This month marks AWE’s 25th anniversary as an organization. Since 1995, we have been focused on supporting women’s entrepreneurial dreams. Today, our purpose remains the same, but how we accomplish that has certainly changed over the last 25 years. It has also significantly changed in the past two months.
It’s been over nine weeks since I announced that AWE would be indefinitely postponing in-person events and programs. Our programming has shifted to be entirely virtual with workshops becoming webinars, and advising appointments being done via video or telephone calls.
In the weeks since then, I have felt moments of fear, grief, joy, and calm (sometimes I experience all four in one hour). As I reflect on the past nine weeks, I am grateful that AWE has been able to continue our work with women entrepreneurs across the province, especially in this challenging time. I am also incredibly grateful for our team’s commitment, adaptability, professionalism, and kindness.
We sent out a survey a short while ago to check in on how our community is doing and how we can best support women business owners. The impacts of COVID-19 have been far reaching, and many of you shared that your businesses are experiencing decreased revenues and you have faced difficult decisions, and are trying to find the best path to manage through crisis and recovery.
The survey also indicated many entrepreneurs have shifted their businesses to provide products or services online and 38% have come up with new products to address market needs. It has been amazing to watch women entrepreneurs pivot their businesses and step up for their teams, their families, and their communities.
We understand the responsibilities of being a business owner, as well as a friend and family member are weighing heavily on many of you. Our survey revealed that many who responded have high confidence that they are supporting their teams during this time, however, only half have high confidence that they are equipped to manage their own mental wellbeing.
As we see many business owners work incredibly hard to survive and find ways to thrive, I am reminded that “you can’t pour from an empty cup”. Your business is important, and so are you. I hope you are taking care of yourself, and I encourage you to reach out if you need support.
A strong community that supports each other has never been more important. In this time of rapid innovation and digital transformation for many businesses, we have been working with partners across Alberta and Canada on how to best support entrepreneurs through these challenges and opportunities.
Last week, AWE participated in the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) Virtual Symposium, which brought together to bring expertise from across the country to reach a national audience of women entrepreneurs. I am excited about the future opportunities that will exist because of new technologies and a strong desire to digitally transform our organizations.
As Alberta begins our phased reopening, we know that there is still a lot of uncertainty about what the future will hold, and we would like you to know that you are not alone. AWE is just one of many organizations here to support you, to advocate for you, and to listen to you. If you are looking for support or have feedback to share with us, please reach out.
Always with gratitude,
Marcela
