Women are underrepresented as entrepreneurs. In Canada, about 4 in 10 entrepreneurs are women, yet represent over half of the working population (source – Canadian Entrepreneurship Initiative).
Women have lack access to capital to grow their businesses. The World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) estimates that as many as 70% of women-owned small-and-medium enterprises in developing countries are unserved or underserved by financial institutions – resulting in a credit gap of around $285 billion.
Catherine saw this as an opportunity – provide funding to women entrepreneurs to help start their businesses
Now, how do this?
Catherine wanted to make a difference. As a successful female entrepreneur, she saw the need to create a sustainable business to help build a fund for women entrepreneurs. She also wanted to create a physical reminder of the power of your presence: in your life, relationships, teams, organizations and communities. Being awake results in better people, relationships, organizations, communities and planet.
All direct donations go to a fund to help women launch their businesses in North America. We have partnered with Momentum to manage our fund. Our fund goes towards the Momentum Micro Business Loans program, specifically designated for women within the loans portfolio. To date, we have raised over $60,000 for our Awakened Project Fund and for Shakti combined. We are making a difference in supporting and growing local businesses.