Shelley Gordon of 6th Avenue Car Wash and Uniglass Plus Ziebart is one of 33,000 female business owners in Saskatchewan. (file photo/paNOW)

By Teena Monteleone

More than a third of Prince Albert area businesses led by women

May 22, 2020 | 5:00 PM

As more businesses begin to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic, the 33,000 female entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan are being acknowledged for their accomplishments.

A statistic from the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce shows approximately 36 per cent of the businesses in the area are headed by women.

“This number shows the direct effect women have in keeping our local economy vibrant and strong,” said chamber CEO Elise Hildebrandt.

One of those women is Corinne Penner who owns the Pet Planet store. She was surprised to hear female entrepreneurship in Saskatchewan is above the national average and fourth highest among the provinces.

“I really didn’t know that was the case but it’s pretty exciting to have that much of a percentage. For me, it’s a great feeling of empowerment,” said Penner.

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Five years ago, she left a full-time government job to start her own business.

“I just wasn’t as happy as I should have been and I was ready for a change. The Pet Planet opportunity came along and it was in line with some of the interests I already had so I decided to dive in. It was scary at the time, but I am so glad I did,” she said.

Penner finds herself in the company of other female business owners in the Prince Albert area, like Shelley Gordon of 6^th Avenue Car Wash and Uniglass Plus Ziebart.

“Women have always been a part of the business community, but its really great to see so many women becoming the owners and directors of these companies,” said Gordon.

In fact, one in every eight women employed in Saskatchewan runs her own business. Gordon credits a strong network and support system.

“There is a lot of resources for women in business. Women Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan is an excellent resource. Plus, so many women in our community are available to help anyone who wants an ear to listen to their stories and try and give them support. We’re here for you, just reach out,” she said.

As part of Women Entrepreneurs Week May 17-23, the Government of Saskatchewan encouraged residents to support local business and in particular, find ways to support women-led businesses.

In a press release, Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said, “Women Entrepreneurs Week is a time to recognize the many Saskatchewan females who have worked hard to start their own businesses, while creating jobs and opportunities for others. Their resiliency during this unprecedented time truly shows as these businesses continue to play a role in contributing to the province’s economy and enhancing the quality of life for all.”

To support local businesses and their employees during COVID-19, the province announced the $1-million ‘Together We Stand’ initiative earlier this month. Funding will be used by Chambers of Commerce across Saskatchewan to encourage residents to shop local.

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teena.monteleone@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TeenaMonteleone