Testing in English

Some example body text here

Some example body text here

Join the conversation
Thank you! Your comment has been received! We will review it before publishing it.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting your comment.
0
Comments
mentorship-changes-everything-celebrating-our-partnership-with-the-scotiabank-women-initiative
Hélène Faubert
1764380823000
Having this mentorship available with Scotia Bank is an unbelievable opportunity and tool to help anyone in business. Truly blessed that Business Sisters has this connection and information to help business sisters.
radical-generosity-resetting-and-the-power-of-asking
Hélène Faubert
1764385083000
We have to learn that sharing what we learned in our businesses and the experience we acquired are things we can share without feeling that our business will be robbed by competition in the business world, competition is often good in the business world as it keeps us honest, accountable, and determined to do the best we can with the products or services we provide. Confidence goes a long way in knowing we give our best, share our failures and successes and always have an ear open to learn and maintain a voice to speak and be heard.
census-2025-results-are-in-learn-about-the-women-entrepreneurs-of-business-sisters
Donna MacDonald
1748636476525
That’s fantastic to hear! Data like this truly highlights the dedication, resilience, and diversity within the Business Sisters Entrepreneurs community. It’s inspiring to see how their hard work and innovation contribute to the broader business landscape.
hr-challenges-how-not-to-feel-like-a-bitch
Denise Sukkau
1723132740137
We are entering a time when women need to take our place, fill up our space and be who we are without apology. I have difficulty with this and thus I try to keep expanding, keep learning, keep letting go of those past experiences that have kept me small(er). Our culture and past societal 'norms' in a patriarchal time have diminished our voice in addition to other past traumas to women. In supporting each other we can rise together without guilt or shame for being a b*tch or any other shadow expression of our soul, to embrace our power that is within. (Please note I have recently come off of a feminine empowerment retreat called Rise Sister Rise.)
navigating-networking-real-talk-for-business-sisters
Moumie
1712533017881
Bonjour Doreen, J'aime cet article, c'est bien dit... !!😄 Je rajoute, tu es aussi pour ma part, dans ton rôle, de pouvoir encadrer les choses autant que tu peux car, gérer les êtres humains est une tâche énorme pour n'importe quelle occasion. Je viens d'apprendre aussi une chose intéressante, la philosophie de Ted Lasso, je ne connaissais pas cette série, je vais la regarder. Merci de partager cela. Donc, en un mot, tout ca est intéressant moi, je te trouve en tout cas authentique :)!! Bravo pour ton leadership👍
meet-the-business-sisters-results-of-the-first-ever-census-of-our-community
Lexine
1710194161296
Huh - ma première réaction - 41% ont plus de 6 employés. Il serait intéressant de voir combien sont des sous-contractants VS part-time VS full-time, et les liens aux revenus bruts?
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Be the first to comment!

Continue Reading

A young woman posing in front of an outdoor skating rink. she is wearing a tuque and winter coat.
Earlier
Manel Yahaioui - A Journey, A Mission: Contributing to Social Change with Business Sisters
Business Sisters welcomes Manel Yahaioui as a new intern through Collège Boréal’s Social Entrepreneurship program. Originally from Algeria who has been studying in Toronto, Manel joins the team to gain hands-on experience while contributing to day-to-day operations. Guided by founder Doreen Ashton Wagner, her presence also highlights an important reality for many entrepreneurs: the need to step back, organize, and bring more structure to growing businesses. This introduction shares Manel’s background, goals, and the start of her journey in social entrepreneurship.
Read More
Group of racially-diverse women looking at computer screens, smiling and talking.
Earlier
Collaboration Is the Point
This article shares how Business Sisters is expanding its impact by opening events and programming to community collaborators in 2026. Based on the belief that collective wisdom is stronger than individual expertise, the post highlights the growth of a trusted platform for rural women entrepreneurs—and how co-created workshops, partnerships, and shared leadership are shaping the next chapter of Business Sisters.
