Federal funding encourages women entrepreneurs in Nunavut

Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq is encouraging organizations to apply for federal funding to support women entrepreneurs across the territory. (FILE PHOTO)

Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq is calling on organizations across the territory to apply for federal funding aimed at creating economic opportunities for Nunavut women.

Status of Women Canada has put out a call for proposals for a project called Economic Prosperity: Position Women for Success, aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs and to improve financial preparedness.

“Our government is working with organizations across Canada, including right here in Nunavut, to improve the economic well-being and prosperity of women,” Aglukkaq said in an April 28 release.

“I am proud of this commitment — it is a wise investment that will help women, their families and our community.”

Since 2007, the federal government has funded more than $54 million for projects that fall under the department’s women’s program, including 720 community-based projects.

Among them is the YMCA Agvvik, which in 2013 received about $200,000 to help create leadership opportunities for young women in Iqaluit.

During the 24-month-long project, Agvvik has been putting young women aged 10 to 24 years old together with mentors to identify barriers to their participation in civic, political and community life.

In 2012, a BMO Financial Group study found that 71 per cent of Canadian women would like to start their own business — 83 per cent of them said having access to role models or mentors would be important to their success.

And in 2013, Statistics Canada reported that women represented more than 47 per cent of the country’s labour force.

Status of Women’s Economic Prosperity program focuses specifically on increasing economic opportunities for entrepreneurial and professional women, advancing women through mentorship and supporting financial preparedness.

Groups can read more information and apply for funding here.