Since the not-for-profit organization Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan began in 1995, has had over 145,00 connection points from those looking for help, and has provided $45 million in loans, which has had a $500 million impact in Saskatchewan.
That’s according to WESK’s CEO, Miriam Johnson, who says there is still much to do because in 2023, more than 80 per cent of Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises were owned by men.
If you consider it wasn’t until 1988 that women could actually receive a loan without a male cosigner, women have had a very late start in the entrepreneurship world.
Johnson describes WESK as an organization that helps women start, grow and scale their businesses across the province.
The non-profit now has more than 800 members with affordable services like business advising from mentors, financing, training and networking events.
A few changes have been made this year, recognizing their 30 years empowering women.
Johnson says WESK now has a new logo and a website that is easier to navigate, and they have simplified their membership structure.
There are two tiers – one for those wanting to become successful business owners and one for those wanting to become mentors.