Congratulations to CCEDNet member PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise who hosted the federal minister for Innovation, Science and Economic Development, the Hon. Navdeep Bains, for an announcement of $2 million in investment to help women entrepreneurs, as well as small and medium-sized companies in Northern Ontario. The funding will allow women to get the skills training they need to raise the venture capital required to expand their businesses.

The Government of Ontario is also supporting PARO's Women's Enterprise Initiative with a $100,000 investment through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.

The two projects receiving funding will focus on empowering women, strengthening the development of small businesses, enhancing innovation and increasing employment opportunities throughout the region.

"The Government of Canada recognizes that investments to help women start and grow their own businesses create job opportunities for Northern Ontarians. By providing the resources and training that entrepreneurs need, our Government can help them achieve their business goals. These initiatives will strengthen the regional economy."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor

"Our government is proud to support PARO's Women's Enterprise Initiative through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. This investment will help PARO prepare female entrepreneurs across Northwestern Ontario with the resources they need to successfully develop and grow their businesses."
– Michael Gravelle, Miniser of Northern Development and Mines, Chair of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Coportaion and Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North

"I am proud of FedNor's longstanding partnership with the PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise, whose record of success in helping women entrepreneurs realize their business dreams is nothing short of impressive. Increasing the knowledge and skills of all women business owners, including those who are Indigenous, Francophone, new immigrants or young, will help them grow their companies and increase profitability."
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North

"The Next Level program offered through the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre will not only help new businesses secure market access for their innovative developments, but also assist existing businesses to undertake new marketing techniques to expand sales opportunities and grow their operations."
– Don Rusnak, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Rainy River

"We are grateful for the Government of Canada's continued faith in our abilities and support for our programs. We look forward to building on our past successes, energized that we will exceed expectations by providing women with the confidence, skills and resources they need to succeed in today's global economy."
– Rosalind Lockyer, Executive Director, PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise

SOURCE: The Government of Canada