entrepreneur Archives - WeBC

Earth Day WeCafé: Where Values Meet Everyday Business

Jenn — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Earth Day is a great moment to pause and ask: What kind of impact do I want my business to have? Not just someday, but right now, in the choices we make every day.

In honour of the day, we’re hosting a discussion to talk honestly about what it looks like to bring purpose into your business in ways that feel realistic, energizing, and aligned with your values. Whether you’re just starting to think about impact, or you’re already taking steps and want fresh ideas, this conversation is about progress, not pressure.

In this free WeCafé, we’ll explore:

Simple, meaningful ways to build social and environmental care into your business
How values can guide everyday decisions, big and small
Tools and supports that can help you turn good intentions into action
Why doing good can also make your business stronger and more resilient

Join us this Earth Day for an honest, inspiring conversation about building a business that cares for people and planet.

Tuesday, April 22 | 10am to 11am PT | Free Virtual WeCafé

Facilitator: Kelly Masson, WeBC Business Advisor
Panelists:

Hilary Henegar, Impact & Engagement Strategist
Natalia Hahn, Operations & Sustainability Director with the Impact Toolbox
Maddy Best, Project Manager with the Synergy Foundation

Free and open to everyone!

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Advanced Generative AI: Operationalizing AI in Your Business

Jenn — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

WeBC is delighted to welcome back Jennifer Hufnagel, from Hufnagel Consulting, one of Canada’s leading AI Educators, and recent award recipient of the Women of Influence in STEM for 2026 to deliver a practical, hands-on Advanced Generative AI session.

Description

This two-hour advanced session is designed for participants who have already completed the WeBC AI Foundations series or who are actively using a paid generative AI platform in their work. The focus shifts from basic prompting to structured implementation. Participants will explore how to design AI-supported systems, build reusable assistants, and to make the most of their paid versions of Generative AI Tools. The session covers capabilities available across leading generative AI platforms, including no code features such as: Projects, Custom GPTs, Deep Research tools, Gems, and Claude Skills. Emphasis is placed on practical business application rather than theory.

What This Session Covers

Participants will learn how to:

Design and manage AI-supported Projects to organize ongoing work
Build and deploy Custom GPTs/Gems or equivalent no-code assistants tailored to specific business needs
Evaluate when and how to use Deep Research tools to synthesize information, compare sources, and support strategic decision-making
Leverage platform-specific tools such as Claude Skills to extend functionality

Who This Is For

This workshop is intended for professionals, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and business operators who already use generative AI and want to deepen their capability; this is considered an intermediate session. Participants should have an active paid subscription to at least one major AI platform and a working understanding of prompt development. The session is hands-on and application-focused. Participants will work directly within their chosen platform to build practical assets they can continue using after the workshop.

Cost: $95.00 ($350 value)

Prerequisites: Participants MUST have a paid AI account such as CHATGBT, Claude, Gemini etc. and they have ideally gone through some basic/fundamentals AI course.

Facilitator: Jennifer Hufnagel, Hufnagel Consulting

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AI Made Simple: Practical Generative AI for Business Growth

Jenn — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Generative AI is changing how businesses operate. The real question is whether you are using it strategically or experimenting without a plan.

WeBC is welcoming back Jennifer Hufnagel, from Hufnagel Consulting, one of Canada’s leading AI Educators, and recent award recipient of the Women of Influence in STEM for 2026 to deliver a practical, hands-on workshop series designed to move you from curiosity to confident application. Participants will move beyond exploration and develop a clear framework for integrating AI into their work.

Why it matters:
Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude are becoming embedded in modern business workflows. Many professionals are exploring these tools without structure or guidance. This series provides a clear framework for responsible, practical, and business-aligned use so participants can integrate AI into their daily operations with confidence.

What you’ll learn:

Over three 1-hour sessions, you’ll gain a strong foundation in how to use Generative AI strategically and effectively. You’ll leave with real-world skills you can put to use right away.

You’ll learn how to:

Explain basic principles of AI
Write better, more effective and high-quality prompts
Practice live, guided AI use during the session
Discover ways to implement AI in your business or daily work immediately

This series also includes pre and post work and a live Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, your chance to check in, ask follow-up questions, and continue building your skills and AI Fluency.

Who this is for:
This workshop is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who want to stay current in a fast-changing digital world. No tech experience required, just a curiosity to learn and a willingness to experiment! Your imagination is your only limitation. This is also ideal for anyone who has not had formula AI training before and has been learning on their own. Previous participants are welcome. Content has been refreshed to reflect recent platform updates, evolving tools, and new practical applications.

