Facilitating women entrepreneurship in Canada: the case of WEKH

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a multi-level framework for exploring women entrepreneurship in Canada. The authors examine the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), a platform to advance women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze the major elements associated with the processes and strategies in WEKH through a case study approach.

Findings

The findings presented in this paper clearly show how creating an inclusive innovation ecosystem linking micro-, meso- and macro-level factors has the potential to advance women entrepreneurship

Research limitations/implications

This case study presented here is in the early phase and results are not yet available.

Practical implications

The lessons from WEKH provides a model for other countries.

Social implications

Entrepreneurship drives economic development and gender equality is a critical sustainable development goal. WEKH activities will advance opportunities for women by creating a more inclusive innovation ecosystem.

Originality/value

WEKH is a knowledge hub in Canada that aims to help foster women entrepreneurship in Canada related to the women entrepreneurship strategy national program.

Citation

Cukier, W. and Hassannezhad Chavoushi, Z. (2020), "Facilitating women entrepreneurship in Canada: the case of WEKH", Gender in Management, Vol. 35 No. 3, pp. 303-318. https://doi.org/10.1108/GM-11-2019-0204