February 2011
tracey
CEO's Message

Year of the Entrepreneur

Did you know that 2011 is the "Year of the Entrepreneur"? At AWE we are thrilled to see entrepreneurs recognized for their contributions and their importance in leading Canada into economic recovery.

 

Women-owned enterprises are well positioned to enhance national prosperity and to contribute to economic growth[1]. The companies listed in Profit W100's 2010 list of Canada's Top Women Entrepreneurs generated an impressive $2.2 billion in revenue, provided the equivalent of 10,792 full-time jobs, and had an average growth rate of 115% over the last 3 years. Read more...

Upcoming Events

Connecting to Contracts
Join AWE at a special event for our Connecting to Contracts (C2C) program.  This is your opportunity to network with entrepreneurs and service providers as well as learn about Connecting to Contracts (C2C) - a program offering networking events, market-building opportunities, WEConnect Canada certification, business growth workshops, and mentorship to women across Western Canada.  


Come out for an eveing with AWE and our special guest Mary Anderson, Executive Director of WEConnect Canada, to learn how C2C can help you grow your business and expand profitability.


Don't miss your chance to connect to contracts!


Edmonton

February 23, 2011
6:00 - 8:30pm
FREE

Register Now 
 

Calgary

February 24
6:00 - 8:30pm
FREE
Register Now
 

 

 

Innovative Approaches to Success

May 5 & 6, 2011 | Hotel Arts, Calgary AB

 

Are you an entrepreneur who:

Has an established business that is ready to achieve more?

Is facing challenges accessing resources to become more profitable?
 
  Wants to accelerate your momentum by investing in smart growth?

Has the tools and strategies to achieve your maximum success?
 

Innovative Approaches to Success is your solution!




Featuring Opening Keynote
John Stanton, Founder of Running Room

 

 


...and Closing Keynote

Jeanne Beker,

 Host & Segment Producer of

Fashion Television Channel

  

Don't miss your opportunity to be a part of this exciting entrepreneurial event! Register today for the Early Bird!
Click here for more detailed program and speaker info.

EI Benefits for Entrepreneurs

Info Session 
 
Don't miss you chance to learn about the new Employment Insurance (EI) special benefits for entrepreneurs. There are four types of EI special benefits: maternity benefits, parental benefits, sickness benefits and compassionate care. Join us o
n March 3, when Service Canada will present a FREE 60 minute information session that will cover the steps needed to be taken for self-employed Canadians to receive EI special benefits.


Edmonton
 
March 3, 2011
 
1:00 - 2:00pm
FREE
 
Register Now

Canadian Trade Mission Opportunity for AB Entrepreneurs

Women business owners from across Canada are invited to join an upcoming trade mission to the US WBENC Women in Business Annual National conference in Las Vegas June 21-23, 2011 where more than 3000 women business-owners and 350 trade show exhibitors including major corporations are expected to attend.  This is a do-not-miss event with fantastic networking, workshops, and keynote speakers. 


Canadian mission delegates will receive:
 
·         Special pricing to the 2 full conference days which includes workshops, keynotes, luncheons and networking events: $599 USD until April 8, $699 USD after  
 
·         Discounted price for accommodations: $160 per night at the Mandalay Bay through Canadian delegation group booking
 
·         Canadian delegate briefings and networking on Monday June 20th
 
·         Matching to a Canadian "buddy" (first-time attendees with buddies who attended 2010 conference)
 
·         Matching to a US certified business attending the conference
 
·         Pre-conference webinars and workshops to prepare and meet other delegates before the event
 
·         At-conference training for 1st time attendees or experienced attendees to make the most of the event
 

Click here for more on this exciting event...

Programs

For existing businesses:

Your Value Proposition and Expanding Sales
Part of the Building on Success Series, this upcoming workshop will provide attendees with the tools needed to define your product or business' value proposition, uncover effective sales strategies and learn to stand out in the market. Facilitated in Edmonton by Kurain Tharakan, senior member of Acton Consulting Ltd., and in Calgary by Brian Pleet, President of Strategico Marketing Group.  


