Top Resources for Women Entrepreneurs
Updated: October 16, 2024
Original Published Date: March 9, 2020
Live Twitter #StartupChats discussing top resources for women entrepreneurs
Q&A with Startup Canada Guest Advisor Christine Whone
Q1: Why is it important for women entrepreneurs to leverage available support and resources to start and scale up?
A1: Successful entrepreneurs make decisions with integrity and stay true to their level of success. They are competitive but do not compare their level of success to others.
Q2: What advice do you have for women entrepreneurs to start a business? Tag organizations and link resources relevant to women entrepreneurs.
A2: Learn technology. Beginner tech knowledge is so key to startup success. DIY business marketing materials, WordPress or HTML & CSS website in a day. Need more digital skills? Check out Canada Learning Code and Ladies Learning Code workshops.
Q3: What advice would you provide to women entrepreneurs on finding the right mentor(s)?
A3: The right mentor brings encouragement to your success. They understand your unique journey and guide you in marketing your business. They ask you questions to help coach you in personal discernment so you learn how to choose the best path to success for yourself.
Q4: What advice do you have for women entrepreneurs for developing a solid business plan?
A4: Educate yourself on business finance, corporate tax, and bookkeeping processes for cash flow. Work with a thoughtful accountant who cares about your success who isn’t taking advantage of your lack of knowledge, and who is open and willing to share their knowledge to advance you.
Q5: What funding options can women entrepreneurs consider?
A5: Consider women entrepreneur resources with BDC and Startup Canada.
Q6: What advice do you have for women entrepreneurs on scaling their businesses?
A6: It's a creative problem-solving process!
Q7: What tips can you share with women entrepreneurs when building a supportive community around themselves and their businesses?
A7: Watch out for the dream crushers. When you meet one don’t let them crush you. But do take any feedback and discern to find wisdom and value in it, usually, there’s something in the feedback to benefit you!
Q8: For women entrepreneurs expanding globally, what should they consider when entering new markets?
A8: Find accountants, consultants and business professionals you can consult with who have the experience and expertise who can and will, help you enter new markets with success.
Q9: What is the value of programming specifically designed for women looking to pursue entrepreneurship?
A9: Directly seeing the difference it makes for other women while being surrounded by women who experience success, and positive and beneficial learning outcomes for their business startup, it's a real-time collinear influence.
Q10: What criteria can women entrepreneurs use to evaluate and determine the best resources for their business?
A10: Start by asking yourself what the desired outcome is. For example, is it a preferred learning outcome? Is it a financial outcome? Then calculate the value of your time or cost investment needed to determine if it’s the best resource for your business then choose.
Q11: Do you have any final advice or tips for women entrepreneurs to help find resources for their businesses?
A11: Meet other women you admire, who are role models to you, and who are successful in business, watch their strategic business moves, then ask yourself why they do what they do, process the information, discern, and learn from their example.
