3 Insights I Learned from Melanie Morrison
Melanie Morrison, Founder & CEO of BetterCart Analytics, was the guest speaker at the WESK - Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan March 20th.
I was captivated by her journey and grateful for her entrepreneurial advice.
Although there were many takeaways, these were my favourite 3 from the night.
1. “Share your progress and your journey. People will open ears and open doors for you.”
Melanie grew up in a single mother household with 3 children. When she started working, she helped her mom relieve the financial pressure and watched prices.
It’s a big part of why she founded BetterCart Analytics. It started as an online tool for consumers to compare retail prices and save.
Now, it’s grown to help retailers and producers even out the playing field.
Underserved businesses can access pricing intelligence, empowering them to make strategic decisions and enhance their margins and market share.
But you don’t have success overnight. You need to expand your network.
“Find the right people. Find your network. They’re the ones who root for you, believe in you and have your back. Get close. Stay close. And LET THEM support you. Share your progress and your journey. People will open ears and open doors for you. They will pave the way for you.”
2. “The entrepreneurial space is ripe for disruption.”
Melanie's no stranger to the systemic bias on the gender gap in funding.
Just 2 weeks ago, she broke through the barrier for women-owned businesses facing under-capitalization.
She was the recipient of the Startup TNT Capital VC fund in the Agri-Food category and shared the incredible journey of the process.
After weeks of due diligence and narrowing the finalists down to 5, she was the last woman left standing.
In the final night, 2 men pitched before her, 2 men pitched after her, and against all odds, she walked away with valuable venture capital.
Although it was a celebratory achievement, and StartUp TNT is shattering the glass ceiling that may hold women back, she said, "Many venture capitalists are people who want to reward people that look like them.”
Then she shared a scary statistic.
Last year, women-owned startups received only 1.9%, down from 2.3% received by women in 2021. Only 0.1% was awarded to women of colour.
“The entrepreneurial space is ripe for disruption.”
“We need to get out there more. If we get knocked down, use it for fuel. Be resilient. Each day is a brand-new day, and you just need to go for it.”
3. “Extend a hand to those coming up behind you.”
I loved her description of the business startup journey.
“It’s complicated messes and running around just making things work. Trying to keep your head above water, dog paddling, and if you’re lucky someone might throw you an inflatable toy!”
She remembers it well and views it as her job to extend a hand to those coming up behind her.
“We’re all building together.”
If you know a fellow entrepreneur that needs to hear these tips, please feel free to share!