Federal funds coming for new women in tech space at Communitech

The federal government will be providing funding for a new space for women in tech at Communitech in Kitchener.

Details are expected to be released Friday.

A federal officialhinted about the development of the space during a media tour at Communitech earlier this year.

Waterloo MP and Minister of Small Business and TourismBardishChagger's media relations staff said the local MP was unavailable to speak about the investment ahead of the funding announcement. She will be at Communitech Friday.

Communitech's spokesperson said the company would also not comment on the funding announcement until Friday.

Other opportunities

Communitech has worked to foster opportunities for women in the tech sector, including a peer-to-peer group, mentorship programs, workshops and a six-day boot camp called Fierce Founders.

In 2013, the innovation hub received $300,000 from the federal government for a three-year project to encourage more women to work in technology.

The project worked with four companies to look at human resources policies, how to create mentor networks and ensure there are no barriers to women.

"Everyone has the right to work in an environment that is safe and productive. One that is healthy and helps grow our Canadian economy. And one where your skills are the reason why you achieve things and move up the food chain," Kellie Leitch, who was the minister of labour and minister for status of women, said at that time in a release.