Over 200 British Columbians joined Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto in a Twitter town hall on March 6 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. to discuss the opportunities, successes and challenges they experience as women entrepreneurs.

This was government's most successful Twitter conversation:

• 234 contributors.

• 473,508 accounts reached by the BCBizChat hashtag.

• 751 total tweets in the lead up to and during the conversation.

Why It Matters:

This Twitter town hall provided an opportunity for Yamamoto to engage with women entrepreneurs from around the province to discuss:

• Why they chose to become entrepreneurs.

• What advice they have for other women looking to become business owners.

• If they have faced any key challenges as a woman in business and how they are overcoming them.

• If they have taken any mentoring programs.

• What resources have been most helpful to them.

• How government can further support them.

Responses were insightful, inspired and enthusiastic. Key themes came out of the conversation, including the importance of a healthy work/life balance, setting measurable goals, having a plan and working with an experienced mentor.

Business services and organizations profiled in the discussion included Small Business BC, OneStop Business Registry, BCIC Entrepreneurship programs, the Mobile Business Licence Program and BizPaL.

This event supports International Women's Day on March 8. Participant responses will help inform government when developing programs or policy changes.

Quote:

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Small Business -

"Hosting the BCBizChat in advance of International Women's Day was a fascinating and wonderful experience. The women who joined me in this conversation are excellent ambassadors for the small business community and contributed to an enlightening and thoughtful conversation. I am proud to see B.C. business represented by this amazing group of dedicated and inspiring women."

Quick Facts:

• Between 2001 and 2011, the number of self-employed women in Canada grew by 23 per cent compared with 14 per cent growth in male self-employment.

• 83 per cent of Canadian women say having access to role models or mentors will be important to their success

• One-quarter of women believe striking a balance between work life commitments will be a challenge to starting their own business

• When starting a new business, the ability to share knowledge is believed to be important by 86 per cent of women surveyed

Learn more:

Women's Mentorship Programs: http://womensenterprise.ca, http://bridgesforwomen.ca, www.theminervafoundation.com

Community Business Loans Program: www.communityfutures.ca

Micro-Business Training Program: www.bcchamber.org

Women in Trades Training: www.itabc.ca

Small Business BC: www.smallbusiness.ca

BCIC Entrepreneurship programs: www.bcic.ca

Businesses that are required to collect PST must register by April 1, 2013. Questions about the PST can be directed to 1 877 388-4440 or CTBTaxQuestions@gov.bc.ca

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 356-8177