Read More
Earlier
Mentorship Changes Everything: Celebrating Our Partnership with the Scotiabank Women Initiative
Discover how mentorship is transforming women entrepreneurs in Eastern Ontario. Business Sisters’ partnership with The Forum and Scotiabank Women Initiative powered Oh Color Me’s six-figure leap—what the program offers, who qualifies, and how to apply for 2026 spots.
Read More
Vicki Saunders, Founder of Coralus, seated on stage at the Business Sisters 2025 Conference
Earlier
Radical Generosity, Resetting, and the Power of Asking
Vicki Saunders, Founder of Coralus, shares powerful insights on radical generosity, asking for help, and redesigning business systems at the Business Sisters Conference—highlighting how community, ease, and collaboration can transform women’s entrepreneurship.
Read More
Earlier
Marketing Your Business When the World Feels Like A Dumpster Fire
This is the description of the marketing sessions that will take place at the Business Sisters Conference on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. We will talk about real-world marketing tools for women entrepreneurs with relationship marketing, smart social media, and using AI for visibility and referrals.
Read More
Earlier
Announcing the 2025 Business Sisters Trailblazer Panel
Announcing our Trailblazer Panel: four dynamic women entrepreneurs from right here in Eastern Ontario, who will share their stories at the 2025 Business Sisters Conference. Real talk on business, balance & success.
Read More
Earlier
A Little Story: What Teaching Taught Me
Discover what teaching taught me about ego, fear, and entrepreneurship. Lessons in humility, empathy, and resilience for women in business.
Read More
Doreen Ashton Wagner in front of the Ottawa Campus of Collège Boréal.
Earlier
My Big Shift: Why I Took a Teaching Job at 61
This fall, I started teaching social entrepreneurship at Collège Boréal — here’s why I took the job, what it means for me, and what’s next for Business Sisters.
Read More
Group of business women gathered around a desk, looking over a statistical report
Earlier
Census 2025 Results Are In: Learn About the Women Entrepreneurs of Business Sisters
What 172 rural women business owners told us in the 2025 Census—insights on stress, revenue, and resilience that shape our work at Business Sisters.
Read More
Woman farmer in a wheat field, holding a tablet
Earlier
Helping Women Entrepreneurs Thrive in a Digital World
Business Sisters has partnered with the Canadian Marketing Association to inform its members about three different opportunities to upgrade their digital marketing skills. Acceptance in these programs are in the form of grants, funded by the Digital Marketing Skills Canada (DMSC) program.
Read More
Face of an artificial being with an intense gaze
Earlier
Meta Is Spying on Us: A Business Owner's Wake-Up Call
This blog shares an eye-opening story of how Meta monitors and controls content, affecting small business owners like the Business Sisters community. The author recounts their experience of being flagged for a post discussing Meta Verification. After being required to delete the post to regain visibility, it became clear the action was triggered by AI algorithms, not human review.
Read More
Collage of photos with the four women who will present at the Rapid Fire sessions
Earlier
Rapid Fire Sessions at the Business Sisters Conference: Get the Insights You Need, Fast!
Join the Business Sisters Conference Rapid Fire Sessions for expert advice on legal matters, marketing, and finances from Sophie Reitano, Stéphanie Murray, Diana Lidstone, and Carla Colonna. Get actionable insights in under 30 minutes—grab your ticket now!
Read More
Collage of four photos of women who will be part of the Business Sisters conference Trailblazer Panel
Earlier
Fireside Chat with Trailblazing Women Business Owners
Join us at the Business Sisters Conference on November 4, 2024, for a fireside chat with four trailblazing women entrepreneurs. Presented with the Clarence-Rockland Chamber of Commerce, they’ll share insights on balancing business, personal life, and self-care.
Read More
Photo of Shulamit Ber Levtov, MA, RSW
Earlier
Shulamit Ber Levtov to Keynote Business Sisters Conference 2024
Join us at the Business Sisters Conference on November 4, 2024, to hear Shulamit Ber Levtov, “The Entrepreneur’s Therapist,” share essential mental health strategies for women business owners. Gain practical tools to navigate business challenges while prioritizing well-being.
