The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on women. Most strikingly observed amongst women from disadvantaged populations, it is also taking a harsh toll on women entrepreneurs. Existing systemic inequalities pre-pandemic have been further exacerbated by recent shut-down measures, resulting in what some economists are calling a “she-cession,” as more women have lost their jobs and fewer women than men are re-gaining employment. What is clear is this: we will not achieve our full economic potential if support for women is not centred in our planning.

Join the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) for a lunch discussion with incredible speakers and critical discussions about how women’s entrepreneurship and leadership is critical to a stronger economic recovery in Canada.

Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

The link to the online event will be emailed to those registered on August 10th.

Agenda Highlights

12:00 – 12:05 pm | Welcome remarks by Michelle Eaton, Vice President, Public Affairs, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

12:05 – 12:15 pm | Remarks by Rachel Bendayan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade

12:15 – 12:35 pm | “The State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada” report launch by Dr. Wendy Cukier, Founder, Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub

12:35 – 1:25 pm | Panel discussion on the state of women’s entrepreneurship in Canada featuring Nadine Spencer, President & CEO, BrandEQ Group, Nicole Verkindt, Founder, OMX, and Tabatha Bull, President and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

1:25 – 1:30 pm | Closing remarks by Michelle Eaton, Vice President, Public Affairs, Ontario Chamber of Commerce