Organization Overview
The Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC) is a nationally incorporated, not-for-profit organization, dedicated to advocacy, advancement, and connection for and on behalf of its members. CanWCC’s membership consists of women-identified entrepreneurs and businesses that are at least 50% woman(en)-owned and led.
CanWCC focuses on three key interwoven activities to support its members:
- Connection – through the development of a national network of women entrepreneurs, business owners, and the organizations that serve them.
- Advocacy – on behalf of members, informed by members and supported by the national network.
- Advancement – at both the micro- and macro-level, facilitating economic opportunities for women business owners and building a stronger Canadian economy.
About the Role
Call for Applications!
Joining our advisory board offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of women entrepreneurs and contribute to the advancement of gender equity in Canadian entrepreneurial ecosystems. If you are passionate about supporting women, driving social change, and fostering inclusive economic growth, we invite you to apply and join us in our mission.
About the Board
Advisors play a crucial role in guiding and shaping our mission to empower women and promote gender equity in the entrepreneurial landscape. Their expertise, insights, and commitment to feminist principles will inform our strategic decisions and ensure that our initiatives are aligned with our core values.
We aspire for this board to mirror the rich tapestry of voices and experiences that define not only our membership but also the vibrant mosaic of Canada. In this spirit, we extend a heartfelt invitation to Indigenous women, black women, women of color, newcomers, 2SLGBTQIA+, disabled women, young women (youth under 25), and all those who belong to equity-deserving groups. We urge them to seize this opportunity to amplify their community’s voices, whether through their own application or by nominating another remarkable woman who may not readily put herself forward.
Salary, Details & Benefits
Application deadline: October 31, 2024
Start Date: January 1, 2025
Hours of Work: 1-2 hours per month (min)
Place of Work: virtual
Pay Range: volunteer position
Perks & Benefits: 2 year Term (2025 - 2026)
Reports to: Will work primarily with Catherine Chan, CanWCC's COO
Duties & Responsibilities
- Strategic Guidance: Provide strategic direction and advice to the organization’s leadership team on initiatives, programs, and policies that advance feminist principles in entrepreneurship.
- Advocacy and Networking: Act as an ambassador for the organization, advocating for gender equity in entrepreneurship and expanding our network by connecting with potential partners, sponsors, and stakeholders who share our vision.
- Thought Leadership: Contribute thought leadership articles, blog posts, or presentations on topics related to feminist entrepreneurship, sharing insights, best practices, and innovative ideas to inspire and educate our community.
- Evaluation and Feedback: Participate in periodic reviews and assessments of the organization’s programs and initiatives, providing constructive feedback and recommendations for improvement.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Champion diversity and inclusion within the organization and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem; advocate for the representation of women of all backgrounds and identities.
- Meetings will be 90 minutes, held monthly. (A total of 18 hours per year)
- We ask that applicants be passionate enough about this opportunity that they anticipate participating in at least 80% of the meetings. We want advisors who are engaged, diligent, and who take this role seriously. While we don’t REQUIRE attendance, we intentionally send out the topic in advance to ensure advisors can attend when the topic is an identified skillset/area of expertise.
- Preparation for meetings includes:
- Have read the pre-meeting briefing
- Be familiar with topics or have questions ready
- Be ready to give your input, opinions, concerns
- Be in the right frame of mind to brainstorm solutions, responses, etc
- Bring any relevant articles, reports or research of interest to share
Desired Skills & Experience
Minimum Qualifications
Core Competency Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
- Demonstrated commitment to feminist principles and gender equity.
- Extensive experience in entrepreneurship, business leadership, or a related field.
- Proven track record of mentorship and support for women entrepreneurs.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Strategic thinking and analytical abilities, with a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing women in entrepreneurship.
- An understanding of the Canadian political landscape, structures, and relevant policies.
- Knowledge of governance and funding models, particularly for not for profit organizations
- Active involvement in feminist and/or entrepreneurship communities is preferred.
- Large community or network, with strong ties
- Time commitment: Regular attendance at advisory board meetings (virtual or in-person) and availability for ad-hoc consultations and engagements as needed.
We particularly encourage Individuals in law, finance and accounting, fundraising, and the arts to apply.
How to Apply
Application Instructions: Please fill out this form, including 2 letters of reference
Nomination Instructions: If you wish to nominate another, please use this form.
The Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC) believes that gender expression and identity is a fundamental right. We welcome all women, as well as non-binary people to become members.
CanWCC is committed to inclusive and anti-discrimination practices in relation to those who identify as women and non-binary participants. We aim to ensure that all members’, volunteers’, directors’, officers’, and employees’ rights are respected and protected.
CanWCC confirms that gender identity or expression is not in any way related to one’s eligibility for participating as a volunteer or employee.
CanWCC is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify us when contacted for an interview.