Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade Mary Ng dropped in to our LinkedIn Live show with host Lisa Bragg to discuss breaking down barriers for Canadian small businesses – especially for women entrepreneurs – and into international markets. Watch their livestream here, and catch up on these three takeaways from their chat.

 

Entrepreneurship is a Lifestyle

Lisa mentioned that her 9-year-old daughter knows that being a small business owner isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle. As the daughter of entrepreneurs herself, Minster Ng can relate. “You’re a part of the challenges and hard work, but also the benefits and rewards that come with it.” The two discussed the lack of time for small business owners and how to access the programs that are available to help grow your business.

 

Confidence Stems from Impact

Minister Ng related that she’s not immune to imposter syndrome, and that she asked herself “how can I do this?” when running for office. She adds that we can assess by impact: what impact can we make when we do something we’re unsure about? Minister Ng’s mandate is to double the number of women entrepreneurs by 2020, and has invested in an ecosystem of support for them to help them get there, like access to capital and advice on international markets to grow into.

 

Be Bold and Disrupt

Minister Ng identifies our country’s entrepreneurs as ambassadors. “Canadians are known in this country and the world as trustworthy, high-quality, and integrity… and, we’re nice.” When Canadian businesses are successful, they create great jobs at home. Something she does advise, especially to women entrepreneurs, is to “be bold in your growth.” Lisa says that a disruptive mindset can spur growth internationally and at home.

 

Keep your eyes peeled for the next instalment of Transform to Thrive: follow Lisa’s LinkedIn to catch the livestream and bring your own questions to the table.