Partnership with BMO Financial Group and Beacon Agency to Examine How Women View Risk
Carleton University’s Centre for Women in Politics and Public Leadership is embarking on a national study examining how women entrepreneurs evaluate risk differently from men and the impact of those differences on business and the Canadian economy.
The research, conducted in partnership with BMO Financial Group and The Beacon Agency consultants group, will fill a much-needed gap in research on gender, risk and entrepreneurship so that the perspectives of women are fully appreciated, said Clare Beckton, the centre’s executive director.
The Canada-wide study will commence this month and includes a literature review, interviews with men and women entrepreneurs and a Critical Conversation with key leaders from business, governments, civil society and educational institutions – a copyrighted process developed at Carleton. A report of the research findings is expected to be released in March 2016.
Facts:
According to the Canadian Task Force for Women’s Business Growth, the role of women entrepreneurs is at a unique crossroads:
- In 2007, women retained ownership in 47 per cent of Canada’s 1.6 million small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and majority ownership of 16 per cent.
- Majority women-owned enterprises represented more than $117 billion per annum of economic activity in Canada in 2007.
- A 20 per cent increase in total revenues at majority women-owned SMEs would contribute an additional $2 billion a year to the economy.
- Women’s enterprises are not growing at the same rate as male enterprises in Canada or the United States.
Quotes:
“Continuously re-enforcing the image of women as more risk averse than men hurts women. There needs to be a greater exploration of what different approaches to risk mean for an entrepreneur. Does it impact on their likelihood of accessing capital and achieving growth?” Clare Beckton
“BMO has a long history of championing the advancement of women in business, most recently making an additional $2 billion in credit available to women-owned businesses. The research findings that will come from this collaborative study will provide the knowledge to help advance, grow and sustain leadership among Canadian women entrepreneurs.” Sandra Henderson, Senior Vice-President, Eastern Ontario Division, BMO Bank of Montreal
“As an entrepreneur, I value a deeper understanding of women’s approach to risk in business. The key findings will be invaluable and The Beacon Agency is proud to collaborate with Carleton University and BMO on this important study.” Janice McDonald, President, The Beacon Agency
Media Contact
Steven Reid
Media Relations Officer
Carleton University
613-520-2600 ext. 8718
613-265-6613
Steven_Reid3@Carleton.ca
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/Cunewsroom
Need an expert? Go to: www.carleton.ca/newsroom/experts