Newsletter:
October 2017


Message from the Chair 
Goodness, what a month it’s been. Hurricanes and fires and all manner of disasters, natural and manmade. While we work in our small enclaves to make big changes, the world rocks and rolls around us. Sometimes it’s easy to feel as if we have no power at all. When we do have the potential to influence things, we should make every effort to do so. Case in point: we were asked to disseminate a letter to women entrepreneurs written by Minister Chagger and Minister Morneau responding to the media coverage of proposed tax changes and requesting input from the public.
 
Our subsequent communications with our clients emphasized the importance of going to the source for direct information concerning the changes in tax legislation planned. I believe many of our clients did so and took advantage of the opportunity to comment that was offered by the Department of Finance by October 2.
 
In our ongoing support for women entrepreneurs, politics and beliefs notwithstanding, what’s important is: getting the facts; analyzing the information and; taking action by having your voice heard. It’s good to ask questions and to challenge assumptions and, as women in business with a unique perspective, to provide thoughtful and cogent commentary that adds value to every discussion. 
 
And a good ending to the story. We are very pleased that the government is responding to the feedback they received on the proposed changes to tax regulations. It is reassuring that the voice of small business, and particularly, the voice of women in business has been heard and respected.

Sandra Altner
In This Issue: 
  • Western WEOC directors meet with Minister Chagger in Kelowna
  • Prix Développement économique Féminin
  • BWIT News
  • Telus Pitch
Western WEOC directors meet with Minister Chagger in Kelowna
Western WEOC board members;
  • Laurel Douglas of Women’s Enterprise Centre, BC
  • Marcela Mandeville of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs
  • Prabha Mitchell of Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan and
  • Sandra Altner of Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba
met with Minister Chagger in Kelowna in early September to discuss next steps in building a strategy for women’s entrepreneurship in Canada .  
Prix Développement économique Féminin
The Québec Women's Business Network (le Réseau des Femmes d’Affaires du Québec, RFAQ) is proud to present the three finalists of the Prix Développement économique Féminin, to a Certified women-owned company. The name of the winner will be unveiled at the Prix Femmes d'affaires du Quebec in Montreal, QC on November 8th. Find more information here.

Prix LOEM:
Nathalie D'Aoust, President, V Courrier, Laval Region
Danielle Déry, President, Perlimpinpin, Québec Region
Josée Dufour, President, Axiomatech Group, Laval Region
Business Women in International Trade (BWIT) 
Trade Mission to Mexico City
From November 7-9, the Business Women in International Trade (BWIT) Program of Global Affairs Canada will lead a women-focused trade mission to Mexico City.

The trade mission will be anchored on the Women’s Forum Mexico. This forum will bring together more than 850 women and men, each an influencer or with high potential in their field, for forward-looking debates. Attendees will benefit from:
  • peer-to-peer and expert-led workshops
  • learning and business opportunities
  • inspirational speakers.

The pre-program on November 7th will focus on entrepreneurs and business leaders from Canada, Mexico and the United States. This is an excellent opportunity for Canadian business women to meet Mexican and U.S. corporations, business women and government leaders through workshops, panels and networking receptions.

For more information, please visit the BWIT website. Deadline for registration for Canadian delegates is Friday, October 20.
Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs
The TELUS Pitch
The TELUS Pitch is Canada’s largest small business contest that brings together the best minds in Canadian small business. The contest helps accelerate success through the adoption of technology. Pitch your business for a chance to win $100,000! Entry deadline is October 29.

Prizes and Awards:
  • Grand prize: $100,000 cash.
  • 2 Runners-up: $10,000 cash.
  • Commnuity Impact Award: $10,000 cash and an additional $10,000 to donate to the charity of your choice.
  • Most Promising Startup Award: 2 Sumsung devices + $5,000 in services from Eighty-Eight, a creative communications agency.

Find more information here.
Upcoming Events
2017 IWEC Awards & Conference
November 12-14, 2017
Redmond, WA | Learn more here
2017 WE FOR SHE Forum 
November 17, 2017 
Vancouver, BC |  Learn more here
WEConnect International in Canada Power the Economy Conference  
November 30, 2017 
Toronto, ON |  Learn more here
SHEday 2018
January 26, 2018 
Winnipeg, MB | Follow on social media
WEOC Board

Sandra Altner , Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba
Paula Sheppard , Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs
Laurel Douglas , Women's Enterprise Centre of British Columbia
Marcela Mandeville , Alberta Women Entrepreneurs
Ruth Vachon , Femmes, Affaires et Développement
Prabha Mitchell , Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan    

Want to become a member of WEOC? Interested in resources for women entrepreneurs and women entrepreneur support organizations? Find these and much more at our website: