Debbie Spence speaks with Rick Zamperin about a new program to support women+ in creative entrepreneurship
Debbie Spence, the City of Hamilton’s Business Development Consultant for Creative Industries, appeared on Good Morning Hamilton with Rick Zamperin to discuss the City of Hamilton’s new Women+ in Creative Business Mentoring Program.
The program aims to support women (inclusive of transgender, non-binary, gender fluid, and gender non-conforming individuals) with new businesses in the film, fashion, and music industries by leveraging the inherently collaborative nature of Hamilton’s creative sector.
During the conversation, Debbie discusses how this program is part of a broader context to support key sectors within the City, while also working to build greater gender diversity and representation within the creative and performing arts. The program also acts as a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the last two years both women and people working in creative industries faced employment disruption and reduced opportunities due to the pandemic. Data from Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey shows the extent to which women living in the Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area experienced these employment losses. While the trends have improved since the worst months of 2020, recent data shows how programs like Women+ In Creative Business Mentoring can work to facilitate a long-term economic recovery for women in Hamilton.
The program currently offers three hours of business mentoring with a focus on career development and overall business development skills within the film, fashion, and music industries. The program supports both in-person and virtual mentoring to suit the comfort and needs of both mentors and participants.
Click the play button below to listen to the full interview with Debbie.
Individuals interested in applying to this program can apply directly to Debbie Spence through email or through this webform. Applications for the program must be received by 5pm on June 3, 2022.
Click this link for more information on how the City of Hamilton supports the creative sector.