Kurian Tharakan - Edmonton    
Date: February 23, 2011
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Cost: $45+GST
Register here

   
 Brian Pleet - Calgary
Date: February 23, 2011
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Cost:$45+GST
Register here


Upcoming Building on Success Workshops:

Follows, Fans, and Connections...Now What?
 
Making the Most of Social Media 

  
Visit the AWE website for more information or to register.

For start up businesses:

Roadmap for Success  
This one time session, 3 hour workshop led by an AWE Business Advisor, provides an introduction on how to develop a business plan. Includes a comprehensive workbook with detailed information, business plan samples, and a list of resources. Workshop Cost: $45+GST.
 

Edmonton:

February 24: 9:30am - 12:30pm

March 24: 5:30 - 8:30pm
 

Calgary:
March 25: 1:00 - 4:00pm
 


 
Click here
for more info or to register. 

In This Issue
Connecting to Contracts
Innovative Approaches to Success
Canadian Trade Mission Opportunity for AB Entrepreneurs
Your Value Proposition and Expanding Sales
Roadmap for Success
Keep in Touch
Connect with other women entrepreneurs and keep up to date with the latest AWE news on our Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages.  

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twitter
linkedin

MacEwan Invites You to

An Evening with

Arlene Dickinson:

A Conversation with Women in Business

Share an inspirational and informative evening with one of Canada's most powerful women. Arlene Dickinson is the CEO of Venture Communications and the lone female dragon on CBC's 'The Dragon's Den', the television phenomenon that has ignited a national conversation on entrepreneurs in Canada. During this dinner event, Arlene will answer your questions, sharing her wealth of knowledge and insight that grew her company to one of the largest independent agencies in Canada.

Tuesday March 1, 2011
Fairmont Hotel MacDonald
Edmonton, AB
Tickets: $150+GST
Click here to register

Did You Know?
There are over 100,700 women owned businesses in Alberta. These women entrepreneurs are significant contributors to our economy, and AWE exists to ensure that these businesses achieve their full potential.
AWE Bids a Fond Farewell & a Congratulations
It is with heavy hearts AWE bids a fond farewell to COO Erin Hanson. Over the past 2 years, Erin has become an essential member of the AWE Team and will be greatly missed. It was a pleasure to have had Erin as one of our colleagues and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
AWE is pleased to announce Marcela Mandeville, previously Programs and External Relations Manager, will now take on the role of Chief Operating Officer. Congrats Marcela on your new position here at AWE and we look forward to all of the contributions you will bring to this role!
Other Events of Interest    
Chinook Entrepreneur Challenge

Training starts February 2 - March 30, 2011

Lethbridge, AB

For more info or to register


OWIT's tradeXxhage - local experts | global insights | instant access
February - November 2011
Calgary and Edmonton, AB
For more info or to register
 

 

VentureAlberta Angel Forum Bootcamp

February 26 - 28, 2011

Calgary, AB

For more info or to register


 

Alberta Business Awards of Distinction 

 March 4, 2011
 
Edmonton, AB   

For more info 

  

 

16th Annual Global Woman of Vision Awards Luncheon 2011

March 18, 2011
Edmonton, AB
For more info or to buy tickets

 

Interested in doing business with the Government of Canada?  

Edmonton:   
 
February 24, 2011
March 31, 2011
 
Calgary:
 
February 23, 2011
 
March 30, 2011
 
For more info or to register 

  

 

Social Enterprise Bootcamp

April 7 - 9, 2011
Edmonton, AB
For more info or to register

Special Articles

Going Green Adds Up to More Green for Your Business
RBC Business Insight has recently released a free report indicating the benefits for your bottom line when business paper consumption is decreased.

To find out how to reduce your paper footprint, download Reducing your paper waste. It includes some surprising facts and statistics that reveal just how costly paper waste is, and how much you can save by making a few changes to your paper usage.
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