In light of current undertones towards immigrants and refugees in Canada, the expo promotes peace, hope and success for all business women
Ottawa…Now in its fifth year, the one-day, experiential Immigrant Women’s Small Business Expo (IWSM Expo) celebrates the aspirations and achievements of immigrant women, taking place in Ottawa on Sunday, September 30th, at the Ottawa City Hall. Under the theme “The Minimum Wage & The Impact on Immigrant Businesses,” IWSBE offers women an opportunity to get informed, empowered and enlightened, while providing access to business building services, networking opportunities and entrepreneur workshops.
Expos are a crucial factor in helping new businesses acquire the leads, networks, information and polish they need to succeed in the business world.
This is according to Dwania Peele, founder of Canadian Small Business Women (CSBW) and the IWSB expo who notes that women owned small and mid-sized businesses generate around $117 billion to the Canadian economy annually.
“We’ve always championed the fact that women matter, and we’ve sought to celebrate all the roles they fill in their family, career and community,” said Peele. “Immigrants, specifically, struggle in Canada’s labour market despite their many skills, and we are more than excited to be in Toronto with this rallying cry of support for immigrant women entrepreneurs across Ontario.”
Another advantage of a business-focused event is that it presents practically unlimited opportunities for information-sharing, says Peele. “We have found there is significant demand for practical advice and insights that help would-be immigrant entrepreneurs and small businesses to run their businesses effectively. Expos bring together stakeholders from across a niche spectrum and present an ideal platform for workshops, demonstrations and seminars that help participants grow their businesses.”
ISWB expo offers a rich experience with informative seminars and a panel discussion presented by notable speakers. Our Minimum Wage Panel includes industry professionals such as Karla Briones, of Karla Briones and Invest Ottawa, Gabriela Laverty, of Los Cantores Tortilla Chips, MPP Goldie Ghamari and Roda Muse School Board Trustee. The seminars and workshops will be far ranging and engaging, featuring topics that impact women’s daily lives addressing such issues as health & wellness, marketing and social media tips, career advancement, business/entrepreneurship, the welfare of our children and much more. While IWSB expo targets immigrant women, there are elements for all women business owners.
IWSB expo offers a one-stop business platform to gather information, exchange ideas and network for anyone considering starting their own business, and for those already in business and looking to expand.
Admission runs for $5 / person including access to seminars, panel discussions and the handmade market.
What: Immigrant Women’s Small Business Expo
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON, K1P 1J1
When: Sunday, September 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: FREE