Women's Business Hub

Donate to the Women's Business Hub

The Saskatoon Open Door Society has an amazing new program to help entrepreneurial immigrant women get their businesses off the ground. The program isn’t about providing funds. The focus is on providing women with talent access to business professionals and tools that will make their first steps into business possible.

This program is not only being developed to aid women, but also to allow highly talented women to give back to our local community. What we need your help with is turning an old furniture store (see photos below) into a co-working space for these hardworking and industrious women.

The Saskatoon Open Door Society is seeking donations from individuals or companies to help make this happen. We appreciate any and all support!

What is the Women ‘s Business Hub?

A place (hub) where talented immigrant women come together to develop their skills under the guidance of business professionals. The hub includes such resources as a commercial kitchen, sewing studio, event hall, childminding, business advisors, mentorship and more.

Why should I join?

You can reach your full potential with access to resources specifically designed to help you succeed – a fully equipped commercial kitchen, sewing machines, mentorship, childminding and more.

How do I join?

Attend an Information Session to learn whether this program is for you. If you have a solid idea for a product or business and meet the eligibility criteria, you will be asked to fill out an application. Based on your application, our committee members will decide whether to admit you to the program and notify you of their decision.

Eligibility Criteria:

Eligible to work in Canada
Immigrated to Canada within the last ten (10) years
Either a Permanent Resident or a Canadian Citizen
English language level CLB 4+
Have the technical skills or certification required for your business
Have an entrepreneurial attitude

Application Process

Contact us at wbh@sods.sk.ca to register in advance for the Virtual Information Session on either September 18, at 10:30 a.m. over Zoom. (You will be forwarded a link to the Zoom session upon registration.
Complete the application package, available here.
Submit your application via email to wbh@sods.sk.ca by September 28, 2020.

How will I benefit?

Successful applicants will receive hands-on instruction from industry experts during the 12-month program. It begins with sessions on practical knowledge to help you kick-start your business, and one-on-one specialized support from advisors and coaches, followed by mentorship opportunities and guidance from established business professionals. Through this program, participants are shown the most efficient ways to make their product a reality and compete effectively in the local market. They also have access to our commercial kitchen, sewing machines and other practical resources at reduced rates.

If you have any questions about the program or the application process, please contact us at
306-653-4464 or wbh@sods.sk.ca

Our Advisory Committee

Ashraf Mirmontahai, Director of Employment Services, Saskatoon Open Door Society
Marlena Guzowski, Former Facilities Manager, Saskatoon Open Door Society
Shahira Mabrouk, Program Coordinator, Women's Business Hub, Saskatoon Open Door Society
Erika Quiring, Executive Director, Saskatoon Farmers Market Cooperative Ltd
Terri Parent, Senior Account Manager, BDC (Business Development Canada)
Asit Sarkar, Professor Emeritus of Management and Marketing, Edward School of Business (University of Saskatchewan)
Kent Smith-Windsor, Former Executive Director, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce
Jean Wu, Assistant Manager and Mutual funds Representative, Scotiabank
Brennan Gawley (CA), Senior Manager, Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP
Leanne May, Director of Childcare, Saskatoon Open Door Society
Emily Li Yan, CEO and Owner, SaskMade Marketplace
Yen Fung, Entrepreneur and Former Owner of Mom's Nutrition Centre and Genesis Family Restaurant