Signing with WESK as a Charter Champion

SaskEnergy is proud to be the latest Charter Champion for Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs start, develop and grow their businesses.

Mark Guillet, SaskEnergy President and CEO, recently sat down with Miram Johnson – CEO, WESK, to officially sign the Saskatchewan Women Entrepreneurship Charter, highlighting SaskEnergy’s commitment to contributing to a more inclusive business community in Saskatchewan.

“At SaskEnergy, we recognize that a representative workforce is key to our success and, in partnering with WESK as a Charter Champion, we’re taking this a step further by expanding our supplier diversity within Saskatchewan and supporting local, women-owned businesses," says Mark.

As a Charter Champion, SaskEnergy recognizes our role in helping to close the gender gap in entrepreneurship, whether through adopting inclusive procurement practices, providing mentorship opportunities, or efforts to increase awareness of women-owned businesses in Saskatchewan.

“Women entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the economic and social fabric of Saskatchewan, yet they continue to face systemic barriers, especially when it comes to accessing larger contracts and procurement opportunities,” says Miriam. “By signing the Charter and supporting WESK, Crowns like SaskEnergy are helping to open doors for more women-owned businesses to participate in supply chains and inspiring other organizations across sectors to take similar action.”

Founded in 1995 with the goal to support women in overcoming the unique barriers they can face in business, WESK now has more than 800 members and offers services such as networking, advising, financing and training.

"By supporting WESK in its efforts, we’re also supporting the many businesses they work with, we’re strengthening SaskEnergy as an organization, and we’re investing in economic development and community growth in the province,” Mark adds.

The Saskatchewan Women Entrepreneurship Charter was developed based on a recommendation out of the provincial government’s Saskatchewan Advisory Committee on the Gender Entrepreneurship Gap. Led by WESK, the Committee’s goal was to identify the additional barriers that women face when starting and running a business, and to advise on strategies, policies and activities that would help level the playing field for Saskatchewan women entrepreneurs.

The Charter follows four principles to help support women-owned businesses:
-    Procure with Her: set procurement targets
-    Amplify Her Voice: promote and highlight women-owned businesses
-    Share Skills with Her: offer mentorship and learning opportunities
-    Shatter a Ceiling: facilitate access to networks and leadership opportunities

“A more inclusive supply chain is a more sustainable supply chain. Partnering with WESK is an important part of these efforts at SaskEnergy, and a way for us to connect with and support the many women and businesses that are WESK members,” says Linda McMullen – Director, Procurement and Corporate Support.