Conference to provide financial guidance for entrepreneurs
September event to feature keynote speakers, themed-breakout sessions and vendor marketplace
Heather Gamble will serve as keynote speaker at the conference.
By Dave Flaherty/The Oshawa Express
An upcoming event in Oshawa is aiming to provide valuable financial expertise and resources to local entrepreneurs.
The Community Innovation Lab and The Refinery are hosting Durham Region’s first annual Women’s Entrepreneurship Finance Conference on Wednesday, Sept. 12.
The Community Innovation Lab was founded in 2012 with the vision of assisting local female entrepreneurs to take their business to the next level.
Founder and CEO Pramilla Ramdahani says they “address social and economic gaps through innovation and entrepreneurship.”
There are about 1 million female entrepreneurs in Canada, but Ramdahani says they often face “overwhelming challenges” in advancing their businesses.
Such difficulties include financial barriers, a lack of women-specific training, and cultural difficulties.
September’s conference will focus on financing for woman entrepreneurs, the opportunities that exist to lead growth-orientated businesses, and how to expand one’s business beyond the start-up stage.
Heather Gamble, CEO of Women on the Move will serve as keynote speaker.
“She will discuss the tools and resources available to entrepreneurs so they can empower themselves and build sales for their products,” Ramdahani says.
The conference will also feature an interactive panel with guests from the banking and investment sectors, themed-breakout sessions and a vendor marketplace.
The day will close with a networking event.
Ramdahani says they will also be making a major announcement regarding a new partnership that will open up even more opportunities for local business owners.
Ramdahani began planning for the conference when she saw a gap in Durham Region.
“There’s always been a need for a finance conference in the region. I myself have been to some conferences in Toronto, but we didn’t have that here,” Ramdahani says. “Hopefully we are looking to have this as an annual event.”
And while the event is branded towards women, all entrepreneurs are welcomed to attend.
“Absolutely. We see a cross-section of entrepreneurs. We don’t have any barriers,” Ramdahani says.
The conference takes place the Co-iLab Hub at 600 Rossland Road West in Oshawa from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 12.
Early bird tickets are available for $60 until Aug. 15.
For a full schedule of events, or to purchase tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2018-womens-entrepreneurship-finance-conference-tickets-46626302526?aff=eac2
For more information or potential sponsorships, contact therefinery@communityilab.ca or call 905-576-6112