Read More
Trio of women at a networking event, sharing advice
Earlier
Human Resource Challenges and How Not to Feel Like a B*tch
Recently, during our May event in Russell, one of our Business Sisters faced a dilemma: letting go of an employee. The struggle was real—how to balance compassion with business needs? Read about the advice she heard from another woman business owner.
Read More
A confused-looking business woman is sitting in front of the computer and is looking distracted as a vareiety of golden-colored shiny objects of various sizes are floating around her.
Earlier
A Confession About My Own Shiny Object Story
This is a quick story about "shiny object syndrome" in my continuing journey as a social entrepreneur and executive director of Business Sisters. Being an entrepreneur is one of the toughest journeys anyone will ever take. And also one of the most rewarding too!
Read More
One woman, smiling, looking at camera while pointing at lightbulb with dollar sign. Beside her, another woman looking at multiple shiny stars
Earlier
Are you innovating or just chasing a shiny new object?
This post explores various aspects of innovation in a small business, using our own events with Business Sisters as an example. How do we ensure we innovate while staying away from "shiny new objects" that so often can distract us from the bigger issues in our business?
Read More
Collage of photos of women business owners at 2018 and 2019 Business Sisters Conferences
Earlier
Business Sisters Conference Returns: Empowering Women Business Owners
Business Sisters is pleased to announce the return of their annual conference, after a 5-year hiatus. The full-day event will be held in Prescott-Russell on Monday, November 4. Read about what's in store.
Read More
Collage of photos of Business Sisters members at networking events
Earlier
Navigating Networking: Real Talk for Business Sisters
Unlock practical networking tips for business success. Learn how to navigate networking events, stay authentic, and build meaningful connections. Dive into real talk with Business Sisters!
Read More
Collage of photos from past Business Sisters events.
Earlier
Unlocking Opportunities: The Ask & Give Magic at Business Sisters Events
Join the Business Sisters community for our next networking event and experience the Ask & Give session, a unique icebreaker that fosters entrepreneurship support and business collaboration. Discover how our business community comes together to solve problems and create opportunities for growth and connection.
Read More
Collage of various meetings held at the Business Sisters Centre in Alexandria.
Earlier
Business Sisters Centre: New Revenue Streams Await!
Starting in April 2024, the Business Sisters Centre is offering event space rentals for women business owners. Whether for meetings, workshops, or presentations, our versatile space accommodates gatherings of 6 to 30 people. Exclusive to registered Business Sisters members.
Read More
Collage of women business owners from the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry
Earlier
United Counties of SDG & Business Sisters: A Partnership for Progress
This is the official announcement of the new partnership between Business Sisters and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, to support five networking events in 2024.
Read More
Colourful graphic of the profile of four women
Earlier
Meet the Business Sisters: Results of The First-Ever Census of Our Community
Here the results of the first-ever census of the Business Sisters community, which was fielded as a by-invitation only, anonymous online survey to our 592 registered women business owners. The data collected from 143 respondents (a 24% response rate!) includes demographic statistics as well as industry and business information.
Read More
Mobile phone screenshot of Meta apps with red X's on Meta sites Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp
Earlier
One Tip to Insure You Won’t Lose Control Over Your Marketing
Many small business owners have come to rely increasingly on social media to promote their business. But what if those networks go down or deny you access? Here is one tip to ensure you don't get shut out of your own marketing.
Read More
Lexie Jasiewicz, Loan Officer at ACCFutures is on the left, with Doreen Ashton Wagner, Founder of Business Sisters, on the right.
Earlier
Business Sisters and ACCFutures partner to offer microloan program
Business Sisters teams up with ACCFutures to announce a dynamic new microloan program exclusively designed for entrepreneurial women in the area of Akwesasne, Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
Read More
Group of diverse young women surrounding an older woman demonstrating something on a laptop
Earlier
Putting the Spotlight on Role Models for Women Entrepreneurs
A discussion of why putting the spotlight on rural women entrepreneurs helps us showcase a variety of role models, fostering a more welcoming environment for new and existing business owners.
