FALLING THROUGH THE CRACKS:
COVID-19 Survey of Underrepresented Founders
ABOUT THE SURVEY
The COVID-19 Survey of Underrepresented Founders is a nationwide survey of 346 Canadian founders by the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC) and Dream Legacy Foundation (DLF). It sought to understand the widespread impact of COVID-19 amongst underrepresented founders, entrepreneurs, and business owners in Canada.
The findings of this report will be used to inform government about the experiences of underrepresented founders including those who identify as racialized, women, LGBTQ+, Indigenous Peoples, first generation immigrants, refugees, and people with disability/accessibility needs.
CanWCC and Dream Legacy Foundation ask the Canadian government to support these groups by directing funding and programs towards those working on the ground.
Decrease in Revenue
66% of underrepresented founders report a decrease in revenue due to COVID-19, compared to other small business in Canada.
16% face drastic declines in revenue, of up to 80 percent. This loss of revenue may result in failure to pay rent, employee layoffs, closing of offices, etc.
MENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS
71% of survey participants report negative mental health impacts or consequences as a result of COVID-19.
Social distancing requirements may create barriers to accessing support and mental health services.
INCREASED DEMANDS AT HOME
56% of respondents report more domestic work and 54% report more caretaking work.
For many parents and individuals with other family members to care for, work is shifting from the paid economy to the unpaid economy.
READ THE FULL REPORT
For the full survey details and analysis, please download the report below, as well as our social snapshot to share with your network and community.
quotes
“[I have] lost many opportunities to introduce the company to new collaborators and the product to possible clients. Not received a refund for the cancelled events Applications were cancelled for funding opportunities.”
Self-Identified: Autistic bisexual black woman, Montreal, QC
“[My] clients have discontinued their contracts with me (indefinitely) as they are not able to bring revenue into their own businesses. [My] working hours have been shifted to more evening hours to accommodate childcare needs during the day.”
Self-Identified: Woman, wife, mom, entrepreneur and community leader, Ajax, ON
“I am home trying to balance work and family life. My sales have dropped significantly and I am facing delays in the shipping of my supplies and my product. I am limited to pursue my growth plans as they involved travel to the US.”
Self-Identified: Indigenous woman, Kamloops, BC
