Grassroots Women+ Initiatives narrowing the gap in tech in Manitoba

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In the global tech scene, diversity remains a glaring issue, and Canada is no exception. Although the country’s tech industry has seen rapid growth, women and gender-diverse individuals are still vastly underrepresented — especially in leadership roles.

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Nowhere is this truer than in Manitoba, which has the lowest percentage of female tech founders in Canada. This underrepresentation presents both a challenge and an opportunity: the chance to tap into a pool of talent that has historically been overlooked, fueling innovation and driving economic growth.

Change is on the horizon. Grassroots efforts across Manitoba are stepping up to close the gender gap and build a more inclusive, vibrant tech ecosystem. From local initiatives to community-led workshops, women are finding spaces where they can thrive, connect, and overcome barriers that have traditionally held them back.

In Manitoba, initiatives and organizations like North Forge’s Women in Innovation Lab (WiLab™), WeMB, and Manitoba Women in Tech (MBWiTech) are making a significant impact. Launched in March 2023, WiLab™ is more than just another tech initiative — it’s a lifeline for women+ entrepreneurs who want to break into tech and entrepreneurship but face unique barriers.

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More than 225 women entrepreneurs have participated in the program, offering mentorship, skill-building workshops, and a supportive community. WiLab™’s inclusive approach is simple yet powerful: providing women with the tools they need to turn their ideas into successful businesses.

WeMB (formerly Women’s Enterprise Centre Manitoba), has been in existence since 1994. Since its inception, they have supported women+ entrepreneurs at every stage of their business development with core services such as advising, financing, and training.

MBWiTech offers a space for women working in the tech industry to connect and network. Monthly meetups create a sense of community, bringing together women who understand the specific challenges of navigating a male-dominated field. Networking has always been critical in tech, and these grassroots movements are ensuring that women have access to the connections they need to succeed.

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These initiatives and organizations are not just providing opportunities, they are addressing systemic issues that have long prevented women from succeeding in tech and entrepreneurship. For example, only 16% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada are women-owned, and less than 2% of venture capital funding goes to women-led startups. This lack of funding is a significant barrier, but initiatives like WiLab™ are working to level the playing field by offering financial acumen workshops, pitching guidance, and leadership training.

Importantly, men are also stepping up as allies in this movement. As the conversation around diversity grows, many recognize that inclusion benefits everyone, and they are playing an active role in supporting women and gender-diverse individuals in tech. By working together, the entire social ecosystem becomes stronger, more innovative, and more resilient.

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The tech industry has long been heralded as the future of innovation, but for that future to be truly inclusive, there must be intentional efforts to close the gender gap. Manitoba’s grassroots movements are leading the charge, but more support is needed to ensure long-term success.

For Manitoba to continue growing as a hub for innovation, diversity must be prioritized at all levels—within businesses, leadership teams, and entrepreneurship ecosystems. Programs like WiLab™ and #MBWiTech are setting the standard, but it’s up to everyone — from investors to policymakers — to keep pushing for progress.
As more women engage with these initiatives, Manitoba’s business landscape will become not only more diverse but also more dynamic. The province stands at a pivotal moment, with the chance to build an economy where innovation thrives because of diversity — not in spite of it.

Manitoba’s tech and entrepreneurship community is still growing, and these grassroots efforts are leading the charge for change. Upcoming events like WiLab™’s Harnessing Confidence and Understanding Your Limiting Beliefs workshop is a great example of how these programs are making a difference. Led by Catherine Lynn David, this session will help women overcome limiting beliefs and build the confidence needed to pitch their businesses. Join us on Oct. 1, from 5-7 p.m. at 100 Innovation Drive. For more information and registration, contact Grace Gyolai at ggyolai@northforge.ca.

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