Read More
Forum Panel Panel Members sitting on stools, posing and smiling
Earlier
Five Reasons Why Entrepreneurial Programs Fail Women
A summary of points made by Doreen Ashton Wagner, Founder of Business Sisters | Consœurs en Affaires, at a panel discussion on adapting support programs for women entrepreneurs.
Read More
Women hangs her head, hiding her eyes, looking like she's beating herself up
Earlier
Imposter Syndrome and Women Entrepreneurs
A discussion about why Imposter Syndrome still affects women, even 45 years after the original study that identified the phenomenon. This blog focuses on the reasons it affects women entrepreneurs in particular.
Read More
Photo of smiling audience members at 2018 The Business Sisters Conference
Earlier
The Business Sisters Conference Returns November 6!
Announcement about the return of the Business Sisters Conference, after a 4-year break. Mark your calendars for Monday, November 6, 2023!
Read More
A pre-teen comforting another little girl who is sad and ashamed
Earlier
Fighting Perfectionism and Telling Your Inner Critic to Shut Up
A discussion about how perfectionism affects women in life, and in entrepreneurship especially.
Read More
Group of people holding a ribbon about to be cut to celebrate the official opening of the Business Sisters Centre
Earlier
Business Sisters Centre Officially Opened
On February 28, Business Sisters held the official opening of its permanent location in Alexandria, ON, thanks to a grant from Desjardins Ontario Credit Union.
Read More
Person placing a closed sign on a door
Earlier
Quiet quitting is not just in the corporate world
Have you heard about “quiet quitting,” this trend that the business press is freaking out about? Observers are saying more and more workers quietly are refusing to go above and beyond. They’re not answering emails after hours. They’re saying no to overtime. They’re doing just what is required, and no more.
Read More
Today's life lesson
Earlier
The Law of Attraction: Relearning an Old Lesson
One thing you may not know about me is that I’ve been a student of the Law of Attraction (LOA) for a long time. To me, LOA is the essence of entrepreneurship!
Read More
Collage of photos from Business Sisters events
Earlier
Our Plans to Help Rural Women Business Owners
When we announced the $100,000 grant from Desjardins, we promised to inform you about the plans to use this money to benefit our region’s women business owners. Based on consultations we’ve had thus far, here are the three main uses of the funding.
Read More
Dejardins providing Business Sisters with $100,000
Earlier
$100,000 funding from Desjardins Ontario
Big news! We are so happy to announce that Business Sisters has received $100,000 from Desjardins Ontario Credit Union’s Community Development Fund to launch a new Centre for Rural Women Entrepreneurs which will deliver entrepreneurial training, mentorship and events, in both official languages, in the five counties of Eastern Ontario.
Read More
Grace, Summer Marketing Coordinator
Earlier
Meet our new Marketing Coordinator
Meet Grace, our summer Marketing Coordinator. From Maxville, ON, Grace impressed us with her passion about “living through a new age of feminism” and we look forward to having her with us for the summer. We asked Grace a few questions to get to know her better. Here’s what she had to say.
Read More
Group of five woman standing together
Earlier
Our New Summer “Pop-Up” Space!
As of yesterday, it is official! Business Sisters has a new “pop-up” space for the summer. We were so pleased to see those who came and visited for our Open House. We encourage any who weren’t able to make it to stop by anytime!
Read More
Student holding a book
Earlier
Business Sisters is Hiring a Summer Student
We are looking for a student to fill the position of Marketing Coordinator; 35 hours per week, for 8 weeks starting on or about June 20 at a pay of $18 per hour! This is mostly an on-site position with expectation that the student be working in Alexandria, ON.
Read More
Rocks stacked at a beach overlooking the water
Earlier
Time for gratitude & simplicity
In the last e-news message, I described how my spinning plates (aka all the priorities I was trying to juggle) came crashing down in March.
