The federal Minister of Digital Government met with the (WEC) in Kelowna on Tuesday (April 27) to discuss investments to support female entrepreneurs through the government香蕉视频直播檚 COVID-19 economic recovery plan.

Joyce Murray met with WEC to discuss the 2021 federal budget and Canada香蕉视频直播檚 recovery plan for the effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the economy.

Eight Kelowna women-business owners virtually joined the meeting as well to give their feedback to the minister. Jill Earthy, CEO of WEC, said the pandemic has impacted female-owned businesses in Kelowna in a particularly harsh manner because it香蕉视频直播檚 a tourist destination.

香蕉视频直播淎 higher proportion of women are in sectors that were hit hard, such as the tourism industry, service sector, or retail,香蕉视频直播� Earthy explained. She added that women-business owners everywhere were already in a vulnerable position before the pandemic because of limited access to capital, markets (growth opportunities), and resources.

Earthy said Murray did a great job of listening to the local entrepreneurs.

香蕉视频直播淭his budget does acknowledge the unique needs of women entrepreneurs which is really important,香蕉视频直播� said Earthy.

The budget proposes to provide up to $146.9 million over four years, starting in 2021-22, to strengthen the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy. Women entrepreneurs would have greater access to financing, mentorship, and training. Funding would also further support the Women Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Fund and the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub.

READ MORE: Kelowna golfer to compete in US Women香蕉视频直播檚 Open

READ MORE: Amazon Prime show back at Big White for 2nd season