Partner Story: BDC

February 27, 2023

BDC, the Business Development Bank of Canada is Canada’s leading financial institution devoted to Canadian entrepreneurs. Through financing, advisory services and capital, BDC is key to helping create and develop strong Canadian businesses, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises.

Since 1944, BDC has been supporting Canadian entrepreneurs in all industries and at all stages of development and is committed to their long-term success with the understanding that a business is more than just dollars and cents. BDC is a financially sustainable Crown corporation, operating at arm’s length from its sole shareholder, the Government of Canada.

As a WBE Canada Corporate Member and Partner BDC advocates for women entrepreneurs and the importance of inclusivity and diversity providing increased opportunities for women entrepreneurs to the growth of local, national and global economies. Their ongoing support of the WBE certified community is constant through participation in educational webinars, events including the annual WBE Canada National Conference, articles in WBE Canada Magazine and promotion of its services to Canadian women-owned businesses.

Laura Didyk, Vice President, Client Diversity at BDC has been a Member of the WBE Canada Board of Directors since 2021. At its National Conference in 2021, BDC received the Excellence Award as WBE Canada Champion. The award recognizes an individual or organization who demonstrates commitment to WBE Canada, contributing to strengthening the organization and impact.

“Being an active corporate member of WBE Canada and an advocate for women both professionally and personally, I see the tremendous impact that WBE Canada is making on increasing access to markets for women entrepreneurs and providing professional development opportunities,” said Laura.

Laura Didyk
Vice President, Client Diversity, BDC

Laura Didyk is Vice President, Client Diversity at BDC since 2020. She leads the bank’s national approach to support Canada’s diverse entrepreneurs, including women, Black, Indigenous, LGBTQ2, veterans, and newcomers: helping their businesses, and our economy, thrive.
Laura is a long-term advocate for small businesses and inclusivity. Since joining the bank in 1994, she has held progressively senior roles across many divisions that always center on helping entrepreneurs thrive. When she’s not helping business owners, she spends as much time as she can in the mountains skiing and hiking with her husband and two daughters.

Interested in learning more about the benefits of becoming a WBE Canada Corporate Member or Partner? Find out more www.wbecanada.ca/take-action/

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Posted in Corporate Member Spotlight, Corporate Membership, Partner Spotlight, Testimonials and tagged business, corporate member, corporate social responsibility, social procurement, supply chain, WBE Community

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CIBC Is Committed To Diversifying Its Supply Chain

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Laura Didyk Vice President, Client Diversity, BDC

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