, and has leveraged an additional $11.3 million in funding. The financing has helped businesswomen create hundreds of jobs in the province.

"Women entrepreneurs are vital to our province's growing economy," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "They have proven themselves to be exceptional leaders and role models with a strong commitment to mentoring and team building. As individuals, and as a network, they create opportunities for others to fulfil their dreams of owning their own business."

Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. has seen its membership grow to more than 800 women in the province, since it was founded in 1995. By 2007, it had assisted over 27,800 women. It has also provided training sessions to more than 14,000 women and scheduled another 20,700 business advisory appointments. The website has so far recorded over 325,500 visits.

The highlight of the week is the Women Entrepreneurs business symposium whose theme is "Back to Basics" and annual general meeting on May 9 in Regina featuring leading consultant and entrepreneur Dr. Perry Bamji.

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For more information, contact:

Joanne Johnson
Enterprise and Innovation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7967
Email: joanne.johnson@gov.sk.ca

Gladys Wasylenchuk
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4156
Email: gwasylenchuk@lab.gov.sk.ca