Read More
Illustration of a person juggling a lot of things
Earlier
Are You an Acrobat Too?
Do you ever feel like a circus acrobat performing crazy tricks while spinning plates in the air?
Read More
Steps leading to a lightbulb
Earlier
Are You Wasting Your Time on a Business Plan?
Most aspiring business owners waste an enormous amount of time and energy. “How do I write a Business Plan?” they ask, often after they’ve downloaded countless templates.
Read More
Myriam Gaudet
Earlier
Entrepreneurship Myth #1: Myriam’s Story
There is a myth that entrepreneurs are the hero of their business and it’s solely up to them to find all the solutions.
Read More
Person writing in a notebook
Earlier
3 Ways Taking a Course Makes You a Better Entrepreneur
In my 25 years as a business owner, I’ve spent an estimated 1,123 hours learning in at least 13 different programs.
Read More
Person showing the middle finger
Earlier
Fuck You Fuel – A Source of Resilience for Women Entrepreneurs
In my research on the entrepreneurial resilience of women entrepreneurs I have heard stories of women who were spurred to keep going in their business endeavours because they had been… belittled, overlooked, told to take a back seat.
Read More
Person stressed out
Earlier
The 3 Behaviours That Led Entrepreneurs to Their Undoing During COVID
During the pandemic I was fortunate to help entrepreneurs in my area in my position as COVID-19 Business Relief Advisor for ACCFutures, a local economic development agency. I personally interacted online with hundreds of business owners in Eastern Ontario.
Read More
#1 LOVE first, then business. #2 Which hat are you wearing? #3 Accountability Mechanisms
Earlier
Family Business – What’s Love Gotta Do With It?
Entrepreneurship often is discussed in individualistic terms, and we forget that around the world small business is a family affair.
Read More
Person writing on a paper with a pen
Earlier
An Open Letter to Women Business Owners
Owning your own business can be a long and lonely journey. That’s why, dear Business Sisters, it’s OK to…
Read More
Women chatting
Earlier
Give Yourself Permission to be Human
As Business Relief Advisor for a rural development agency during this pandemic I have witnessed immense pain, fear, and frustration amongst entrepreneurs.
Read More
Group of business people chatting
Earlier
The Entrepreneurial Narrative is Out of Date. Let’s Make it More Inclusive!
Ask the average person to name a famous entrepreneur they will often mention Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Richard Branson. Ask them to name a WOMAN entrepreneur; a few might mention Oprah. Here in Canada some might point out Arlene Dickinson or Manjit Minhas (from Dragon’s Den).
Read More
Two people standing side by side
Earlier
An Ode to The Quirky Carrot
The most important starting point for a rural community to reverse economic decline is to have a place where people can connect.
Read More
Plant growing amongst concrete
Earlier
What is Entrepreneurial Resilience?
The American Psychological Association defines resilience as a process of overcoming adversity, where individuals recover from significant stress by applying mindsets and behaviors that can be learned and developed over time. Some psychologists think resilience is no big deal. American child expert Ann Masten calls resilience “ordinary magic,” a process that naturally arises as humans interact with and adapt to their environment.
Read More
Person walking on a trail in nature
Earlier
The Simplest Way to Boost Your Entrepreneurial Resilience
In my research on entrepreneurial resilience, the most frequently cited approach to solving a problem, relieving stress, and boosting resilience was this: go for a walk.
Read More
Two people
Earlier
Overcoming Bitchphobia in Business
The number one reason keeping women small in business is the fear of being a bitch.
Read More
Person observing over two people
Earlier
3 Signs You’re Mothering and not LEADING in your Business
When I reflect on my 25-year entrepreneurial career the #1 mistake I made was acting like a mom when I should have been a leader. For many women, parenting becomes a default mode in business because we care about our employees, our clients, and our community. But parenting can be a BIG problem in business if it’s not balanced with a healthy dose of leadership.
