New grants aimed at female-run enterprises

The province unveiled new grants Tuesday to help Alberta women overcome some of the unique hurdles they experience with community projects and entrepreneurship.

The $1.5 million in grants will be handed to 34 projects that boost “women’s safety, economic security and leadership.” The grants run from as little as $3,000 up to a $100,000 injection provided to Alberta Women Entrepreneurs.

Women face a tougher time accessing capital or gaining access to networks and can field sexist inquiries when applying for business loans, said Status of Women Minister Stephanie McLean, after announcing the grants Tuesday at Mother Earth Essentials.

For example, women can encounter questions about their family plans and pregnancy, “questions that men wanting to access capital don’t face,” she said.

McLean said more announcements will be coming and there will be another call for submissions for grants in the future.

Marcela Mandeville, the CEO of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs, said working at or starting a small business can provide valuable experience that takes much longer to get in the corporate world.

Mandeville’s organization, which received the $100,000 grant, helps female entrepreneurs with financing up to $150,000, networking, and mentorship programs.

Carrie Belcourt, owner of Mother Earth Essentials, said it took her years to start her own business. Her shop is “proudly aboriginal owned” and sells bath, body and beauty products that have a connection to indigenous culture.

Belcourt had a stable teaching job, but left after five years to start the business. She said other local indigenous businesses and grants really helped her.