YORKTON — Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK) celebrated the successes and the contributions of female business leaders during a rural ambassadors event Nov. 20.
The gathering was held the day after Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. Local business owner Kaitlyn Kitzan said the event attracted about 30 people to Royal Ford. Most of the people present were women business owners, but others are interested in one day having a business of their own or are supporters of women entrepreneurs.
Kitzan moderated a panel discussion that included Laurie Renton of LR Coaching & Leadership Development, who is a long-time business owner in the community and had lots of advice to offer; Kristin Weber-Karcha of Extravadance Studio, who is in the midst of her career and has started a lot of businesses over the years; and newer entrepreneurs Kendall McKee of Co.lab Counselling and Meagan van Eeden of Gift & Grace Athletics, who also shared their experiences and their advice.
“In general, I had a few questions for each of them, but I was so excited to see how engaged the audience was. There was a lot of questions from the audience and discussion,” said Kitzan, who noted the event lasted until about 10 p.m. because the discussion kept going, even after the formal portion ended.
Natalie Ortynsky estimates 75–80 per cent of the crowd were existing business owners. A few of the supporters were mothers of the panelists.
The event also served as a reminder of the size of Yorkton’s female business community, she said. At the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce meeting the following week, people in attendance took note of the event and also noted how they haven’t had events to celebrate women in business, or how some women haven’t been comfortable attending business events.
“We’re hoping that some of these events get them networked, get them comfortable attending different business events and getting involved in different business associations like the chamber and others,” she said.
Kitzan pointed out Royal Ford is co-owned by Natalie Ortynsky, and the event’s caterer, Prairie Farmhouse Kitchen, is owned by a woman. People who hadn’t dealt with the latter company before marvelled at the sourdough meal served, Kitzan said.
“I think it was just a great opportunity to highlight some of these roles and some of these businesses that women are involved with in our region,” Kitzan said.
Kitzan recalled hosting a networking opportunity for women entrepreneurs a few months ago. She heard people in the area wanted similar functions. Another event is in the works for the new year, and something is planned for International Women’s Day in March.
“Quarterly, if we can have these events in Yorkton, it would be my ideal opportunity. Lots of women entrepreneurs are busy with their businesses and if they have a family at home, all of their other community commitments,” said Kitzan.
The crowd seemed to be on board with having four events each year. Kitzan suggested these could be held at other businesses owned by women.
She hopes the people in attendance realize that everyone is an entrepreneur in some way, and she hopes they can celebrate what they are doing and not suffer from imposter syndrome.
“I think for us, it was just celebrating everybody within the different industries with the different sizes of businesses, if it’s home based or if you’ve got brick and mortar. Everybody has a role in this space, and it’s just an opportunity to celebrate everyone.”
The event was funded by Women Entrepreneurs of B.C. Seven events were held in rural locations in Saskatchewan through the support.
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