Levels of new business activity and start-ups well above the G20 average
TORONTO, Aug. 27, 2013 /CNW/ - Scoring consistently high on nearly all categories of the entrepreneurial environment, Canada ranks among the top five countries in the EY G20 Entrepreneurship Barometer 2013, released today.
"Canada has emerged as a real leader in fostering an entrepreneurial culture," says Colleen McMorrow, EY Partner and Leader, Canadian Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Program. "There's an emphasis on research and innovation in this country, and we value the role of entrepreneurs in job creation. Canada also offers a supportive tax and regulatory environment for entrepreneurs. All these factors are combining to really promote the growth of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship from coast to coast."
Despite Canada's favourable entrepreneurial ecosystem, the EY G20 Entrepreneurship Barometer 2013 finds nearly three in four (73%) Canadian entrepreneurs still struggle to access funding.
"That may be strong relative to much of the G20, but the picture is very mixed," explains McMorrow. "The ratio of private equity activity to GDP in Canada is now higher than in any other G20 nation, except Australia. So private equity and venture capital are improving, but bank financing remains a challenge."
However, the lending environment is improving - and more quickly in Canada than elsewhere in the G20.
"While there's no denying access to funding remains a barrier to growth, 45% of entrepreneurs in Canada say it has improved, compared to only 35% across the G20 as a whole," says Charles-Antoine St-Jean, EY Partner and Leader, Government & Public Sector Services. "Canada's government has been highly supportive of entrepreneurs, providing regulatory and tax regimes that have enabled start-ups and growing companies to flourish."
The Barometer showed a similar push-pull around education. While Canada scores high for public spending on education and the teaching of entrepreneurial skills in schools and universities, this country is below average on informal education.
"Interestingly, entrepreneurs in this country are still critical of the country's incubators, whether public or private-sector led, and the lack of mentors available. They also have trouble accessing informal networks and mentoring services," says St-Jean.
Despite those challenges, entrepreneurs in Canada operate in an environment that is highly supportive of their activities. McMorrow and St-Jean agree: "Entrepreneurs play a vital role in any healthy and vibrant economy. They create jobs and drive growth, and today, their contribution is more important than ever. But they need to be given the tools and environment that will enable them to succeed. The power of three: governments, entrepreneurs and corporations need to work together to foster sustainable growth."
About the EY Entrepreneurship Barometer
The EY G20 Entrepreneurship Barometer 2013 introduces a model for scoring countries across the five pillars of entrepreneurship. The purpose of this model is to help identify areas of relative strength by country and where opportunities for improvement lie. The model is composed of qualitative information (from our survey of more than 1,500 entrepreneurs) and quantitative data based upon entrepreneurial conditions across the G20 economies.
For more information, visit ey.com/G20Canada, and join the debate on Twitter #G20ey.
About EY's Entrepreneurial Services
EY's Entrepreneurial Services practice guides Canadian entrepreneurs by delivering integrated services tailored to their goals and needs at every stage of the business lifecycle. We are the world's leader in advising, guiding and recognizing the entrepreneurs who propel the economy — and community — forward.
For more information, please visit ey.com/ca/Entrepreneurs.
About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.
For more information, please visit ey.com/ca. Follow us on Twitter @EYCanada.
EY refers to the global organization and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.
Image with caption: "The power of three: Find out how governments, entrepreneurs and corporations can spur growth across the G20 (CNW Group/EY (Ernst & Young))". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130827_C8361_PHOTO_EN_30150.jpg
SOURCE: EY (Ernst & Young)
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EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our...
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