Rosalind Lockyer and the PARO Centre For Women’s Enterprise
by Natalie Sabia (New York City)
PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise in Ontario, Canada is a not-for-profit organization that empowers women by guiding them toward their goal of business ownership. Founded in 1995, PARO—the name is derived from a Latin word meaning “I Am Ready”—focuses on addressing the challenges women face as entrepreneurs and primary caregivers. Rosalind Lockyer, the Founder and Executive Director of lives the organization’s motto every day.
“I have taken women’s studies, I have been a teacher and I’ve had my own business and I feel like women know what they want to achieve, but don’t always have the resources to go about it,” Lockyer said. She continued: “I was told I could do anything I wanted and that is true, but only up to a certain point. When I noticed that it became more difficult, I learned how to prioritize my goals to succeed and that’s what I want to teach other women how to do.”
According to the PARO website, the organization offers integrated and women-centered program delivery. From training and business coaching, to networking events and peer lending circles, the programs and services are designed to increase the self-sufficiency and success of women, families and communities. Lockyer works with women to promote community economic development, which is followed by business coaching, networking, continued by self-sufficiency and followed by success. “I’ve tried to build those areas within the programs in my organization,” Lockyer said.
PARO also offers start up business development programs, professional advisory services and technical resources to help women make their new business concepts a reality. The staff helps women start new businesses, working to create business plans and access financial aid, and also helps women build existing businesses. The PARO Business Accelerator helps established female business owners to enhance the growth of their business, access experts and mentors, find advanced level workshops and business advice, and achieve sustainable business development for the future.
The PARO Centre’s Circles and Loans program puts women together to network and help each other build their businesses. They also provide lending support through the PARO Women’s Community Loan Fund. By holding the group accountable, and by creating an instant network of business references, PARO applies different criteria than banks do. This allows women less restricted access to the critical funds required to expand their businesses and set future goals.
PARO also provides support to start up not-for-profit organizations through their Accelerated Access program. This program teaches women interested in not-for-profit management how to apply for status, fund and govern their agency.
A common thread links all the programs—Lockyer’s commitment to mentorship and peer networking. “If you have a support network, even mental support, it’s easier for women to achieve what they want,” Lockyer said. The PARO Centre helps female businesswomen understand the technical side of business, as well as the process of working together, maintaining communication and building relationships. Lockyer makes immediate connections with the women who walk in her door. “I was always brought up that if you know what you want, you can achieve it and that is what I live by. I want every woman to know that’s true,” Lockyer said, “I get out of bed everyday knowing I help them achieve what they want.”
