Business & Personal Finance

Recent data from Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey indicates a noticeable increase in women-run businesses in Canada.  An article entitled Canada sees spike in women-run businesses by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service states that approximately 950,000 Canadian women were self-employed in 2011.  The number of self-employed women climbed by 23 per cent between 2001 and 2011.  In comparison, the number of self-employed men grew by 14 per cent.

According to TD Economics, forty-seven per cent of small and medium-sized businesses were entirely or partially owned by women in 2012. 

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service's article highlights the view of two businesswomen about the opportunities and challenges of working in international business.  Both businesswomen suggest the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service can help female entrepreneurs by assisting with international market challenges and developing a network of local contacts. 

If you are a self-employed woman, learn how the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service and its Business Women in International Trade program can help you to grow your business.  Specifically, the program may help to:

• Facilitate access to information specific to women entrepreneurs, including: support networks, government resources, events, and services available to Canadian business women
• Partner for success with key stakeholders to leverage supplier diversity procurement opportunities with Fortune 500 companies through trade missions
• Provide targeted support, market intelligence and key contacts via the Trade Commissioner Service network, available in +150 embassies and consulates world-wide

The Toronto Public Library also has many resources that may help women in starting or running their own businesses. 

Business Inc., an eight-week business program being offered at the Toronto Public Library in partnership with the City of Toronto and the Toronto Business Development Centre, may be able to help you with starting a business as well as boosting your plans.  Please visit the Business Inc. page for details.

It is also recommended that you visit the library's recommended websites for Business, Finance and Economics.  Under the subcategory Small Business and Entrepreneurship, nine websites have been identified for Women and Business.

Here are a few of the numerous titles available at the Toronto Public Library that could be of assistance:  

For more titles, search the Toronto Public Library catalogue with the recommended subjects of businesswomen, self-employed women, and/or women-owned business enterprises.