This week I chat with the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, about the importance of expanding opportunities and resources for women business owners. We discuss the Canadian government’s funding initiatives and goals in the wake of COVID-19, why women entrepreneurs have faced more challenges during this pandemic, and the importance of pushing for international trade and growth. Minister Ng is the Canadian Minister of Small Business Export Promotion and International Trade. She has spent over 20 years working to increase access and create more opportunities for young people, women, and immigrants. When she decided to run for public office, she didn’t just want to improve representation in her field, she also wanted to make an impact on her country and the people she serves. Now, Minister Ng spends her days working to inspire women entrepreneurs, increase funding for women-led businesses, and offer resources for people looking to grow their operations. In this episode we talk about:➤ Why Minister Ng decided to get into politics (4:09)➤ Embracing diversity as a strength (7:09)➤ How the Canadian government is investing in women entrepreneurs (9:15)➤ Giving women entrepreneurs support during COVID-19 (11:02)➤ The importance of every business working together (13:12)➤ How women entrepreneurs can embrace debt financing (15:14)➤ Why we shouldn’t stop trading right now (17:05)➤ Why you should continue to push for growth during this time (19:42)➤ How women entrepreneurs have pivoted since COVID-19 (20:58)Keep ListeningCurious to learn more about Export Development Canada (EDC) and Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) are helping women entrepreneurs and small businesses? Check out my conversation with Jennifer Cooke, the Corporate Lead, Women In Trade of EDC about exporting and Laura Didyk, Vice President and National Lead Women Entrepreneurs of BDC about government financing programs available to Canadian small businesses. Contact MeReady to transform your purpose to an impactful business financial story, profit, and joy? Schedule a chat with me at any time.Connect with Minister Ng:➤ Website ➤ LinkedIn➤ Instagram➤ TwitterResources:➤ Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES)➤ WES Ecosystem Fund➤ Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Pl