Introduction

PARO is researching the impacts of mental health and wellness on women entrepreneurs (WE). Addressing mental health concerns among female entrepreneurs is essential. Resources like mental health support, access to networks and mentorship, stress management techniques, and work-life balance advocacy can significantly help mitigate these challenges. To create adequate opportunities that address barriers faced by WE, PARO will use the information collected to increase awareness effectively in future strategic plans.

PARO has created a survey asking about your experience as a WE, the challenges you may face that impact your overall mental wellness, and the available resources.

This survey is conducted with the utmost respect for your privacy and confidentiality. Your participation is voluntary, and all information collected will be kept strictly confidential. To ensure your privacy, your responses will be anonymized, and no personally identifiable information will be linked to your answers.
 
All data collected will be securely stored on password-protected servers accessible only to authorized personnel involved in the mental health and wellness project. We employ industry-standard security measures to safeguard your information.
 
Only authorized personnel will have access to the raw data. The findings will be aggregated and generalized, ensuring that individual responses cannot be traced back to any participant. Your information will not be disclosed to any third party without your explicit consent except as required by law.
 
Data collected will be retained for the duration necessary for analysis and research purposes for the mental health and wellness report. After this period, all identifiable information will be securely deleted, preserving the anonymity of participants.
 
By participating in this survey, you acknowledge and agree that the information provided will be used for research purposes only. Your voluntary participation implies your consent to the terms outlined in this confidentiality clause.

Some topics or questions may be unsettling for some. During the survey, if these questions prompt unwanted negative emotions, please consult a professional mental health provider.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding the confidentiality of this survey, please email: access@paro.ca

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* 5. Business Ownership

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* 6. Why did you decide to be a Woman Entrepreneur (Please elaborate in comments section)?

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* 7. How often during the past month (30 days) have you (Please elaborate in comments section):

  Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always
Felt satisfied with your overall mental health.
Consumed a healthy diet.
Exercised and remained active.
Used a positive coping strategy to deal with mental wellness effectively.
Felt tired, fatigued, or had little energy.
Felt depressed and accomplished less than you would have liked.
Felt mental health challenges interfered with your ability to work.

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* 8. Which of the following factors are sources of anxiety or stress for you as a Woman Entrepreneur (Please elaborate in comments section)?

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* 9. Thinking of support for Women Entrepreneurs, which of the following have you experienced a gap/barrier? Mark all that applies (Please elaborate in comments section).

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* 10. What do you need better to support your mental health as a Woman Entrepreneur? Mark all that applies (Please elaborate in comments section):

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* 11. What are common barriers/challenges you face as a Woman Entrepreneur (Please elaborate in comments section)?

  No Barrier Slight Barrier Occasional Barrier Frequent Barrier Extreme Barrier
Accessing funding and grants that support my business venture.
Feeling respected as a woman business owner.
Building support networks.
Access to networks and expertise needed to start up and scale up.
Access to new markets
Having confidence as a Woman Entrepreneur to take business-driven risks.
Having access to affordable, safe childcare.
Having access to a mental health professional promptly
Feeling represented as a Woman Entrepreneur in a government policy
Having access to maternity leave benefits as a Women Entrepreneur.
The stigma around Women Entrepreneurs on social media platforms (influencers)

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* 12. Are you aware of ways to overcome barriers/gaps that support Woman Entrepreneur (Please elaborate in comments section)?

  Unaware Slightly Aware Somewhat Aware Aware Very aware
I can access information, skills and knowledge that support my business and positively impact my mental wellness.
I know how to access new and specific markets to expand my business and positively impact my mental wellness.
I know how to access financial support, such as funding and grants specific to Women Entrepreneurs.
I know how to access legal and policy information that supports Woman Entrepreneur.

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* 13. Policy revisions and support from levels of government and organizations are imperative for change. What is important to you when seeking change from levels of government (Please elaborate in comments section)?

  Not Important Slightly Important Somewhat Important Very Important Extremely Important
Implement subsidized or free mental health counselling services tailored for female entrepreneurs through partnerships with mental health professionals or clinics.
Advocate for policies that promote work-life integration, such as flexible working hours, remote work options, or parental support programs.
Advocate for fair and equal access to funding and financial resources for female entrepreneurs to alleviate financial stress and bridge the gender gap in funding opportunities.
Develop educational programs or workshops tailored to female entrepreneurs on stress management, resilience-building, and mental health awareness.
Establish networks, mentorship programs, and support communities exclusively for female entrepreneurs to combat isolation and foster peer support.

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* 14. What policy changes from PARO would you like to see to support women entrepreneurs' mental health better?

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* 15. What would you like to see PARO implement in future Strategic Plans as they work to remove barriers women entrepreneurs face?

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* 16. In what ways can the government enhance support or create policies explicitly addressing mental health challenges faced by women entrepreneurs?

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