Feds pursue social procurement as report urges more help for women entrepreneurs
OTTAWA — A new report is adding to the growing pressure on governments to use their multibillion-dollar buying power to help support businesses run by women — and all signs suggest Ottawa has heard their cry.
Much work remains to ensure female entrepreneurs can fully contribute to the Canadian economy, says the study, co-funded by the federal government. It recommends a simplified procurement process to recognize the needs of small businesses and companies operated by women.
The report released Wednesday comes just two weeks before the federal budget, which is expected to emphasize gender equality and lay out efforts to boost the role of women in the workforce.
Some groups expect to see new measures to make federal procurement approaches more inclusive for under-represented groups. Ottawa could follow the lead of a U.S. model that sets aside procurement funds for women-owned businesses, said one expert who’s been consulting with the government on the issue.