When You Want to Connect
Business Sisters is for you when you want to connect with other women who understand what it’s like to be in business, whether you’re a farmer, artist, artisan, shop owner or service-provider. It’s for you, the busy rural women entrepreneur who want tools and knowledge to apply NOW.
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It’s easy. Just sign up for our e-newsletter. You’ll get up to two messages per month with event notices and useful info to help you in your business.
Events
We are happy to be relaunching events in 2022. Our monthly “5 à 7” networking receptions are intimate, allowing you to really connect with other business owners. Our venues showcase women-owned sites throughout the five easternmost counties of Ontario, and feature local products and talents. Later this fall the annual conference also returns with a new format! Check out the Events Page for more info.
Business Sisters is about YOU
About Women
Business Sisters is all about women. Dedicated women who are at work in local communities as business owners, entrepreneurs, farmers, artists, artisans. Some of us are self-employed in store-fronts or home-based, as service-providers or virtual workers.
About Rural Business
Business Sisters are from rural areas and small towns, mostly in Eastern Ontario. We know how distance can make us feel disconnected even though there are hundreds of women in business in the region. Poor internet and lack of the same amenities as urban centres are often obstacles for us.
About Real Life
Business Sisters keep it real. Women wear many hats at home, in business, and in the community. By connecting with each other, we can share experiences – life isn’t always Insta-worthy. As we listen to personal stories of mistakes, hurdles overcome and lessons learned, we learn and become resilient. We remind each other that we need to take care of ourselves even while we are taking care of others, too.
What makes us different?
Business Sisters is about the simple idea of connecting women business owners so they can get to know each other and learn from each other. And yet, it’s more than that. We take pride in being a social enterprise and want our work to matter. Supporting women in business means we’re having a direct impact on community economic development. Business Sisters creates a listening and sharing environment for women’s experiences and stories – creating a safe place to support each other.
Testimonials
Doreen is our region’s champion for entrepreneurship and women’s leadership. Working with her and Business Sisters is a pleasure means having fun on your way to success.
I hope you’re taking a well deserved rest today!!! I just wanted to send you virtual confetti and congrats for your conference! You did an amazing job. The speakers and panel were great. The food was amazing. Thank you so much for including me! I’m sure you’ve gotten nothing but great compliments! Look forward to participating next year!!!!!!!!
I am sooooo glad I was able to attend the Business Sisters Conference on Saturday. Thanks to Doreen for putting together a wonderful group of inspiring and wise women as presenters and speakers. I was able to meet my newest client, and from the sponsors I also found a potential partner, and some great new resources for my VA association. Incredible!
Latest News
Our Plans to Help Rural Women Business Owners
When we announced the $100,000 grant from Desjardins, we promised to inform you about the plans to use this money to benefit our region’s women business owners. Based on consultations we’ve had thus far, here are the three main uses of the funding: 1. One on one...
$100,000 funding from Desjardins Ontario
Big news! We are so happy to announce that Business Sisters has received $100,000 from Desjardins Ontario Credit Union’s Community Development Fund to launch a new Centre for Rural Women Entrepreneurs which will deliver entrepreneurial training, mentorship and events,...
Business Sisters Networking – Tuesday, August 23, 2022
We're so pleased to be continuing our monthly series of networking events for rural women business owners. This event is at the La Belle Sorelle from 5 to 7 pm on Tuesday, August 23! We are excited to spend the evening with them! Let's eat! There will be good drinks,...