Cost: $149.00 ($450 value)

Facilitator: Jennifer Hufnagel, Hufnagel Consulting

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Momentum Makers: Building Growth Through Community

Jenn — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

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, the Comox Valley Women’s Business Network and the Comox 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, tea, and snacks will be served. This event is free and open to everyone, but space is limited. Reserve your seat today!

Hosted by:

Pauline Stevenson, Queen Bee of the WeBC Pollinator Program and Founder of Excel Career College

Featuring local business owners:

To be announced!

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

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Momentum Makers: Building Growth Through Community

Jenn — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Connect with a community of women business owners who believe growth happens together

You’re invited to connect with a group of women business owners in Nelson who know that real growth happens when we show up for each other. This isn’t a typical business event—here, you’ll be part of something active, heartfelt, and memorable!

In the West Kootenays, we know what it means to stand strong. But together, we’re even stronger. This session is all about turning challenges into opportunities through genuine connection.

Expect movement, conversation, and hands-on activities that foster real support. The space is designed for honest sharing about what it’s like to run a business, exchanging stories, and discovering new ways to help each other thrive.

You’ll leave with a sense of belonging and encouragement, new connections to nurture, practical ideas for mutual support, and a small keepsake, a reminder that no one is ever truly alone in business.

The gathering also introduces WeBC’s new Pollinator Program, a simple and ongoing way to keep these connections alive through local circles and peer-led support. Curious? Come learn how it works and how to be part of it.

Local organizations will be on hand at our partner info table, offering resources and support for your next step.

Coffee and pastries will be served.

This event is free and open to everyone, but space is limited! Reserve your spot today.

Hosted and facilitated by:

Fern Sabo, Owner of Spring Creative and Regional Ambassador of WeBC
Phoebe Sutton, Founder of Clarendon Consulting and WeBC Board Member

Presented in partnership with Community Futures Central Kootenay

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

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Collaborate & Thrive: Fort St John Business Meetup

Jenn — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:30:00 +0000

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

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Confidence & Community: An Evening of Stories at Flourish

Jenn — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:00:00 +0000

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.

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Momentum Makers: Building Growth Through Community

Jenn — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:00:00 +0000

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.

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Purpose in Action: Social Enterprise & Storytelling Series

Jenn — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

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!

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When Customers Ask AI: Make Your Business Part of the Answer

Jenn — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

AI is changing the way people discover businesses. Instead of typing into Google, more customers are asking tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Perplexity for recommendations. The question is: will AI recommend your business?

Most small businesses are invisible in AI today—but that can change.

Join us for an interactive WeCafé session with WeBC Business Advisor Archana Samtani Singhania. She’ll explore AI Engine Optimization (AIEO), the new frontier of discoverability. You’ll learn practical steps to help AI “see” your business clearly so you can show up in answers, not just search results.

We’ll cover:

What makes AI search different from traditional SEO
How AI chooses businesses to recommend and the key signals it looks for (plus ways to strengthen them)
How to make your business info clear and consistent, and use conversational content and FAQs to boost visibility
Common mistakes that keep businesses hidden from AI, and how to avoid them

Join us for this informative, interactive session to learn actionable strategies to position your business for the AI era!

Wednesday, March 11 | 10am to 11am PT | Free Virtual WeCafé

Free and open to everyone!

Facilitator: Archana Samtani Singhania, WeBC Business Advisor

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Elevate Your Pitch: A Fireside Chat on Authentic Communication for Growth

Jenn — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Ever stumbled when someone asks, “What do you do?” You’re not alone. Crafting an elevator pitch that feels genuine (and memorable) takes more than a script.

On Thursday, March 12, join us for a candid fireside chat with Trisha Miltimore, a dynamic leadership expert and WorkLife Wellness Activator who has spent 25 years helping professionals ignite their impact without burning out. Trisha will share practical insights and personal stories on how to speak with clarity, confidence, and authenticity when introducing yourself and your work.

In this interactive fireside chat, we’ll explore:

How to shape your story so your elevator pitch feels natural—not forced
The 3 Vultures: mindsets that sabotage confidence—and how to rise above them
Simple, empowering ways to show up with greater visibility in conversations
Tools to communicate your value and strengthen connections in networking moments
How to step boldly into your own voice and own your impact

Whether you’re meeting new clients, networking, or pitching your ideas, this is your chance to learn real-world strategies that make your message resonate—plus ask your questions in an open, supportive environment.

Thursday, March 12 | 10am to 11am PT | Free Virtual Fireside Chat

Free and open to everyone! Closed captioning in French will be available.

Host: Cathy Burrell, Entrepreneur in Residence
Facilitator: Trisha Miltimore, WorkLife Wellness Activator & Leadership Expert

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Ready, Set, Bid! Navigating Government Procurement

Jenn — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

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!

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