WeBC

FREE Starting a Business Info Session | Part 2: How to Make Your Business Official
2025-12-03 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-17 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-31 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-14 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-28 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Webinar
Join us to get inspired and excited about starting a business in BC!
How do I name and register my business? Where can I get funding? What kind of licenses do I need?
In SBIS Part 2, we uncover how to make your business official.
You will learn about:

The pros and cons of different types of business structures
The steps to name and register your business
Where to find information about taxes, licenses and permits
What to consider when developing your online presence
Sources of funding for your business

Register free >>>
About WeBC Starting a Business Info Sessions
If you think you’re ready to start a business, we encourage you to participate in our FREE virtual Starting a Business Information Sessions (SBIS).
There are lots of steps to starting a business, so these sessions will provide tips and resources as you work through each aspect of starting a business.
SBIS is offered each week on Wednesday at noon, and we alternate between parts 1 and 2 from week to week. These FREE virtual sessions are held every Wednesday from 12pm to 1pm Pacific Time. While we recommend you participate in both parts, you may register for one or both sessions.

Free WeBC Business Loan Info Session
2025-12-09 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-16 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-23 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-30 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-06 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-27 12:00 - 13:00 UTC and 1 more date | Webinar
Learn about the financing options available through WeBC!
WeBC has a Business Loan Program, and we are the BC Loan Fund Partner of the WEOC National Loan Program for women and non-binary entrepreneurs.
If you would like to access these programs to start, expand or purchase a business you will need to participate in one of our free phone-in info sessions about the loan programs.
During this session, the facilitator will:

Review our lending criteria for each program
Answer your questions
Advise you on how to apply
Provide you with a resource package

An Advisor will work with you to determine if you are eligible for a loan.
These FREE phone-in sessions are held every Tuesday from 12pm to 1pm PT.
Register free >>>

FREE Starting a Business Info Session | Part 1: How to Write a Business Plan
2025-12-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-07 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-01-21 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-04 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Webinar
Join us to get inspired and excited about starting a business in BC!
You have a business idea—congratulations! Now it’s time to get it down on paper.
A business plan can help you test your ideas, make decisions, minimize your risk, get funding and so much more.
In SBIS Part 1, we use the document “How to Write an Effective Business Plan” to break down business planning into 10 steps.
You will learn about:

How to structure your business plan and where you can go for industry-specific samples
What to include in each section and how to think through them
How each part of your business plan works together to create a roadmap for your business.

Register free >>>
About WeBC Starting a Business Info Sessions
If you think you’re ready to start a business, we encourage you to participate in our FREE virtual Starting a Business Information Sessions (SBIS).
There are lots of steps to starting a business, so these sessions will provide tips and resources as you work through each aspect of starting a business.
SBIS is offered each week on Wednesday at noon, and we alternate between parts 1 and 2 from week to week. These FREE virtual sessions are held every Wednesday from 12pm to 1pm Pacific Time. While we recommend you participate in both parts, you may register for one or both sessions.

Purpose in Action: Social Enterprise & Storytelling Series
2026-01-15 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Denver) | Webinar
Social entrepreneurship offers a powerful way to address essential needs like affordable housing and food security, while also nurturing a sense of belonging. By building businesses that foster community and connection, you can help ensure everyone feels included and valued—and, as a business owner, turn these possibilities into real, lasting change for your community.
WeBC is partnering with Purppl, a team that helps purpose-driven organizations build sustainable impact, to bring you a series that will inspire, equip, and connect you on your journey to making a difference.
This series is ideal for anyone who is new to social enterprise or eager to deepen their organization’s impact and communications. You’ll gain practical strategies, frameworks, and tools as we focus on two key areas:

Session 1 | Social Enterprise 101: Discover what social enterprise truly means, why it matters, and how it can be used to build community wealth and long-term resilience. You’ll see how purpose-driven business models can address real needs and reignite hope in your community.
Session 2 | Impact Storytelling: Learn how to translate your impact goals and lived experience into stories that connect with funders, customers, and your community. This session will help you share your journey authentically, inspiring trust, support, and action.

Join us to explore how you can bring positive change to your business and those you serve!
January 15 and 22 | 10am to 11am PT | Virtual
Series cost: $50.00; free for WeBC Loan clients and Vancity Women Entrepreneur Program clients
Open to everyone!

