Women of WIFF: Spotlight on Female Entrepreneurship

Yvonne Pilon, President & CEO of WEtech Alliance, highlights the power of collaboration through a recent event featuring the film Show Her the Money, presented in partnership with Libro Credit Union and the Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF). The film sheds light on the barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, who receive only around 2% of venture capital investment despite strong performance metrics. This screening brought together a diverse audience, including supporters, mentors, and aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the funding gap.

The documentary features real women founders and investors, illustrating the unrecognized potential within the women-led business sector. One notable example is Archer Roose Wines, founded by Marian Leitner Waldman, which emphasizes sustainability in a traditionally male-dominated market. Pilon remarked that failing to invest in women represents a significant economic loss for the nation, underlining the need for more visibility and access for female entrepreneurs.

Following the film, a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Josianne Marsan, Dean of the Odette School of Business, included prominent leaders such as Lori Atkinson from Libro Credit Union and Brittany Charlton, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. The panel aimed to continue the conversation around shifting the 2% funding statistic by sharing experiences and success stories of women who have navigated venture capital challenges.

Charlton, who launched Chocovate Labs, shared insights from her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding business metrics to gain investor confidence. She encouraged women to embrace storytelling as part of their strategy for visibility, rejecting the notion that humility equates to success. Her advice was to own one’s narrative while also understanding the venture capital landscape.

The dialogue shifted towards establishing a “Show Her the Money” movement in Windsor Essex, with ideas including financially supporting women-led businesses, amplifying their achievements, and developing pathways for women to contribute to investment decision-making.

To inspire action, Pilon provided resources for entrepreneurs seeking support, including Investment Readiness Nights, bootstrapping workshops, and local initiatives like The Firehood and the Women’s Equity Lab (WEL). These programs aim to equip women with the necessary skills and networks to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.

In conclusion, the collective efforts of organizations like WEtech Alliance, Libro Credit Union, and WIFF, along with the inspiring narratives from successful women entrepreneurs, underscore the need for systemic change in funding practices. By fostering collaboration, supporting visibility, and empowering women through resources and networking, the community can begin to close the funding gap and unlock the full potential of women in entrepreneurship.