May 7-13 is Women Entrepreneurs Week, to celebrate the contribution of women to Saskatchewan’s vibrant economic growth.

“Women entrepreneurs are found in every sector of our economy and they have been instrumental in our economic growth through the various businesses that they operate,” says Saskatchewan’s Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison. “This is a great time to be in business in Saskatchewan. We are committed to ensuring that women entrepreneurs continue to grow and expand their businesses, create jobs and take advantage of the business opportunities available in our province.”

“Women entrepreneurs come from a multitude of business categories and are rich and diverse ‘role models’ for all cultures and genders,” adds Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for the Status of Women June Draude said. “Women make up over half of the population and it is vital for the Saskatchewan economy to have women starting, growing and leading businesses. Women Entrepreneurs Week is an opportunity to celebrate the successes and to encourage more women to be passionate about making Saskatchewan the best place to live, start a business, work and build a life.”

In 2011, there were 31,700 self-employed women in Saskatchewan, and 8,000 of these businesses employed at least one person.

Of the 3,700 self-employed people registered in the last five years, 2,100 of them were women.