As Canada focuses on post-pandemic economic recovery, one thing is clear: supporting women entrepreneurs is essential to rebuilding a stronger, more inclusive economy. The challenges women business owners faced before the pandemic have only been intensified, creating an urgent need for targeted support and structural change.
This reality was front and center at the 2021 Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference, which opened with the session “She-Covery: The Role of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Pandemic Recovery”. Hosted by the Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) in collaboration with the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC), the conference convened leaders, policymakers, and women entrepreneurs to discuss the barriers, opportunities, and solutions shaping the future of women-led businesses in Canada.
COVID-19’s Disproportionate Impact on Women Entrepreneurs
The effects of COVID-19 on women-led businesses have been severe and disproportionate. Research has shown that:
✔ Women-owned businesses were more likely to lay off employees than male-led firms.
✔ Over 50% of women entrepreneurs reported significant revenue losses.
✔ Industries where women entrepreneurs are overrepresented—such as retail, hospitality, and health services—were among the hardest hit.
✔ Women continue to shoulder the majority of unpaid domestic labor, making it even harder to sustain and scale businesses.
Women’s entrepreneurship is not just about economic participation—it’s about shaping the future of business with inclusivity, innovation, and resilience.
Women-led businesses drive innovation, job creation, and long-term economic growth. However, they often operate at a disadvantage due to limited access to capital, mentorship, and networks. The pandemic has exposed these long-standing inequalities, making it imperative for government, financial institutions, and industry leaders to:
Why Supporting Women Entrepreneurs is Key to Economic Recovery
✔ Expand access to funding and investment for women-led businesses
✔ Implement policies that support work-life balance, including childcare solutions
✔ Create mentorship and networking opportunities to help women scale their ventures
✔ Encourage procurement policies that prioritize women-owned businesses
Moving Forward: A New Era for Women Entrepreneurs
The recovery phase presents a rare opportunity to redefine how women entrepreneurs are supported in Canada. The “She-Covery” movement is not just about restoring what was lost—it’s about creating an economic ecosystem that allows women-owned businesses to thrive at their full potential.
As we move forward, it is critical that we continue to amplify women’s voices, advocate for policy change, and invest in the growth of women-led enterprises. This is not just an issue of gender equity—it is an economic imperative.
For a deeper look into this topic, visit: WEKH’s full blog on She-Covery