Register Here >>>

WeMB SCW | Strength in Community Workshops 2026
2026-01-27 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-27 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
By participating in SCW, you’ll:

Gain self-confidence through personal discovery
Reframe perceived personal limitations as growth opportunities
Connect with other like-minded individuals with similar experiences
Learn easy and practical skills for building an ecosystem, business development, paving the way for strategic growth and expansion
Get practical and vital information on entrepreneurial mental health

The Workshops:

Strength in Community | Own Your Space explores how to work in alignment with your strengths that support your resilience, setting goals that motivate you, and overcoming those niggling doubts that get in the way of accomplishing your dreams.
Strength in Community | Say It Out Loud teaches you how to refine your pitch, communicate effectively, and build a compelling brand voice that resonates with your audience.
Strength in Community | Burnout, Boundaries, Play, and Rest explores how to have a better relationship with money, negotiation, and your mental health.

Next Co-Hort Starts Jan 27th

Tuesday Sessions: January 27, February 3, and February 10 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT
Thursday Sessions: January 29, February 5, and February 12 | 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. CT

https://www.wemb.ca/training-and-workshops/strength-in-community-workshops-program

Momentum Makers: Building Growth Through Community
2026-01-27 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Denver) | Rustic Reel Brewing, 760 Vaughan Avenue, Kelowna, BC, Canada
Come spend your Tuesday morning with a community of women business owners who believe growth happens together!

WeBC invites you to join a gathering designed for genuine conversation, new introductions, and the kind of peer support that helps you move forward, whether you’re just getting started or scaling up.
You’ll connect with local women who’ve built momentum through collaboration, hear a few short stories to spark ideas, and meet peers you’ll want to follow up with. We’ll also introduce WeBC’s new Pollinator Program, a simple, ongoing way to keep these connections alive through local circles and peer‑led support. (Curious? Join us to learn how it works and how you can be part of it.)
You’ll also explore resources from local organizations at our partner info table—your chance to learn who’s here to support your next step.
Coffee and pastries will be served. This event is free and open to everyone, but space is limited. Reserve your seat today!
Hosted and moderated by: Shauna Harper, CEO of WeBC
Featuring local voices, including:

Susi Foerg, Owner of Rustic Reel Brewing and WeBC Client
More speakers to be announced

Presented in partnership with the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures Central Okanagan, and the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission
This event is sponsored by the Scotiabank Women Initiative and funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.

Momentum Makers: Building Growth Through Community
2026-01-28 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver) | Buffalo Trails Coffee House, 1417 Canyon St Main Street, Creston, BC, V0B 1G5, Canada
Connect with a community of women business owners who believe growth happens together

Come spend your evening with a community of women business owners who believe growth happens together!
WeBC and the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce invite you to join a gathering designed for genuine conversation, new introductions, and the kind of peer support that helps you move forward, whether you’re just getting started or scaling up.
You’ll connect with local women who’ve built momentum through collaboration, hear a few short stories to spark ideas, and meet peers you’ll want to follow up with. We’ll also introduce WeBC’s new Pollinator Program, a simple, ongoing way to keep these connections alive through local circles and peer‑led support. (Curious? Join us to learn how it works and how you can be part of it.)
You’ll also explore resources from local organizations at our partner info table—your chance to learn who’s here to support your next step.
Coffee and pastries will be served. This event is free and open to everyone, but space is limited. Reserve your seat today!
Hosted by:

Fern Sabo, Owner of Spring Creative and Regional Ambassador of WeBC

Phoebe Sutton, Founder of Clarendon Consulting and WeBC Board Member

This event is sponsored by the Scotiabank Women Initiative and funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.

Register Here >>>

Ready, Set, Bid! Navigating Government Procurement
2026-01-29 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-05 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Denver) | Webinar
WeBC is partnering once again with Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC) to help you explore the possibility of selling to a major client—the Government of Canada! Whether you’re a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, there are opportunities to sell your product or service to the government. As the largest purchaser in Canada, the government buys a wide range of goods and services, many of which come from small and medium-sized businesses like yours.

The latest federal budget makes it clear that Canada wants to open more doors for businesses of all kinds, including women-owned companies, to work with the government through procurement. There’s never been a better time to get involved! Understanding how federal procurement works, from identifying opportunities to navigating the bid process, will improve your strategies and save time.

