We all know that access to capital benefits not only the individual or company, but also importantly it drives the economy through the acceleration of economic growth, creating jobs in our communities and increasing competition. Bottom line – ensuring viable businesses have access to capital fuels our economic engine and contributes to our GDP. Ensuring businesses have access to capital is important and it is a big deal. So, what are the key barriers that women entrepreneurs and business owners face in gaining access to ready and sufficient financing? Of course, it takes money to start, grow and expand a business. This session explores the plethora of possibilities — from traditional banks to government banks to crowd funding and angel investors focused on women. Yes, you have to turn over a few rocks, but at the end of this session you should see that there really is a source of capital funding out there for you, if you do your due diligence, know who you need to collaborate with, and discuss your business plan and strategies with the right financier. Panelists include financiers who have developed, provided and overseen billions of dollars of capital financing to women business owners.
Moderator: Keith Spencer, Partner, Fasken Martineau
Panelists:
- Ian MacKenzie, Filmmaker & New Paradigm Media Activist
- Lesley Lawrence, Senior-Vice President, Financing and Consulting – BC and North, Business Development Bank of Canada
- Michael Clouser, Academic Entrepreneur & Angel Investor for Women-Owned Businesses
- Sheri Griffiths, Regional Vice President of Commercial Banking, BMO Bank of Montreal
