The half-day conference brought together senior leaders from
business, all levels of government, and academic institutions to
inform a research report on women entrepreneurs expected to be
released in February 2018
TORONTO, Jan. 11, 2018 /CNW/ - Yesterday BMO hosted a
roundtable discussion attended by over one hundred leaders ranging
from women business leaders, government officials, academic
researchers and entrepreneurs for a discussion surrounding women
entrepreneurs and innovation.
The discussions of the roundtable event will help inform a study
the bank will release in partnership with Carleton University and The Beacon Agency, which
examines female entrepreneurs and their participation in driving
innovation in Canada. The report,
which will be released in February
2018, will showcase findings from interviews with diverse
female entrepreneurs across Canada
on the types of innovation activity they are using to scale their
ventures, what is supporting and hindering their ability to
innovate and counter the misconception that innovation is equated
solely to technology enhancements.
"It is our goal to lead the industry when it come to the
research and support of female entrepreneurs, and help foster
conversation for a group that is truly helping to drive the
Canadian economy," said Andrew
Irvine, Head, Canadian Business Banking & BMO Partners,
BMO Bank of Montreal. "By
broadening the understanding of the different forms innovation can
take, we can create real opportunities for funding and mentorship
for female entrepreneurs across industries."
"We are proud to once again be partnering with Carleton University and The Beacon Agency to shed
light on the unique issues being faced by female entrepreneurs,"
said Lisa Milburn, Chief Marketing
Officer of BMO Wealth Management & Executive Sponsor of BMO for
Women. "It is encouraging to see the support and interest of so
many policy makers to support change for this group, and we are
excited to share the findings of our new report shortly as we
continue to work towards being the bank for women."
The report will also highlight the importance of a more robust
eco-system for female entrepreneurs, including better access to
capital, incubator and accelerator programs and building strong
networks that support entrepreneurial growth and eliminate gender
biases.
For more information on #BMOforWomen, please visit
https://bmoforwomen.bmo.com/.
About BMO Financial Group
Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly
diversified financial services provider – the 8th largest bank, by
assets, in North America. With
total assets of $710 billion as of
October 31, 2017, and more than
45,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and
commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking
products and services to more than 12 million customers and
conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and
Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.
SOURCE BMO Financial Group