Join WeBC and PAC for this free interactive series to learn how to:

Understand the decision-making process behind government procurement
Identify practical ways to start selling to the federal government
Get your questions answered by people who know the system from the inside

January 29, February 5, February 12 | 10am to 11am PT | Free Virtual Series

Free and open to everyone!

Register here >>>

The Power of Progress: Women Moving Forward Together
2026-02-03 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver) | Twisted cork, 1157 5th Ave, Prince George, BC, V2L 1T7
Connect with a community of women business owners who believe growth happens together

Progress in business isn’t about waiting for perfect conditions; it’s about moving forward, adapting, and making smart choices with the resources and support you have. Every entrepreneur faces roadblocks, but the journey is shaped by how you respond and who you have beside you.
WeBC invites women entrepreneurs in Prince George to an evening that highlights real stories of leadership, innovation, and community building. Elizabeth Vieira-Richard will start us off with an impactful micro-learning session exploring the push and pull between perfection and excellence—how striving for the ideal can sometimes hold us back, and how progress is often found through action and learning.
Then, we’ll welcome a panel of local award-winning women who have been recognized for their excellence in leadership, innovation, and community building. Facilitated by Holly Keech, this conversation isn’t about perfect endings—it’s about the rewarding, sometimes messy process of building something meaningful in business. Their journeys show that award-winning excellence is achieved not by waiting for perfection, but by taking action and supporting one another along the way.
Join us to meet other women in business, explore local resources, and discover WeBC’s Pollinator Program, designed to help you build lasting support and keep moving forward together!
Light snacks will be served.
Hosted by: Melanie Rupp, Senior Director of Loans and Advisory Services at WeBC
Featuring local voices, including:

Holly Keech, WeBC Regional Ambassador for the North, Owner of Busy Boss Communications and 2025 Winner of a Prince George Chamber of Excellence Award

Elizabeth Vieira-Richard, Master Certified Executive & Business Coach and Owner of People Dynamics Inc.

Sarita Parmar, Sarita Parmar Speaking & Coaching, and Board President of Northern BC Women in Business

More speakers to be announced

This event is free and open to everyone, but space is limited! Reserve your spot today.
Presented in partnership with Northern BC Women in Business, Community Futures Fraser Fort George, and Northern Development
This event is sponsored by Scotiabank Women Initiative and funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy

Register Here >>>

AI Adoption for Small Businesses
2026-02-04 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Denver)
In partnership with Canada Learning Code, we’re excited to invite you to our free virtual workshop series designed specifically for women entrepreneurs like you.
Throughout February, join us for 4 transformative sessions that will help you use AI tools confidently and responsibly:
‘Intro to AI: AI Fundamental Concepts’ | February 4 | 10:00-11:00AM PST
✨ Understand AI basics and use practical tools to save time, cut costs, and grow.

‘Crafting Effective AI Interactions’ | February 11| 10:00AM-12:00PM PST
✨ Learn the art of prompting to get precise, useful results from AI tools.

Boosting Productivity with AI Tools’ | February 18 | 10:00-11:00AM PST
✨Discover practical AI solutions to save time on admin, marketing, and daily business tasks.

‘AI-Powered Content Creation’ | February 25| 10:00AM-12:00PM PST
✨Unlock Canva’s AI features to create polished, on-brand content faster and easier.

Register Here >>>

Confidence & Community: An Evening of Stories at Flourish
2026-02-04 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver) | Flourish Bakery, 415 2 St W, Revelstoke, BC, V0E 2S1
Connect with a community of women business owners who believe growth happens together

Join us for an evening of inspiration, honest conversation, and delicious pastries at Flourish, woman-owned bakery in Revelstoke. Hosted by Carolyn Gibson, Entrepreneurship and Projects Coordinator at Community Futures Revelstoke and WeBC Champion, this event brings together local women business owners for a panel discussion on “Imposter Syndrome”—how it shows up in business, and how we move through it.
Enjoy the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of Flourish as you hear real stories from entrepreneurs who have faced self-doubt and found ways to thrive in spite of it. Through candid experiences, you’ll discover how leaning on community can help you keep moving forward, even when self-doubt creeps in. The discussion will offer encouragement for anyone who’s ever wondered, “Am I really cut out for this?” and show how connection can be the secret ingredient to building confidence and resilience.
You’ll also learn about the WeBC Pollinator Program—a movement to help women entrepreneurs connect, build confidence, and access ongoing support through local circles and peer-led mentorship. Whether you’re just starting out or growing your business, you’ll leave with new connections and a sense of community.
This event is free and open to everyone, but space is limited! Reserve your spot today.
Hosted by:

Carolyn Gibson, Entrepreneurship and Projects Coordinator at Community Futures Revelstoke and WeBC Champion

Brandi Ripel, Outreach Officer at WeBC

Featuring local voices, including:

Stacy Batchelor – Co-Owner of Fable Book Parlour

Sara Sansom – Founder of Birch and Lace Hair Company Ltd.

