With the strength of the Network, as well as the expertise and presence of the SADCs and CAEs in the field, we are well positioned to support women entrepreneurs both at the start and during the growth of their business projects. The Réseau des SADC et CAE maximize the efforts of its members to better support female entrepreneurship in Quebec, including coordinating the Flexiloan project for women!
Small businesses are at the heart of regional economies, and many, especially those owned by women, are emerging as part-time ventures. It is vital to highlight this form of entrepreneurship and to provide flexible measures tailored to this reality.
In collaboration with the SADC of Shawinigan and 10 SADC and CAE across Quebec, the Réseau coordinates the Flexi-loan project for women dedicated to part-time entrepreneurs, known as flexipreneurs. By engaging in dialogue with flexipreneurs from diverse backgrounds, we will develop customized support activities and offer more than $1.5 million in loans under favorable conditions.
SADC and CAE participants
- CAE Haute-Yasmaska et région
- CAE Montmagny-L’islet
- SADC Charlevoix
- SADC Chibougamau
- SADC Cote-Nord
- SADC de la Neigette
- SADC Lac-Saint-Jean Ouest
- SADC Maskinongé
- SADC Vallée-de-la-Batiscan
- SADC Shawinigan
- SADC des Îles-de-la-Madeleine
According to a study on female entrepreneurship, SADC Shawinigan developed the concept of flexipreneurship, referring to part-time female entrepreneurs. The reason is simple: half of the respondents do not identify with the definition of entrepreneurs highlighted in Quebec, especially in terms of risk-taking and long working hours. They also tend to self-disqualify and hesitate to seek help from support organizations. Policies, measures, and programs need to be rethought to better meet the needs of the many part-time female entrepreneurs in Quebec.
A Growing Phenomenon in Quebec
According to the most recent Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data: 72.3% are part-time entrepreneurs in the province. It is among women that part-time entrepreneurship has seen the most significant growth in recent years, resulting in slightly more women now engaged in this entrepreneurial approach than men.
- 58% of women indicated that their entrepreneurial activities bring in income of $5,000 or less per year, but for many of them with low incomes, this represents a significant contribution.
- Part-time work seems to be a more accessible entry point into entrepreneurship, thus providing an interesting avenue for empowering women by allowing them to diversify their sources of income.
- They have training and support needs in several areas: – taxation and accounting, strategic business development, marketing, and online presence.
- They would also like to have access to services with non-traditional hours.
- Women on average work five hours less per week in their business than men.
