Minister Guergis Congratulates Local Entrepreneur on Business Certification

June 18, 2009

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OTTAWA - Ms. Marcela Mandeville of Edmonton, a local business woman with the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs has returned from the first International WEConnect Canada Mission in San Francisco after participating in the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) National Conference and Business Fair, June 9 to 11, 2009. Ms Mandeville's business received certification from WEConnect just priot to this event, announced the Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women).

Ms. Mandeville is the Manager of Programs and External Relations for the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs, a non-profit organization that provides resources and tools for women across Alberta to start, expand and purchase their own businesses. With a focus on skill development, finances, advertising and networking opportunities, the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs helps thousands of women in Alberta succeed in the business community.

Founded in 1997, the WBENC is the United States' leading advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to U.S. multinational corporations, working to foster diversity in the world of commerce and eliminate marketplace barriers to women business owners. The WBENC is the founder of WEConnect International, which promotes the international certification standard for women-owned businesses and develops new national certification organizations.

The recently launched WEConnect Canada, a member of WEConnect International, is a non-profit organization that certifies firms that are at least 51 per cent women-owned and connects them with the growing corporate and public sector demand for diverse suppliers. 

"I am delighted that 19 women-owned Canadian companies have completed the qualification process and received certification from WEConnect Canada," said Minister Guergis.

"I have been working diligently to bring to light the significant contributions of these business women to our country and it is paying off through support of this vital organization. I am immensely proud to be part of a Government that recognizes the important and dynamic role Canada's independent business women play in contributing to Canada's economy," added Minister Guergis. "By supporting WEConnect Canada's efforts to certify women-owned businesses, and by supporting these women as they secure market access, we help them to establish economic security and prosperity for the future. In turn, these talented women will inspire future generations of independent business women through their tenacity, innovation and dedication."

The Government of Canada, through the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada, is providing WEConnect Canada with funding over three years to launch its Opening Doors to Corporate Markets: An Education, Training, Coaching and Mentoring Program. The program will prepare women entrepreneurs to access supplier diversity markets made up of small businesses owned by minority groups and women; this in turn will give them access to large contract opportunities with corporations and governments. 

Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote equality for women and their full participation in the economic, social and democratic life of Canada.

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For more information, please contact:

Sherine Mansour
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Status of Women)
819-956-4000

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839

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