Eva Luk left a large Winnipeg law firm four years ago determined to establish herself as an independent lawyer.
She wanted to gain more control of her life and spend more time with her two young children.
Luk, a member of the city’s Chinese community, knew that she had the support of that community behind her.
“The clientele wasn’t the problem,” she said.
“It was managing the business side of things that I had to learn from scratch.”
She found what she was looking for through the Manitoba Women’s Directorate, which last year launched the Manitoba Women in Business Mentoring Program.
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The one-year program draws from the experience of 12 veteran Manitoba businesswomen who each facilitate one monthly mentoring session and are available to assist at two or three others.
“These are people in the community interested in giving back,” said Betty Brand of the directorate.
Areas to consider
Topics include advertising and marketing, financing and managing cash flows, e-commerce and exporting.
The meetings are held in Winnipeg, but the directorate hopes to eventually extend the program into rural Manitoba.
About 100 women have enrolled in the program. They represent home-based ventures, as well as businesses with storefronts.
The idea grew out of a survey conducted two years ago at a conference. Access to mentorship was stressed by novice entrepreneurs in the survey.
Provide inspiration
Lea Ritchot launched her venture in women’s and children’s clothing three years ago in Winnipeg.
She draws inspiration from the mentors, who come from a diverse variety of businesses.
“Knowing that these people have made it gives you that extra support to go on.”
Ritchot finds the meetings a good place to network, to swap anecdotes with other budding entrepreneurs, and to learn about available public and private resources.
Margaret Steele, the owner of an apparel design and manufacturing business in Winnipeg, said the meetings offer a nurturing environment. She applauds the women who have volunteered as mentors.
“I think they’ve assembled a group of entrepreneurs who are obviously keen to help those of us that are struggling.”
Luk said the mentors offer practical guidance, including tips on what pitfalls to avoid when still a novice businessperson.
“They didn’t just share about their successes. They also taught us about what mistakes not to make.”
