Business Sisters Receives $100,000 Funding from Desjardins Ontario Credit Union

Alexandria, ON, July 27, 2022 – Business Sisters | Consoeurs en Affaires is pleased to announce it has received $100,000 from Desjardins Ontario Credit Union’s Community Development Fund to launch a new Centre for Rural Women Entrepreneurs which will deliver entrepreneurial training, mentorship and events, in both official languages, in the five counties of Eastern Ontario.

“We are delighted to work with the Desjardins team in making this innovative project a reality for our region. Women and women-owned businesses have been disproportionally affected by the pandemic. Desjardins’ contribution from their Community Development Fund helps us significantly reduce, and even eliminate, the barriers for women to start and grow a business. This will create much needed business activity in our villages and small towns throughout the region,” asserted Doreen Ashton Wagner, Founder and Executive Director of Business Sisters | Consoeurs en Affaires.

“Creating this hub for women brings together aspects of entrepreneurship and the development of our local and regional economy. Therefore, investing in this project came as a very natural fit for Desjardins and we are thrilled to be part of this journey,” said Karine Foster, Regional Vice-President, Eastern Ontario.

The Centre will be based in Alexandria. Events will happen throughout Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott, and Russell. The funding will support activities over the next five years.