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  • 26 Apr 2021 5:03 PM | Anonymous

    Supplier Diversity Series begins May 6
    The Atlantic Canadian Women in Growth Partnership (ACWGP) is hosting a supplier diversity series! Join us for this 3-part series to learn how supplier diversity could help you achieve your business goals.

    Session 1: What is supplier diversity? 
    Thursday, May 6, 2021 from 12-1pm ADT | 12:30-1:30pm NDT

    Register for session 1 | Register for all 3 sessions



    Session 2: Presentation from WBE Canada 
    Learn about the certification process and supports for women business owners.
    Thursday, May 13, 2021 from 12-1pm ADT | 12:30-1:30pm NDT

    Register for session 2 | Register for all 3 sessions

    Session 3: How supplier diversity is working 
    A panel discussion with corporations and local certified women business owners.
    Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 12-1pm ADT | 12:30-1:30pm NDT

    Register for session 3 | Register for all 3 sessions


  • 21 Apr 2021 5:00 PM | Anonymous

    NEW - Application period extended until 5:00 pm ADT on Friday, April 30, 2021.

    PEIBWA has launched Transitioning Toward Growth, a suite of three programs, funded by the Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture through the Canada-PEI labour market agreements to support women in business across Prince Edward Island.

    The three programs, offered to participants at no cost, will develop women’s business skills and confidence using advanced technology, capitalizing on supplier diversity, engaging in research and development and subsequent innovation, increasing productivity and profitability, and exporting.

    The three programs include:

    • Accelerate HER PEI - a 12-week cohort-based program with a proven track record of success;
    • MAPS 2.0 - 25-40 professional advisory and service projects up to $15,000 each will be funded;
    • Moving Women Online 2.0  - up to 25 participant businesses will benefit from eCommerce training and services to boost their online presence.

    These programs aim to support women business owners in various stages of growth and to provide assistance at a critical time of recovery as a result of COVID-19.

    For more information about the individual programs, click on the links above.

    We've created one online application that captures the three programs, which is available (along with additional information about each program) at this link

    Preview the application HERE

    APPLY NOW


  • 14 Apr 2021 3:17 PM | Anonymous

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT!

    Join us on Friday, April 16th at 10:00 am to learn more about PEIBWA's brand new initiative accepting applications, Transitioning Toward Growth.

    The three programs within this initiative include:

       a) Accelerate HER PEI; 
       b) MAPS 2.0; and
       c) Moving Women Online 2.0

    This information session will provide details about the individual programs, the eligibility criteria, time commitment, and the application process. There will be ample time allotted to answer your questions.

    Whether you're a potential participant, service provider, or community partner referring clients to resources - this session will orient you to PEIBWA's new programming targeted for women in business!  

    NOTE: Registration is required to attend. This session will be offered both in-person at PEIBWA's Rural Women's Business Centre in Central Bedeque and virtually. Health and safety protocols including social distancing are in place at the Rural Women's Business Centre. If you are joining us virtually, you will be provided with a Zoom meeting link once you complete your online registration.

    Each of these programs aim to support women business owners in various stages of growth and provide assistance at a critical time of recovery as a result of COVID-19. 

    The Transitioning Toward Growth initiative is funded by the Province's Department of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture through the Canada-PEI labour market agreements to support women in business across Prince Edward Island.


  • 12 Apr 2021 10:44 AM | Anonymous


    We are updating our registry of professional service providers interested in being informed about upcoming PEIBWA sponsored programs and opportunities.

    If your organization provides professional services (eg. legal, human resources, business consulting, web development, etc.) and would like to be added to the registry, we invite you to submit your profile, using THIS LINK.  All previous submissions remain on file; this call is for new submissions only. 

    If you have any questions about the registry or would like to update your previously submitted information, please contact PEIBWA Business Development and Membership Officer Jane MacIsaac at jane@peibwa.org.

  • 22 Mar 2021 4:01 PM | Anonymous

    Register to attend this event at this link!

    Register to attend this event at this link!


  • 17 Mar 2021 1:25 PM | Anonymous

    PEI Business Women’s Association

    Project Coordinator (Web Development)

    PEI Business Women’s Association is seeking a professional and qualified team player to serve as the Project Coordinator for a Web-Development based project launching in April 2021. This project will support women business owners in PEI to move their current business operations to an online eCommerce platform, so they can continue to grow their businesses throughout and beyond COVID-19. 

