Women entrepreneurs in fields that are underrepresented are breaking the stigma, one business at a time.
Anne Calladine, an indigenous woman from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB) told Global News that many people are surprised to learn that she runs her own business in the northern region of Saskatchewan.
Calladine first purchased NorthWinds Bus Lines and NorthWinds Disposal Services in 2008. In 2015, it began construction of a 12,000-square-foot service shop and purchased additional land for equipment and bus parking.
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“We had a service workshop in a bay. That fall, we began construction by adding a second bay and adding a bathroom, ”Calladine said. “We have gone from a small basic building to now where we have a beautiful facility for our staff.”
Although business is doing well, Calladine recounts the early days when she faced stigma within the predominantly male industry.
“Men from my community would come into my office and say ‘I’d like to talk to the boss,’ without looking at me,” he said. “Everyone in the office would watch [me]and say ‘she’s the boss’ ”.
In 2016, Calladine was named Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year by the National Association of Aboriginal Capital Corporations (NACCA). He said it was an honor to receive the award for the work he does after investing years of work to get where he is.
Calladine encourages other women to remain their own bosses, with a few things in mind.
“Don’t try to look pretty. Don’t try to flirt [be] teasing or shy. That’s not what [men are] I’m going to respect it, ”he said.
“They are going to respect someone who can talk business with them, who is there for the right reasons, and who can introduce themselves appropriately. That’s something I’m key to. “
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Calladine is among 38.9 percent of women-owned businesses located outside of Saskatchewan’s 11 major urban centers, according to a recently released government report on women entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan that shares detailed data from 2007-2020.
“Women-owned businesses are important employers. Women-owned businesses employed the same number of employees, on average, as male-owned businesses (three per business), ”according to the report. “However, women-owned businesses generated 56.0% of the revenue of male-led businesses, 60.0% of assets, and 72.0% of average payroll expenses.”
The report includes details of the provincial support for women entrepreneurs through two new programs: Scale Up for Entrepreneurs and Digital Literacy for Entrepreneurs. According to a statement, both programs will be funded through labor market transfer agreements between Canada and Saskatchewan.
“The Scale Up for Entrepreneurs initiative will provide $ 450,000 to help eligible Saskatchewan entrepreneurs receive relevant training to acquire skills and knowledge to grow their businesses,” the report states. “Digital Literacy for Entrepreneurs will provide $ 1.6 million to focus on addressing the digital literacy needs of entrepreneurs, including women entrepreneurs, who want to integrate digital technologies into the future growth and success of their business, while mitigating the future risk associated with the application of technology. “
The CEO of Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK) said investing in women isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.
“This report is good news,” said Prabha Mitchell. “We should pause and celebrate entrepreneurial women in our province.”
Find the full report on the Saskatchewan government website.
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Reference-globalnews.ca