October 29, 2020
Vancouver, BC – Today, the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE), in partnership with The Giustra Foundation, announced the creation of a bursary fund, easing access to game-changing mentorship and education for women entrepreneurs across the country who need it most.
The new fund, which will launch with $150,000 over three years through a major donation from The Giustra Foundation, will provide much-needed tuition bursaries for women entrepreneurs to take FWE’s programs. With the goal of ensuring that impactful programming reaches those women entrepreneurs who need it most, the bursary will support women who – due to financial difficulties or belonging to a marginalized group – would otherwise not be able to access FWE’s programs.
These programs include a 4-week Money Moves Program that educates women on the funding landscape; a Mentor Program that connects women with business experts for 12 months of 1:1 mentorship; its foundational E-Series Program that provides deep learning on business essentials and new programs that will be released on its newly-created digital FWE Learning Academy.
“The business case for supporting women entrepreneurs is well known and it’s a pathway to economic growth,” said FWE CEO Paulina Cameron. “Now, as businesses tread water during this COVID-19 crisis, we know women entrepreneurs are disproportionately affected. Black, Indigenous and Women of Colour entrepreneurs face both systemic and cultural barriers, and our hope is that by becoming a part of the FWE Community, they’ll also have a chance to have their experiences heard and supported. With The Giustra Foundation Bursary Fund for Women Entrepreneurs, we can help ensure no woman gets left behind and we are so grateful for Mr. Giustra’s catalyzing leadership and Lara Dauphinee’s long-time dedication to FWE.”
Founded by global philanthropist and business icon Frank Giustra, The Giustra Foundation funds initiatives focused on women and children, education, homelessness, and refugee resettlement.
“FWE has a history of bringing game-changing education and mentorship to women entrepreneurs across Canada, and we’re honoured to be able to create a fund that will help small businesses navigate the journey of entrepreneurship and succeed,” said Frank Giustra. “An inclusive ecosystem is critical to supporting both diverse women entrepreneurs and those who simply can’t afford the support they need to keep them in business or help their business thrive. Women represent a $150B opportunity and I encourage others to contribute to the fund so that it can grow and serve women entrepreneurs in Canada for many years ahead.”
For more information on FWE programming, visit fwe.ca. To learn more about The Giustra Foundation, visit giustrafoundation.org.
About Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE): Founded in 2002, FWE is a Canadian organization that energizes, educates, mentors and connects women entrepreneurs to be wildly successful, promoting strengthened economies and thriving communities. FWE’s game-changing programs are available to any woman entrepreneur in the country and support a community of over 900 women annually. To learn more, visit fwe.ca. FWE is a registered charity, #861056646RR0001.
About The Giustra Foundation
For over two decades, The Giustra Foundation has supported innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian and economic challenges. When a crisis hits, we strive for immediate action, but we also believe in trying to prevent a crisis before it happens through the donations to charities in British Columbia and elsewhere in Canada. We assist and develop initiatives focussed on women and children, health and education, homelessness, and refugee resettlement.
For further information or media inquiries contact:
The Giustra Foundation
Lara Dauphinee
E: info@giustrafoundation.org
Forum for Women Entrepreneurs
Contact: Anne Mackenzie
T: 778.658.6712
E: anne@fwe.ca
