- Ahead of International Women's Day (8th
March 2025), GoDaddy has revealed new data which highlights
the impact of female founders on Canada's small business economy
- Over two fifths (43%) of small businesses with 0-9 employees in
Canada are run by women, with over
one in four female founders the primary income earner for their
household
- Female entrepreneurs are also at the forefront of AI adoption,
with nearly half (48%) agreeing that the technology will help them
compete with larger companies in the next year
- The figures come from Venture Forward, GoDaddy's international
research initiative which analyses data from over 770,000 Canadian
small businesses
TORONTO, March 6,
2025 /CNW/ -- Ahead of International Women's Day
2025 (8th March), GoDaddy has released new data to highlight
the impact of female founders on Canada's small business economy.
Figures from Venture Forward - GoDaddy's research initiative
which analyses over 770,000 Canadian small businesses with 0-9
employees - show that 43% are run by women, and 48% of these
female-led businesses were started in the last five years.
Despite varying outlooks on the current Canadian economy, with
only 35% of female founders expressing optimism, they are more
bullish about their own business' prospects. Seven in ten (70%) are
optimistic about their companies over the next six months, and 29%
plan to hire new staff in the next year.
Canadian women entrepreneurs are making their mark right now,
with over one in four women (26%) the primary income earner for
their household. One third (33%) say their small business turns
over more than $5,000 revenue in an
average month.
What's more, around three fifths (59%) say becoming a small
business owner has enhanced their quality of life, offering a sense
of fulfilment and empowerment with the opportunity to pursue their
passion.
Female founders are at the forefront of the AI revolution, with
almost half (46%) agreeing that the technology will help them
compete with larger, better-resourced companies in the next year.
Many are already using AI tools to free up time and streamline
their business operations. For example, Canadian women are using AI
for tasks such as writing content (80%), summarizing information or
text (49%), and generating recommendations or strategies for their
marketing or operations (45%).
Monique Joustra, founder and
owner of nail salon NAIL FIX in the
6IX in the Greater Toronto
Area, says about her business journey: "I started my nail
salon venture with just one location in 2018. Through unwavering
commitment, I was able to build a talented team and loyal client
base – and I'm proud to say we now have three salon locations and
an Academy. What's more, I have been able to recruit and train a
fantastic team of talented nail professionals. It's extremely
rewarding to know my business can have a positive impact on the
local community and economy.
"To any aspiring female entrepreneurs: don't be afraid to
believe in yourself, know your value, and take risks to follow your
passion. The rewards are so worth it."
Young Lee, GoDaddy Canada
market lead, said: "The theme for International Women's Day
2025 is about accelerating action. By shining a light on the
successes of Canada's female
founders, that's exactly what we hope to achieve. These women are
contributing to local economies, creating jobs and supporting
families.
"A growing era for women entrepreneurs inspires other women
what's possible. Advancements in digital technology and AI-powered
solutions like GoDaddy Airo® are removing barriers and empowering a
new generation to turn dreams into thriving businesses. From domain
names to designing a logo and creating social media content, the
barriers-to-entry are lower than ever before."
Notes to the editors:
About GoDaddy
GoDaddy helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start and scale
their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build
a website and logo, sell their products and services, and accept
payments. GoDaddy Airo®, the company's AI-powered experience, makes
growing a small business faster and easier by enabling them to get
their idea online in minutes, drive traffic and boost sales.
GoDaddy's expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance.
To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com.
About Venture Forward
Venture Forward is a multi-year research initiative, which
analyses data from over 770,000 Canadian small businesses with 0-9
employees - conducted by GoDaddy to quantify the impact of these
businesses on the Canadian economy and their local communities.
SOURCE GoDaddy
