Abstract
The incidence of gender-based small business training programs is increasing. However, the nature and impact of these initiatives are not well documented. This paper summarizes the findings of an evaluation of the impact of the Women’s Enterprise Initiative (WEI), a program that seeks to foster the development of women-owned firms in Western Canada. Program assessment criteria included program effectiveness, strengths and weaknesses, job creation and retention, business survival, incrementality and the facilitation of enterprise growth. A direct association between WEI advisory assistance and business development was noted in 60 percent of cases. The results also suggest that men and women seek different types of assistance with respect to business development. When compared to a control group of business owners, WEI clients and women business owners were more likely to prioritize intrinsic outcomes such as evaluation of entrepreneurial skills; building self-confidence; and improving strategic management skills. Conversely, male business owners prioritized operational skills such as helping to improve strategic management and identifying opportunities for growth.
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