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    Women's Business Hub

    WBH

    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.

    The Hub Centre

    Why should I join the program?

    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.

    Why should I join the program?

    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

    1. Contact us at wbh@sods.sk.ca to register in advance for the Virtual Information Session over Zoom. (You will be forwarded a link to the Zoom session upon registration.)
    2. Complete the application package, available here.
    3. Submit your application via email to wbh@sods.sk.ca by February 28, 2021.
    How do I join?

    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

    How will I benefit?

    Apply to join the Women's Business Hub program

    If this program sounds right for you, click the button below to access the program application form

    Go to Form

    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!

    Our Advisory Committee

    • Ashraf Mirmontahai, Director of Employment Services, Saskatoon Open Door Society
    • Shahira Mabrouk, Program Coordinator, Women's Business Hub, Saskatoon Open Door Society
    • Marlena Guzowski, Owner, The Park YXE
    • 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

    In Partnership With