Heather Hood – Owner of Mountain Goodness Natural Foods

Kristen Begg – Founder of Kortex ADHD Coaching

Presented in partnership with the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures Revelstoke
This event is sponsored by the Scotiabank Women Initiative and funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.

Register Here >>>

Financially Fierce Formula: The Path to Sustainable Profitability
2026-02-05 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Denver) | Webinar
We’re excited to welcome back Taunya Woods-Richardson from Nail the Numbers!
Building on the success of her previous Cashflow Canvas sessions, this advanced session is designed to help founders take their financial planning to the next level. If you have your own draft one-year cash flow, or you’ve already completed The Cashflow Canvas™—either through a past Nail the Numbers session or the new App—this session is your next step.
This hands-on, 3-hour bootcamp will help you transform your Canvas™ work into a powerful, actionable plan. The focus: building a path to reach 11.5% net profitability within three years, while covering all your real business costs—no guessing, no fluff.
What You’ll Experience

The Profit Benchmarking ProTool to get a crystal-clear path to viability. Understand your true revenue requirements, test your pricing and costs, and identify the biggest profit drivers and leaks for each revenue stream.
The Marketing Map to turn sales targets into something doable. Build a marketing plan that aligns with your sales targets, understand how conversion rates shape your strategy, and set a realistic marketing budget.
The 3-Year Profit Plan to create a roadmap, not a wish list. Map out your revenue path, create a reliable 36-month cash flow, and pinpoint the key changes needed to stay on track.
Your 12-Month Action Plan [T-Map] so you leave knowing exactly what to do next: Set annual financial goals, break them down into quarterly action items, and establish accountability checkpoints.

By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear, actionable roadmap to confidently achieve sustainable profitability and growth in your business.

Join us to turn your financial vision into reality—secure your spot and take the next step toward hitting your profit goals!
February 5 | 9am to 12pm PT | Virtual Session
Facilitator: Taunya Woods-Richardson, Founder & CEO, Nail the Numbers
Cost: $50; Free for WeBC Loan Clients and Vancity Women Entrepreneur Program Clients
Who Should Attend
This session is for founders who have a draft one-year cash flow and/or have already completed The Cashflow Canvas™. If you’re ready to move beyond the basics and build a plan for real profitability, this session is for you.
Register Here >>>

Collaborate & Thrive: Fort St John Business Meetup
2026-02-05 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Denver) | Sips Cafe, 9834 100 Ave, Fort St John, BC, V1J 1Y5
Connect with a community of women business owners who believe growth happens together

Join us in Fort St John for a fun, casual evening where you can sip, talk, and connect with fellow women business owners. Hosted at SIPS Cafe by Catherine Ruddell, WeBC Regional Ambassador, this gathering is all about genuine conversation, new introductions, and peer support. We’ll explore what it’s really like to build a business in our community—what’s working, where support exists, and how local connections can help you take your next step.
The conversation will stay open and adaptable so the topic can meet the group’s needs, whether you’re starting up, stabilizing, or growing. We’ll also introduce the WeBC Pollinator Program, a simple, ongoing way to stay connected through local circles and peer‑led support, so the momentum continues after we wrap up.
This event is free and open to everyone, but spots are limited! Reserve your seat today.
Snacks and soda will be served.
Hosted by: Catherine Ruddell, WeBC Regional Ambassador
Featuring local voices:

Jordon Lock, The Marketing Collective Co.
Jayna Strembicke, Collective Artisan Market & Events
Cory Franklin, Franklin & Co Flower Farm

This event is free and open to everyone, but space is limited! Reserve your spot today.
This event is sponsored by Scotiabank Women Initiative and funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy
Presented in partnership with the Fort St John & District Chamber of Commerce

Register Here >>>
