QBWN Launches Maia Project to Boost Women-Owned Businesses

The Quebec Business Women's Network (QBWN) is pleased to announce the Maïa Inclusive Growth Project, a breakthrough national effort aiming at removing obstacles to the inclusion of women-owned companies into large customers' supply chains.

The Maïa Inclusive Growth Project has received support from key partners such as EY, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC), Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC), and others through the Women Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Fund, a pivotal program of the Canadian Government's Women's Entrepreneurship Strategy. The Canadian Women's Foundation has made a $3.6 million cash gift.

This ambitious project aims to accelerate the growth of 750 diverse women-owned companies by improving their market access capacities through training, networking, and matching. The objective is to boost their prospects of getting contracts with key purchasers and to create awareness about the benefits of supplier diversification among 50 large organizations.

The Minister of Small Business, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, underlined the need of creating a more inclusive economy. She went on to say: "The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy is the first of its kind in Canada and shows the concrete steps our government is taking to ensure all entrepreneurs have access to the capital and resources they need to succeed."

The initiative's novel aspect was noted by Ruth Vachon, CEO of the Quebec Business Women's Network, who stated, "This innovative project, unique in Canada, aims to strengthen diversity within supply chains."

The Maïa Inclusive Growth Project tackles current concerns while simultaneously encouraging long-term collaboration among Canadian stakeholders. The approach intends to lessen the risk of supply chain disruptions and encourage diversity and creativity in Canadian firms by engaging with underrepresented suppliers, particularly women.

This program is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to help and promote Canadian female entrepreneurs while also contributing to a more dynamic and progressive business climate. The Maïa Inclusive Growth Project is set to alter procurement access for female businesses and shape the Canadian economic environment.