    Starting immediately, this position is funded until July 31, 2021, with potential to extend. It involves 37.5 work hours per week, and compensation is in the $25-$30/hr. range. The Project Coordinator will report to Margaret Magner, Executive Director.

    Responsibilities of this position:

    • Intake form receipt and dissemination. 

    • Promote programming, review applications and intake participants.

    • Contract management with vendors.

    • Manage the database of providers, recipients and applicants.

    • Transferring and tracking invoices for payment. 

    • Interface with the bookkeeper to ensure payments.

    • Provide documentation and reports for funders.  

    • Manage evaluation of the project.

    • Organize and participate in in-person or online team meetings.

    • Answer phones and check email, providing information in a professional manner and/or directing inquiries to the appropriate staff members.

    • Maintain an effective, confidential, and accountable filing system for PEIBWA documents and records..

    • Other duties as required by the Executive Director.

    Skills and experience required:

    • Project coordination and management experience.

    • Working knowledge of eCommerce, website design and development. 

    • Marketing expertise and excellent oral and written communication skills.. 

    • Proficient in budgeting, forecasting, and accounts payable.

    • Experience dealing with external contractors and service providers.

    • Good time-management and organizational skills. 

    • Excellent troubleshooting skills. A self-starter who can prioritize tasks and juggle multiple projects while meeting deadlines. Self-directed and comfortable working with minimal supervision.

    • A keen interest in supporting the needs of women in business. 

    • Intermediate to advanced skills in MS Office, particularly Word and Excel. Able to navigate online and utilize Dropbox and GSuite. 

    • Experience working with non-profit organizations, bookkeeping, and/or accounting experience would be considered an asset.

    • Knowledge of customer relationship management system; experience using Wild Apricot, in particular, would be an asset.

    • Get along with supervisors and co-workers; respect the leadership of the organization; work collaboratively and harmoniously as part of a team; and deal effectively with situations that involve attitudes, opinions and feelings of others.

    • Reliable and client-focused. 

    Qualified applicants should forward a cover letter and electronic resume to PEI Business Women’s Association at office@peibwa.org with “Project Coordinator (Web Development)” in the subject line. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

    DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MONDAY, MARCH 29TH, AT 5:00 P.M.

    Thank you to all that apply; however, only those that are selected for an interview will be contacted.

  • 17 Mar 2021 1:17 PM | Anonymous

    PEI Business Women’s Association

    Project Coordinator (Consulting Services and Training Accelerator)

    PEI Business Women’s Association is seeking a professional and qualified team player to serve as the Project Coordinator for Consulting Services and Training Accelerator programming launching in April 2021. This project will support women business owners in PEI, so they can continue to grow their businesses throughout and beyond COVID-19. 

    Starting immediately, this position is funded until July 31, 2021, with potential to extend. It involves 37.5 work hours per week, and compensation is in the $25-$30/hr. range. The Project Coordinator will report to Margaret Magner, Executive Director. 

    Responsibilities of this position: 

    • Intake form receipt and dissemination. 

    • Contract management with vendors and clients..

    • Coordinate fit up of accelerator space and technology.

    • Manage the database of providers, speakers, mentors, and applicants.

    • Transferring and tracking invoices for payment. 

    • Interface with the bookkeeper to ensure payments.

    • Provide documentation and reports for funders.  

    • Manage evaluation of the project.

    • Organize and participate in in-person or online team meetings.

    • Maintain an effective, confidential, and accountable filing system for PEIBWA documents and records.

    • Other duties as required by the Executive Director.

    • Travel between Charlottetown and Central Bedeque locations periodically

    Skills and experience required:

    • Project coordination and management experience.

    • Marketing expertise, including social media marketing content development.  

    • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

    • Some knowledge of website design and development.

    • Proficient in budgeting, forecasting, and accounts payable.

    • Experience dealing with external contractors and service providers.

    • Good time management and organizational skills. 

    • Excellent troubleshooting skills. A self-starter who can prioritize tasks and juggle multiple projects while meeting deadlines. Self-directed and comfortable working with minimal supervision.

