Empowering Women in Business: Why Canada Needs More Women-Led Enterprises

The number of businesses which are owned or lead by women has increased in Canada. These businesses still face many challenges, as a business which is also owned by a woman we understand these challenges intimately.

The landscape of Canadian business is evolving, and women are at the forefront of this transformation. At Intero, we don't just believe in supporting women in business—we live it. As a woman-led operations outsourcing company, we understand firsthand the unique challenges and incredible opportunities that come with being a woman entrepreneur in Canada.

The Current State: The Numbers Tell a Story

The statistics paint a complex picture of women's participation in Canadian business. While progress has been made, significant opportunities remain:

• Women make up 47.35% of Canada's labor force, yet less than 18% of private sector businesses are majority-owned by women

• 34.7% of women hold senior management positions in small- and medium-sized businesses across Canada

• 81.1% of core-aged women (25-54) were employed in Canada as of January 2024

• Remarkably, Indigenous women lead at 23.2% of Indigenous business ownership, outpacing non-Indigenous women at 19.5%

These numbers reveal both progress and potential. While women are strongly represented in the workforce, there's a significant gap when it comes to business ownership and leadership positions.

Why Women-Led Businesses Matter

Women-led businesses aren't just about equality—they're about economic strength and innovation. Research consistently shows that companies with diverse leadership teams outperform their peers. Women bring different perspectives, problem-solving approaches, and leadership styles that drive innovation and growth.

When women succeed in business, the ripple effects benefit entire communities. Women-owned businesses often prioritize social impact, create inclusive workplace cultures, and contribute to economic stability in their regions.

Resources and Support: Canada's Commitment to Women Entrepreneurs

Canada has recognized the importance of supporting women in business through several key initiatives:
Government Programs

• Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES): A $7 billion investment aimed at increasing women-owned businesses' access to financing, networks, and expertise

• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): Committed to providing 19,000 women-owned businesses with financial and advisory support by 2024

Organizations Leading the Way

• Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC): Offers the National Loan Program specifically for women entrepreneurs

• Startup Women: Provides year-round programming and support for early-stage women entrepreneurs across Canada

• Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Offers dedicated resources and opportunities for women in business

Funding Opportunities

Multiple grant and loan programs specifically target women entrepreneurs, from government initiatives to private sector support, creating pathways for women to start, grow, and scale their businesses.

Why Choose Intero for Your Operations Outsourcing

As a woman-led operations outsourcing company, Intero brings a unique understanding of what it means to build and scale a business in today's challenging environment. We don't just talk about supporting women in business—we embody it.

Here's what sets us apart:

Women-Led Expertise: Our leadership team understands the unique challenges women face in business because we've lived them. We bring empathy, flexibility, and strategic thinking to every client relationship.
Tailored Solutions: We recognize that every business is unique. Our operations outsourcing solutions are designed to grow with you, whether you're a startup founder wearing multiple hats or an established business ready to scale.
Partnership Approach: We're not just a service provider—we're your strategic partner. We celebrate your wins, support you through challenges, and help you build the systems and processes that fuel sustainable growth.
Commitment to Excellence: Being women-led doesn't mean we compromise on quality. We deliver world-class operations support that helps you focus on what you do best—growing your business.

The Future is Female-Forward

The statistics show we're making progress, but there's still work to be done. Every woman who starts a business, takes on a leadership role, or breaks through a barrier makes it easier for the next generation.
At Intero, we're proud to be part of this movement. We're not just supporting women in business—we're showing what's possible when women lead with vision, determination, and excellence.
Whether you're a fellow woman entrepreneur looking for operations support, or a business leader who values working with women-led companies, we're here to help you succeed. Because when women in business thrive, we all benefit.

Ready to focus on growing your business while we handle the operations? Let's talk about how Intero can support your journey. Contact us today to learn more about our women-led approach to operations outsourcing.