Read More
Learn from failure
Earlier
How Being a Mom was the #1 Mistake I made in my Business
When I started my business 23 years ago it was because my VP Marketing job didn’t allow me the flexibility to be a mom to my toddler. I purposefully created a family-oriented culture in our small marketing firm. The problem was, I also acted as a mom towards my employees.
Read More
Two people in front of a backdrop that reads "Rachel's Kids"
Earlier
6 Years ago TODAY…
The above photo from 2015 shows my dear friend Betty Healey and I at the Rachel’s Kids 11th Annual Garden Party at the Ramada in Cornwall. I remember the day so well because that’s when I told Betty of my plans to significantly cut back in my company, letting go of a big part of my team, closing the physical office and going virtual in our operation.
Read More
Three people
Earlier
Sister Showcase
We'd like to take the time to thank some of the amazing women who have worked hard and been pillars in the rural community.
Read More
The owners of Greenfield Hospitality Services, Doreen Ashton Wagner and Heinz Wagner, posing in the reception area, on the occasion of the company's 10th anniversary in 2008.
Earlier
A Mom to my Business Family
How leading with love in business taught me hard lessons—and how to balance compassion with boundaries for clients and employees alike.
Read More
Child walking across stones
Earlier
Multi-Level Marketing (MLM): Stepping Stone to Business?
From old-fashioned Tupperware parties to online Facebook groups, MLM never seems to fade. Candles, kitchen utensils, cleaning products, dietary supplements, cosmetics, essential oils… I won’t go on. Almost everyone has experience with MLM, whether as a customer or as a sales representative.
Read More
Field of red flowers
Earlier
Small-Town Jealousy or Genuine Concern?
Sometimes radical career change and entrepreneurship draw concerns and negative feedback from others. Are those comments really concern, or are they “tall poppy syndrome” in disguise?
Read More
Doreen Ashton Wagner in front of a flag
Earlier
Self-Care for Women in Business: It’s Not Selfish—It’s Survival
I know it’s not easy. I can be an emotional eater. Through these Covid months, I find myself bingeing late at night when my mind is too active to want to sleep. Plus, despite having space to roam in the country to remain active, I struggle with motivation.
Read More
Person making notes
Earlier
Five Strategies for Business Self-Care
In an earlier post, we discussed how essential personal self-care is to our entrepreneurial resilience. What about business self-care? Let’s show our businesses some TLC too!
Read More
Purple flower growing amongst bricks
Earlier
What makes women entrepreneurs resilient?
A bit of background here before I tell you why I’m asking this question. I’ve been an entrepreneur since 1998. After we sold our family business in 2016 I went searching for my next gig. I wasn’t ready for retirement. Frankly I was afraid I’d be bored and I was afraid to tap into retirement savings too soon.
Read More
Group of women making a toast on a patio
Earlier
Business Sisters is For WOMEN
Why have an organization dedicated to women business owners, entrepreneurs, farmers, artists and artisans? Glad you asked.
Read More
Amanda Hailey from the Glengarry Market
Earlier
For Rural Business Owners
Business Sisters celebrates women business owners and entrepreneurs everywhere. Though you’ll notice we focus more on ventures in rural areas and small-towns. There are very personal and self-serving reasons for that decision, I will admit.
Read More
Woman in plaid
Earlier
Business Sisters is About Real Life
We’ve talked about how Business Sisters is dedicated to women entrepreneurs and why we focus on those in rural areas. Our third pillar is keeping it real.
Read More
Doreen with two people outside of The Quirky Carrot in Alexandria, ON
Earlier
What makes us different?
Business Sisters exists to support women business owners in rural eastern Ontario. This makes us “networking group” with events, both live and online. Other groups exist that do that; what makes us different?
Read More
Earlier
Testing in English
Read More
No items found.
Connecting business women in Rural Eastern Ontario
Follow Us  |
InstagramLinkedInFacebook
HomeEventsAboutBlogInner CirclePartnersContact Us
© All rights reserved by ​​Business Sisters | Consœurs en Affaires
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use