{"id":89807,"date":"2025-10-23T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/we-bc.ca\/?p=89807"},"modified":"2025-10-24T07:55:24","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T14:55:24","slug":"news-release-b-c-s-financial-leaders-to-unlock-economic-potential-of-women-entrepreneurs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.we-bc.ca\/en\/news-release-b-c-s-financial-leaders-to-unlock-economic-potential-of-women-entrepreneurs\/","title":{"rendered":"[News Release] B.C.\u2019s financial leaders to unlock economic potential of women entrepreneurs\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WeBC\u2019s Inclusive Growth Summit highlights solutions to long-standing inequities in women\u2019s access to funding<\/em> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vancouver, B.C., October 23, 2025 <\/strong>\u2013 Addressing a major gap in lending for women entrepreneurs, WeBC\u2019s Inclusive Growth Summit will bring together small business lenders and leadership teams from financial institutions to push for more inclusive lending practices in B.C. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By 2030, Canadian women are projected to control nearly $4 trillion in assets, yet are underrepresented in lending portfolios. The Inclusive Growth Summit will educate small business lenders on leading research and how small strategic shifts in lending activities can open access to capital.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This one-day summit, geared to drive inclusive growth is sponsored by Vancity, Scotiabank Women\u2019s Initiative, and the BDC.\u00a0It’s funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe recognize the significant economic opportunity in supporting women entrepreneurs, while also understanding that financial institutions operate within highly regulated environments,\u201d says Shauna Harper, CEO of WeBC. \u201cThat\u2019s why we\u2019re convening small business lenders who want a fresh perspective, access to resources, and practical strategies to unlock the untapped growth potential within their portfolios.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women business owners receive just $0.58 for every $1 in funding compared to men. Successful models for inclusive lending, such as the Vancity Women Entrepreneurs Program<\/a>, created by Vancity Credit Union and WeBC can help close the gap in lending disparity. By combining wraparound business support with financing, the program has issued more than $27 million in loans to women across B.C. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWomen entrepreneurs are driving innovation and job creation across B.C., yet too often face barriers to the capital they need to grow,” says Bill Cunningham, Executive Vice President, Business & Commercial Banking at Vancity. “Our collaboration with WeBC has shown that inclusive lending works, delivering strong business performance and fueling local economies. We\u2019re proud to be part of this movement to reshape what access to financing can look like.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Event details:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n