THUNDER BAY – Business – All smiles at the PARO Centre. “We are proud of our long-standing history of supporting women’s entrepreneurial dreams,” stated Rosalind Lockyer, Executive Director of PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise. “With FedNor’s support, we look forward to making a difference, helping businesswomen explore new markets, as well as take advantage of innovative technology and procurement opportunities.”

Paro Centre for Women’s Excellence Receives Support

Tony Clement, Minister for FedNor, announced the investment by the Government of Canada to support women’s business development and growth throughout Northern Ontario. “Women are active and dynamic entrepreneurs and small businesses owned by them are one of the fastest growing business segments in Canada,” said Minister Clement. “The Harper Government is keen to celebrate women’s entrepreneurial ambitions by supporting organizations such as the PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise which provide women across Northern Ontario with the tools they need to capitalize on business opportunities.”

The FedNor investment of $1.5 million enables PARO to deliver a series of workshops, training sessions, coaching and mentoring activities to provide women entrepreneurs and business owners with access to information and expertise to help them strengthen their businesses.

This pan-Northern initiative also includes outreach activities aimed specifically at Aboriginal and Francophone women.

The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that strengthen community economic development, enhance business growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.

The Paro Centre Supports Entrepreneurship

Since 1995, we have assisted over 3000 of women entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario to start their own successful businesses.

The Paro Centre offers start up business development programs, professional advisory services and technical resources to help women make their new business concepts a reality. Their experienced staff will work with you through all the stages of starting a new business, from developing a business plan to accessing loans.

For women seeking information or support to start their new business: visit www.paro.ca