An initiative of The Forum
An initiative of The Forum
Engaging funders to ignite women’s entrepreneurship
AFIA DEI INDEX
AFIA DEI Index is a nation-wide initiative developed by The Forum to address the barriers experienced by women entrepreneurs in accessing the financial capital they need to succeed, especially BIPOC women and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
We offer Canadian funders a dynamic package of resources and services to advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and Reconciliation in business funding.
This initiative is funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada.
“Despite their significant contributions to Canada’s economic and social fabric, the efforts of women entrepreneurs tend to be undermined by the barriers that persist in and around entrepreneurship. However, the evidence shows that investing in women entrepreneurs’ results in a more consistent and lower risk return.”
Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, The State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada 2022
The Forum – Our Impact, Scale and Reach
Since 2002, we have supported over 14,000 women entrepreneurs. We collaborate with partners from the financial, accounting, legal, technology and other sectors to meaningfully support women.
The Forum is a Canadian charity with a mandate to help Canadian self-identifying women entrepreneurs access the resources and community they need to thrive in business and bring their visions to life.
Interested in Supporting The Forum Programs?
The Forum rallies funders and organizations together that have a focus on breaking down barriers to access capitals, gender equity, inclusion and diversity. If you're interested in exploring what partnering with The Forum might look like, please call Lisa, Director of Corporate Sponsorship at 604.262.0708 or email her at
lisa@theforum.ca
AFIA Has Launched!
AFIA DEI Index was launched nationwide to our community of funders, media and women entrepreneurs at two in-person events in Toronto and Vancouver, September 2023.
These events celebrated inclusivity and diversity across the Canadian landscape.
Insights
The who, what and why of AFIA
Stefanie Loukes,
Founder and Owner
of
Rabbittown Brewery
A survey with 400 women entrepreneurs found that 77% of respondents anticipate needing funding in the near future but 61% say current funding does not fit their needs.
Women owners account for a large percentage of new businesses (37.4% of self-employment in 2019) in Canada, employing over 1.5 million employees and contributing about $150 billion to the economy.
Source: The State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada 2022.
Melissa Davis, President of Ugly Dukling
Research suggests that limited access to resources in the long term has led to a “vicious cycle” with women often starting businesses with fewer assets and initial loans; in turn, future loans are more likely to be denied to them based on a lack of initial growth, which then stunts further growth opportunities.
Source: de Laat, K., & Hellstern, M. Growing their own way: High-growth women entrepreneurs in Canada.
Rhowena Adolfo Patel, Founder & CEO of The Healing Mama Co
Got Questions?
What does DEI mean, who is the Index for, and more…? We’ve got answers. Visit the FAQ page to learn more.
The Forum is a Canadian-based charity that energizes, educates, mentors, and connects self-identified women entrepreneurs across Canada — promoting strengthened economies and thriving communities.
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We’re a Registered Canadian Charity #861056646RR0001 | PO Box 30523 RPO Madison, Burnaby, BC, V5C 6J5
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