Women in business are leaders in business.
The bottom line of a woman-owned business often involves more than a dollar figure; we regularly see women starting a business with a desire to fill a gap they’ve found in community services, to right a social wrong or to address the climate crisis.
That’s two, three or even four bottom lines.
These women enter the world of business to create organizations based on values and purpose, aligning their business strategies to their sustainable business practices.
They are leaders in their communities, in our society and in business – and women entrepreneurs who export their goods and services can help communities and economies around the world facing the same issues.
However, women often cite difficulties accessing capital and finding international clients as barriers to international growth. This is why Export development Canada has a dedicated team that takes a holistic approach to inclusive trade – not only for women in trade, but for Indigenous peoples, Black and other racialized communities, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQI+ community.
I am a passionate advocate for inclusion, diversity and equity, and I have a role to play in inspiring, educating and building awareness around the benefits of exporting. At Export Development Canada, we share our exporting knowledge, provide financing and insurance solutions and connect businesses with international opportunities, networks and trade programs.
Championing under-served business owners in Canada – and ensuring we have the tools to help them to grow internationally – isn’t only the right thing to do, it’s something that will benefit our communities, the domestic economy, and global markets.
Julie Pottier
Senior Vice-President, Small Business, Commercial Markets and Partnerships, Export Development Canada
As Senior Vice-President Small Business and Partnerships and Head of Insurance, Julie’s mandate is at the core of how EDC serves Canadian companies as they grow their businesses internationally.
Julie oversees teams that deliver a wide range of services for every segment of EDC’s customer portfolio, from small businesses only beginning their exporting journey, to those larger and established exporters seeking to take their next step toward international growth. Her responsibilities include small business sales, the insurance underwriting teams and working capital solutions, customer care, partner channels and strategic alliances.
