Highlighting entrepreneurship at the 42nd Annual Canadian Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference

Researchers from across the country discussed the latest research on entrepreneurship and innovation

The Diversity Institute (DI) and WEKH had a strong presence at the 42nd Annual International Canadian Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (CCSBE) Conference from November 6 to 8, 2024, held virtually and in person in Calgary, Alta. Through nine virtual panels on the first day, researchers discussed the latest research on critical themes, including financing for women entrepreneurs, Indigenous entrepreneurship, 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurship, immigrant entrepreneurship, support systems, skills and training, procurement and supplier diversity, social entrepreneurship and sustainability, and women in technology. 

Shannon Pestun, senior advisor to DI and WEKH, delivered a sponsor’s message, outlining the impact of DI and WEKH research on advancing entrepreneurship. “Led out of The Diversity Institute, WEKH is a collaboration with 10 regional hubs and a network of over 250 organizations. Through this model, we’re able to spread our expertise from coast to coast, enabling service providers, academics, government and industry to enhance their support for women entrepreneurs,” Pestun said. “Today, WEKH reaches and addresses the needs of more than 100,000 diverse women entrepreneurs. Its advanced technology platform, powered by Magnet, links women entrepreneurs and the organizations that serve them to resources and best practices. WEKH’s See It. Be It. database challenges gender stereotypes by profiling more than 1,800 successful women entrepreneurs.

That evening, CCSBE presented Dr. Wendy Cukier, founder and academic of DI and WEKH, with the inaugural Mary A. Kilfoil Award for Outstanding Contributions to Advancing Innovations in Entrepreneurship Education. This prestigious award, established in memory of the late Mary Kilfoil, was presented by her husband, Dr. Ed Leach, to honour Kilfoil’s legacy in entrepreneurship. Cukier was recognized for her impactful contributions to Canada’s innovation ecosystem through DI, the Future Skills Centre and WEKH. Cukier, who could not attend in person, gave a heartfelt video acceptance speech. She noted Kilfoil’s extraordinary influence and impact. Pestun accepted the award on her behalf.

 

Shannon Pestun, WEKH’s senior advisor, holds the Mary A. Kilfoil Award. Dr. Ed Leach, standing beside her, presented the award named for his late wife to Dr. Wendy Cukier, founder and academic director of DI and WEKH. Pestun accepted the award on Cukier’s behalf.

The following day’s in-person plenary on inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems featured a video presentation by Cukier, followed by an in-person discussion with Dr. Gina Grandy from the University of Calgary and Dr. Banu Ozkazanc-Pan from Brown University, moderated by Pestun. The session delved into the state of women’s entrepreneurship in Canada, including the critical role of women and the barriers and gaps that need to be addressed to foster economic growth.