Francophone Businesswoman Tour in Summerside ‘resounding success’

Realizing that 45 per cent of its members are businesses or organizations managed by women, the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI (CCAFLIPE) decided to organize an information tour focusing on the services offered to businesswomen. And according to the participants’ comments, the tour was a resounding success.

The eight participating women had the opportunity to learn about the services of four organizations and agencies located in Wellington, Summerside and Central Bedeque.

The tour began with a luncheon presentation at the Wellington Rural Action Centre, the event’s main partner. Raymond J. Arsenault, CCAFLIPE's events co-ordinator, began by explaining the details of the tour and telling participants about upcoming events that might be of interest to them.

Josée Ouellette, the centre's client information officer, then told them about the centre's various support services for businesses and community organizations, as well as the move of her office to a different space in the building.

The female caravan then made its way to the offices of CBDC Central P.E.I. in Summerside.

Loans officer Tania Bernard gave the women a tour of her organization's facilities and then gave a brief presentation on its loan programs and entrepreneurial support services.

The group then drove to the Rural Women's Business Centre (established by the PEI Business Women's Association) in Central Bedeque.

Manager Shelley Jessop first guided the delegation on a tour of the centre's facilities, which include offices for private meetings, a large work and meeting room, a roomy kitchen and more. She also informed them about the various support services she offers to rural businesswomen.

Finally, at the same venue, Katelyn Godfrey, senior account manager of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), told them about the organization’s loan programs and the many support services and resources it offers, both in person and online.