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• Imposter feelings: Entrepreneurs in this category experienced In particular, efforts need to be made to highlight the value of
identity conflict combined with a fixed mindset leading to women entrepreneurs to disrupt the current masculine norms
feelings of inadequacy. and biases around what is entrepreneurship. This includes
• Acceptance: These entrepreneurs also faced identity conflict but promoting female role models and broadening the definition of
also had a growth mindset. They did not talk about fear or a entrepreneurial success to reduce identity conflict for women.
sense of giving up; instead, they accepted their identity conflict Additionally, entrepreneurial programs and policies should be
without being passive, making sense of this conflict and pushing designed to better address the unique challenges women face,
through it. including funding opportunities that are more accessible to
• Authenticity: The largest group (about half of our study) women. By establishing grants, loans and investment funds, like
displayed identity complementarity along with a growth mindset. the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, for women entrepreneurs
Interestingly, apart from a few participants who reported never and women-owned businesses, we can encourage more of them to
experiencing it at all, most entrepreneurs in this group told us pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions.
they overcame identity conflict and imposter fears over time We also encourage educators and policymakers to use more
thanks to their growth mindset. inclusive language in entrepreneurship, as masculine terminology
Our research found that women entrepreneurs often experience can discourage women from becoming and succeeding as
identity conflict and imposter feelings due to the male-dominated entrepreneurs.
nature of entrepreneurship. However, with a growth mindset and While the focus of this study was on the identity conflict that women
identity complementarity, they were able to overcome imposter may face due to their gender in entrepreneurship as a masculine
feelings and achieve acceptance and authenticity. context, it is critical to recognize that some women face additional
barriers as entrepreneurs due to other social categories such as
Championing women race and disability. These categories need to also be considered in
Our findings indicate the importance of removing gendered the promotion and support of women entrepreneurs.
challenges to create a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape By highlighting the value of all types of women entrepreneurs and
in Canada and beyond, with an emphasis on changing the context addressing the barriers they face, we can pave the way for a more
rather than women. diverse and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in Canada.

Susan

Carey

Find health and safety
overwhelming?
We can help!

BuildSafe - Construction Safety
Services Inc. has been serving
Cambridge and nearby areas since 2002, offering safety training, site
inspections, and consulting. Susan brings a unique perspective shaped
by her career in healthcare, where she saw the devastating effects
of workplace injuries. Driven to make a difference, she acquired
BuildSafe to help companies achieve safety compliance through
customized services and proactive solutions. A passionate advocate
for Women in Con-struction, Susan is also a Board Director for the
Canadian Association for Women in Construction (CAWIC), promoting
women’s advancement in the industry and fostering safer workplaces
for everyone.

SUSAN CAREY | President and Owner of
Buildsafe - Construction Safety Services Inc.
905-975-0672
susan@buildsafe.ca
www.buildsafe.ca

www.cambridgechamber.com Winter 2025 27