Year-End Message From the CEO

That is the heart and soul of NLOWE- connecting. Although we were able to pivot to an online format when necessary and continue to offer our members services and support, to now be able to come together again, face-to-face has been a big highlight of this year for us, and hopefully for you too. We are delighted to welcome over 100 new members into the NLOWE community this year. We encourage you to engage with and participate in as many of our programs, events and services as possible.

This year we celebrated NLOWE’s 25th Anniversary. For twenty-five years, NLOWE has supported women entrepreneurs all over Newfoundland and Labrador to start, grow, and advance their businesses. We are proud of who we are and how far we have come. This 25th year was busier than ever with networking events and speaking engagements throughout the province, in addition to all our small group and individual consultations.

In March, we invited Tarah Wheeler, an international Tech Expert and White Hat Hacker as our keynote speaker for our online International Women’s Day Event. Her accounts and insights into being a woman business leader in an industry primarily dominated by men were both thought-provoking and inspiring. However, her practical advice on staying safe online stole the show with simple tips and tricks to improve your online experience. Our annual conference, headlined by Zita Cobb of Fogo Island Inn and Shoresfast, was held online in April. Nine workshops over three weeks offered something for everyone as we covered topics like marketing and communications to HR challenges and health and wellness – it was a premier business conference event.

We also made a big move in 2022 – literally! Leaving Elizabeth Avenue was bittersweet – we had spent many years in that location and were an active part of the community. However, we are quickly becoming well-integrated into our new community in Mount Pearl. Now located at 58 Glencoe Drive, our new offices have provided us with additional space to host workshops and networking events. Our first event was our Annual General Meeting in June, and we were delighted to bring so many members together in person to see the new space and celebrate.

This anniversary year also brought a new mentorship program, an international trade mission, and Economic Recovery and Growth Symposiums, all leading to our most significant event in NLOWE history, the 2022 Annual Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and Gala. With a record-breaking 300+ people in attendance at the St. John’s Convention Centre, including Provincial and Federal dignitaries and eight deserving award winners, it was a night to remember!

As we now cast our gaze to the year ahead, let’s take the energy, drive and passion from this past year to our work in 2023.
To our partners and champions near and far, we thank you for your ongoing support and collaboration and look forward to the year to come.

Welcome to our new members and clients, and we look forward to many years of success and celebration with you. To our existing members, thank you for your unwavering support and engagement. You are the reason we do the work that we do. We are delighted to assist you along your entrepreneurial journey and know that we will continue to be a resource and champion for you.

Wishing you all joy for the holiday season and very best wishes for the new year.