    • A keen interest in supporting the needs of women in business. 

    • Intermediate to advanced skills in Google (Docs, GMail, etc.) Survey Monkey, Adobe, Microsoft 365, and MS Office, particularly Word and Excel. Able to navigate online and utilize Dropbox and GSuite. 

    • Experience working with non-profit organizations, bookkeeping, and/or accounting experience would be considered an asset.

    • Knowledge of customer relationship management system; experience using Wild Apricot, in particular, would be an asset.

    • Get along with supervisors and co-workers; respect the leadership of the organization; work collaboratively and harmoniously as part of a team; and deal effectively with situations that involve attitudes, opinions and feelings of others.

    • Reliable and client-focused. 

    Qualified applicants should forward a cover letter and electronic resume to PEI Business Women’s Association at office@peibwa.org with “Project Coordinator (Consulting Services and Training Accelerator)” in the subject line. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

    DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MONDAY, MARCH 29TH, AT 5:00 P.M.

    Thank you to all that apply; however, only those that are selected for an interview will be contacted.

  • 17 Mar 2021 10:48 AM | Anonymous

    Marlene Bryenton with grandchildren Jaya and Brynn and illustrator Leanne Bowlan.

    Dr. Marlene Bryenton is a retired Employment and Insurance Officer who had a 36-year career with Service Canada. In 2003, she received an Honourary Doctor of Laws Degree from University of Prince Edward Island. She also received the Order of PEI in 1998. Following her retirement, she discovered the joys of writing for young audiences, with her third book set to be released this May.

    We asked her to share the story of this newest adventure with us.

    (photo caption: Dr. Marlene Bryenton with grandchildren Anna and James and illustrator Leanne Bowlan)


    Tell us about your new career as a children’s author.

    I have written three children's storybooks namely, Anna's Pink and Purple Glasses, Jaya's Magic Wheelchair and The Magic Toothbrush. Anna's and Jaya's storybooks were distributed to 3000 children in kindergarten and grade two all across the Island. We hope to launch The Magic Toothbrush in May 2021. This is thanks to businesses and charities that sponsor the storybooks. Our goal is to once again distribute the storybooks all across PEI. We have won awards including The Public Schools Branch Inspire Award, and three Purple Dragonfly Awards for Best Cover, Best Illustrations and Best Interior Design. Anna's and Jaya's storybooks also won Canada Book Awards.

    What inspired you to start your business?

    We started in October 2019.  I noticed Leanne Bowlan posting doodles on Facebook. I contacted her and asked if she would like to illustrate a children's storybook. I was laid up at the time requiring a hip replacement but I was able to use the computer to write.

    Have you experienced any unexpected surprises since starting your business?

    My biggest surprise is that I was able to write not one but three storybooks. They feature my four grandchildren: Jaya, Brynn, Anna, and James.

    What have your successes been?

    Writing the three storybooks and winning awards; and the fact that 3000 children have received each of my storybooks!

    How has COVID-19 affected your business? Has it changed the way you operate? Taught you any important lessons?

    My team includes an illustrator, an editor and a formatter. We could not meet as a team during the COVID-19 lockdown so we depended on our computers. We could not sell our books at local stores and we could not do book signings. This greatly limited our ability to sell storybooks. It is also difficult to obtain sponsors for the storybooks during COVID-19.

    Other than COVID-19, what challenges has your business faced and how have you overcome them?

    The biggest challenge was securing sponsors. I gave myself more time to do this function.

    Is there anything else we should know about your business?

    I hope to have my storybooks in all provinces across Canada. I found a sponsor for Jaya's Magic Wheelchair in Surrey, B.C. where Jaya lives. Surrey Firefighters and B.C. Physiotherapy both sponsored storybooks for children in Jaya's school. I also found a sponsor for Katzie Elementary, Surrey, B.C. The Jays Care Foundation affiliated with the Toronto Blue Jays has also sponsored my storybooks and are including Jaya’s storybook in a pilot of their Challenger Baseball Program. If it’s a success, they’ll  sponsor more storybooks.

    For more information about Marlene’s books or to contact her, visit her website or her Facebook page.

    If you are a current PEIBWA member and would like to submit your profile for future consideration, please fill out this simple online form!