
<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ey-s-rachel-rodrigues-explains-how-the-company-is-addressing-the-lack-of-diversity-among-business-owners-and-supporting-underrepresented-groups-in-canada">EY’s Rachel Rodrigues explains how the company is addressing the lack of diversity among business owners and supporting underrepresented groups in Canada.</h4>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://web-summit-library.imgix.net/collision/2424/06/Rodrigues_Rachel_02.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;fit=crop&amp;h=350&amp;ixlib=php-3.3.0&amp;w=730&amp;wpsize=blog-feat&amp;s=a9d595896be148cf747e9dc5235df4ab" alt="Headshot of Rachel Rodrigues" class="wp-image-86537"/></figure></div>


<p><br><em>Rachel Rodrigues, EY Canada Entrepreneur of the Year program director and EY partner. Image: <a href="https://www.ey.com/en_ca" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">EY Canada</a></em><br></p>



<p>Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of innovation, driving economies forward and solving some of society’s most pressing challenges. Yet, despite Canada’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, there’s a stark lack of diversity among business owners.</p>



<p>Only 16 percent of Canadian small- and medium-sized business owners are women, less than two percent are Indigenous, and many Black-owned businesses struggle to generate significant revenue.</p>



<p>These statistics underscore the need for a more inclusive approach to entrepreneurship – one that ensures all individuals, regardless of gender, race, age, ethnicity or sexual orientation, have equal access to the resources and support they need to thrive in the entrepreneurial landscape.</p>



<p>In recent challenging years, Canadian entrepreneurs have not only navigated obstacles but have thrived, spurring a tech boom that has created new value for their communities.</p>



<p>This surge in technological innovation presents a unique opportunity to foster an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that drives substantial economic impact for Canada.</p>



<p>Organizations such as EY play a pivotal role in this landscape, supporting and nurturing the growth of diverse businesses, and ensuring that the benefits of this tech-driven growth are broadly shared from coast to coast. https://www.youtube.com/embed/UeMo_auxFuI?si=k4Zpul0bi7u_IxaF</p>



<p>EY supports Canadian entrepreneurs nationwide through initiatives such as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program, the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women North America program, and the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network.</p>



<p>By fostering an inclusive ecosystem of entrepreneurs, these efforts aim to empower underrepresented groups and advocate for systemic change by working with financial institutions and policymakers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-30-years-of-entrepreneurial-excellence">30 years of entrepreneurial excellence</h3>



<p>Now celebrating its 30-year anniversary, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates entrepreneurs whose ambition and unconventional thinking are transforming industries and communities.</p>



<p>By recognizing and amplifying their stories, EY not only celebrates their achievements but also provides them with a platform to connect with like-minded business leaders, share disruptive ideas and collaborate on new ventures.</p>



<p>“The Entrepreneur Of The Year event and program has been an absolutely life-changing process for me and I am grateful beyond words,” said Justin Bruzzese, CEO of Canadian Metal Buildings and finalist of the Ontario program in 2023.</p>



<p>“I learned a lot and met so many outstanding entrepreneurs and individuals. Thank you for listening to my story and believing in me – the program has made me even more driven to keep growing and pushing ahead with even more momentum,” added Justin.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-the-gap-for-black-and-indigenous-entrepreneurs">Bridging the gap for Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs</h3>



<p>Entrepreneurs aren’t determined by race, and their potential shouldn’t be, either. That’s why in 2022, EY Canada took a significant step forward by launching a dedicated program aimed at empowering Black and Indigenous leaders.</p>



<p>This initiative focuses on providing tailored support, including a comprehensive one-year executive program, coaching, networking opportunities and collaboration with regulatory and industry partners, all geared towards bridging disparity gaps and fostering equitable outcomes in entrepreneurship.</p>



<p>“Despite less than one percent of venture capital going to Black entrepreneurs, initiatives by inclusive companies like EY can help bridge this gap,” said Thierry Lindor, co-founder and CEO of Happly.ai, and member of the 2023 program cohort.</p>



<p>“Supporting Black entrepreneurs not only fosters equity but benefits the entire economy. By focusing on technology and innovation, Black Canadians can build significant generational wealth, countering systemic racism and enhancing national prosperity,” said Thierry.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-barriers-unleashing-potential">Breaking barriers, unleashing potential</h3>



<p>Meanwhile, the Entrepreneurial Winning Women program targets women founders who have built profitable companies and aspire to scale sustainably.</p>



<p>By providing access to resources, networks and executive education, EY is helping these women overcome barriers to growth and unlock their full potential.</p>



<p>One such success story is Bobbie Racette, founder and CEO of Virtual Gurus. Bobbie’s company uses proprietary technology to pair organizations with skilled remote assistants from Canada and the US, facilitating connections and opportunities for businesses and traditionally underrepresented communities.</p>



<p>“Whether through access to advisors and resources, executive education or introductions to the EY global entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Entrepreneurial Winning Women program is helping women entrepreneurs in tech build stronger organizations, challenge perspectives and break down barriers to success,” shared Bobbie.</p>



<p>After taking part in the program in 2022, the founder went on to participate in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program in 2023, and won the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 Prairies Award.</p>



<p>From climate change and healthcare to education and sustainable development, entrepreneurs are seizing disruptive technology to find solutions to the world’s most pressing issues.</p>



<p>With organizations such as EY leading the way, supporting these visionary leaders and providing them with the resources they need to succeed, the future of entrepreneurship in Canada seems brighter and more inclusive than ever before.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-to-learn-more-about-what-ey-is-doing-to-drive-an-inclusive-entrepreneurial-ecosystem-in-canada-visit-the-company-s-entrepreneurship-page">To learn more about what EY is doing to drive an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Canada, <a href="https://www.ey.com/en_ca/corporate-responsibility/entrepreneurship" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">visit the company’s entrepreneurship page</a>.</h4>



<p><em>Main image: EY Canada</em></p>


The EY Canada logo is in the center of the image. This is a solid colour background with two shape - a circle overlapping the EY logo and a geometric shape behind it, to the left.

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