Launched in 2018, UPS’s Women Exporters Program enables our expertise in trade to be shared with women entrepreneurs. We equip women business owners with access to financing, digital tools to compete in a global marketplace, helping them gain new market access which was previously closed off.
What’s new: UPS is bringing the Women Exporters Program to Canada in partnership with nonprofit Startup Canada.
Why it matters: Women-owned businesses account for almost one-fifth of all private sector businesses in Canada. But they are still underrepresented in terms of export activity, which is a huge opportunity for growth.
“Over the last six years, we’ve worked with UPS to better support Canadian entrepreneurs in their global exporting journey through our Startup Global program,” says Kayla Isabelle, CEO of Startup Canada.
When women thrive, communities thrive: To-date, the Women Exporters Program has supported more than 107,000 women and diverse small business owners around the world.
“Whether they’re seasoned or beginner exporters, the UPS Women Exporters Program is here to help any small business owner reach their global potential,” said Paul Gaspar, UPS Canada’s Small Business Director.
Thriving internationally: "Initiatives like the Women Exporters Program are a testament to the importance of women’s participation in the Canadian and global economy. Our government's $7 billion investment in the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy underscores our commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and small business owners across Canada," said The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Federal Minister of Small Business.
Grow with UPS: Interested Canadian entrepreneurs can apply through Startup Canada. Applications are open until Friday, October 13, 2023, and the program will run from September 19, 2023 to February 27, 2024.