Millions of dollars leave Northern Ontario every year because smaller businesses don't see themselves as part of the goods and services supply chain.
"We are trying to open up the gates so they can see themselves as part of that supply chain, get the information they need," said Rosalind Lockyer, executive director for PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise.
PARO hosted its annual Enterprising Women event at the Valhalla Inn Thursday and this year's theme focused on procurement - encouraging large companies to use local suppliers for goods and services and showing small to medium sized businesses the ins and outs of securing those contracts.
Lockyer said they invited purchasers from all levels of government as well as companies from industries like mining, health and education.
"For small businesses there are skills and information and rules and regulations they need to learn to be able to take advantage of these opportunities to supply these sectors," said Lockyer, adding the event was also about connecting the business owners to the purchasers so they can build relationships.
City of Thunder Bay's manager of supply management Dan Munshaw participated in a panel discussion Thursday and was there to bring a better understanding of the public procurement process.
It's all about knowing the rules, he said.
"When you know the rules, you can use the rules to leverage and grow your business," Munshaw said.
One of the objectives of city council is to promote and encourage economic development and Munshaw said he sees procurement as a way to build the local economy.
"When I look at local suppliers, I see much more beyond the issue of cost. I see expertise. I see the ability to react to change. I see all kinds of tools and value-added offerings," he said.
"I look at local businesses and see a wealth of opportunity of how they can bring value."
Awards will be given out Thursday evening to women entrepreneurs for their progress and success over the past year.
Lockyer said in 2012, the PARO Centre helped women in the region start 59 businesses. This year that number jumped to 103. They have also helped maintain and grow 87 businesses and through this work helped create 292 jobs.
