VANCOUVER - A mentorship program for women in British Columbia's technology sector is receiving $10,000, Rick Thorpe, Minister of Small Business and Revenue and Minister Responsible for Regulatory Reform, and Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues, announced today.

"In British Columbia, most high-tech employers are small businesses, women head more than one-third of small businesses, and high-tech is among the most promising sources of future growth in our economy," said Thorpe. "Investing in women's success in this dynamic field is a great way to support British Columbia's continued success as Canada's job-growth leader."

"B.C.'s strong economy has created more opportunities for women than ever, including a growing number of opportunities in the technology sector," said Chong. "We are pleased to support this mentorship program, in partnership with Small Business and Revenue, to help women explore these opportunities. This is part of our Empowered to Work project, which offers a variety of innovative women's mentoring programs for women entering or re-entering the workforce, as well as those making the leap to self-employment."

The mentorship program, developed by the 10-year-old Wired Woman society, supports women in the science and technology fields who seek career guidance. Key components include six-month, one-on-one mentorships with industry veterans and a comprehensive training toolkit. Wired Woman enhances these mentorships with networking events and educational workshops.

"We believe the demand for mentoring among women in science and technology will only grow, and government's support for our program shows real foresight," said Marnie Larson, president of the Vancouver Chapter of Wired Woman. "Initial feedback from participants suggests they're gaining first-hand, strategic advice on everything from winning job interviews to working conditions."

Founded in 1996, Wired Woman creates an open environment that encourages women in technology to build successful careers. With chapters from Vancouver to Toronto, Wired Woman has hundreds of members across Canada. In collaboration with the YWCA's established Connect to Success mentorship program, Wired Woman launched its own pilot early this year.