In 1985, Annie Lennox and Aretha Franklin delivered an anthem that celebrated female empowerment with Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves. At the time, women held 43 percent of all jobs in Canada. Fast forward to 2024, and that number has only slightly increased to 48 percent, with women’s business ownership growing modestly from 15.4 percent in 2017 to 18.4 percent today.

Despite these gains, the entrepreneurial landscape remains challenging for women. As Creston-based mental health expert and magazine publisher Lynn Hiscoe highlights, women business owners face unique struggles, including financial barriers, work-life balance pressures, and systemic inequalities.

The Hidden Struggles of Women in Business

“I think there are business obstacles that men don’t have,” says **Hiscoe**, who organized the **first Kootenay Women in Business Summit** in September. “I felt there was a need to look at emotional and mental health in business with a focus on women.”

Hiscoe, a psychotherapist with 25 years of experience, has researched both large-scale economic trends and local business realities. She found that eight women-owned businesses in Creston alone shut down within the past year. Nationally, the numbers reflect similar challenges:

37.1 percent of women entrepreneurs earn less than $50,000 annually, compared to 31.7 percent of male entrepreneurs.
Maternity leave often forces women to return to work in just six months, adding financial strain.
Loans are more difficult for women to secure, limiting their growth potential.

A September 2024 Wall Street Journal article highlighted an ongoing issue: "Dual incomes per household are all but mandatory nowadays, with upwards of $150,000 required annually for a young family to afford homeownership." Women aren’t just working more—they’re working two jobs instead of one, balancing professional and household responsibilities.

Work-Life Balance: A Myth?

Hiscoe notes that women work an additional four hours per day on household duties compared to men. The daycare crisis further exacerbates this issue, with waitlists in B.C. exceeding a year in some areas.

Rechie Valdez, Canada’s Minister of Small Business, argues that equal participation of women in the economy isn’t just a social issue—it’s an economic necessity. Research suggests that achieving gender equity in business could add up to $150 billion to Canada’s GDP.

Support for Women Entrepreneurs

There are several initiatives aimed at leveling the playing field:

Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) – A $7 billion federal initiative to boost women-led businesses through funding and mentorship.
WeBC programs – Provincial support for women entrepreneurs, including financial resources and networking opportunities.
Columbia Basin Trust – Regional programs supporting startups and women-led ventures in B.C.

Building a Stronger Future

Hiscoe’s work with **Kootenay Women in Business** has been instrumental in providing women with resources, mentorship, and community support. The **first summit** was just the beginning—she plans to continue **expanding initiatives** that empower women entrepreneurs.

In an era where women are expected to juggle business, family, and societal expectations, it’s crucial that they receive the necessary support, funding, and policy changes to thrive. As Hiscoe puts it, “We’re doing the work—it’s time for the world to catch up.”