WeBC

Living Library Networking
2024-10-10 17:30 - 19:30 UTC | Staples Kelowna, 2339 British Columbia 97 #430, Kelowna, BC, V1X 4H9, Canada
Join this free event for women and non-binary entrepreneurs (or future entrepreneurs) in Kelowna.

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur with a fledgling idea or a seasoned business owner looking to add a new chapter to your story, all are welcome to join and participate in our upcoming Living Library Networking Event.

Imagine a place where knowledge doesn’t just sit on a shelf but walks, talks, and is eager to share the rich tales of their entrepreneurial journeys. Our living library is about borrowing experiences (instead of books) directly from those who are living the dream—and the hustle—every single day. Engage in one-on-one dialogues with our remarkable local business owners who have turned their visions into ventures, weaving tales of challenges, triumphs, and everything in between.

There is no cost to join and attend!

Mark your calendars, bring your business cards, and come enjoy and celebrate the power of sharing knowledge and the magic of creating connections.
Join us at the Living Library: Stories from Okanagan Business Women. Contact Kitty Boda at kitty.boda@ymcasibc.ca for more details or if you have any difficulty.

Free WeBC Business Loan Info Session
2024-10-15 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-22 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-10-29 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-12 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-26 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-12-03 12:00 - 13:00 UTC and 15 more dates | 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 >>>

Savvy CEO Program for Female Business Owners
2024-10-22 | Community Futures Cowichan, 135 Third Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 1R9, Canada
Join the program and connect with like-minded women to boost your confidence, gain invaluable tools, and tackle the unique challenges of balancing business and life.
The Savvy CEO Program is a series of 8 workshops:

To help you grow as a leader and business owner.
To re-energized owners with new ideas, insights and confidence.
Provide invaluable insights into your management style.
Give you specific tools in the areas of HR, Leadership, Money, and Avoiding Burnout.
Close the gap from where you are now to where you want to be.
Connect you with other female, small business owners in the community, leading to lasting relationships with some truly inspiring women.

This Program is for Female Entrepreneurs who:

Have been in business for 4+ years.
Have a team of staff.
Operate in the Cowichan Valley.
Want to connect with others on owning and growing a business.

Register Here >>>

Opportunity Awaits: Tackling Tough Conversations with Confidence
2024-11-05 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual
We’ve all attended workshops before, but in today’s fast-paced world, new tools, techniques, and approaches are crucial for staying effective. Tackling Tough Conversations with Confidence is not just another workshop—it’s your chance to learn strategies and practical skills you can use immediately in your leadership role.
Designed for advisors & leaders. Learn how to feel confident in every challenging conversation and prepare for for any difficult situation.
2-Part Workshop | Nov 5 & 7 | 10-11:30am PT

Business Insurance 101 with BCAA
2024-11-06 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | Webinar
Navigating the world of insurance may not be the most exciting part of your business, but it’s an essential part in protecting the growth and potential of the business you’ve worked so hard to build.
On November 6, WeBC is hosting the BCAA Small Business Insurance team for a crash course on what small business insurance is, the different coverages available for your unique business needs and how insurance can protect you.
Join us for this free interactive session to explore:

Questions to ask yourself before purchasing small business insurance
Scenarios where insurance would apply
Tips for submitting a claim

Don’t miss this opportunity to ask your questions and gather valuable information from insurance professionals!
Wednesday, November 6 | 10am to 11am PT | Free Virtual WeCafé
Our WeCafés are always free and open to everyone
Facilitator: Cathy Burrell, Client Services Coordinator, WeBC
Panelists:

Bethanie Pio, Commercial Insurance advisor, BCAA
Daniel Sera, Senior Field Adjuster, BCAA

Register Here >>>

We Grow Together Greater Victoria
2024-11-19 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Esquimalt Gorge Park & Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Road, Esquimalt, BC
On November 19, WeBC and The Forum invite you to celebrate the incredible contributions of women entrepreneurs in BC and beyond!
With festivities spanning 144 countries, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day is all about connection and support. Join us to hear from inspiring local women, meet fellow women entrepreneurs and share experiences. Plus, visit our partner showcase to discover valuable resources that can help you on your journey.
Let’s gather to honour the achievements of women and support one another in this vibrant community.
This event is free and open to everyone but space is limited!
Join us >>>

Team Canada Trade Mission to Australia
2025-02-16 | Australia
Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service is seeking small, medium and large-sized companies, including exporters from diverse backgrounds, to join the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development for a Team Canada Trade Mission to Australia.
Dates: Sunday, February 16 to Friday, February 21, 2025
Market: Core programming in Sydney from February 16 to 19 and additional priority sector programming in Brisbane and Melbourne on February 20 and 21 for those selected for the business to business (B2B) program and that operate in the priority sectors.
Priority Sectors: While the trade mission is open to companies and organizations from all sectors, the trade mission program will highlight areas of Canadian competitive advantage, with a particular focus on the following priority sectors:

agri-food and agri-tech
clean technologies and clean energy
mining equipment technology and services
ICT (with a focus on digital infrastructure and smart cities)

WHY PARTICIPATE?
Members of the Canadian business delegation will participate in:
networking opportunities with Minister Ng and Australian business leaders
on-site business briefings by our Trade Commissioners, senior officials, and key local industry players
market overviews and/or roundtables with local industry and experts
pre-arranged business to business meetings (only applicable to companies selected for the B2B program stream)
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?
Team Canada Trade Missions welcome:

export-ready Canadian companies of all sizes, including exporters from diverse backgrounds, with strong potential to address opportunities in Australia and generate tangible business outcomes
provinces and territories, municipalities and other Canadian organizations, such as regional development agencies, trade associations and chambers of commerce, looking to expand their reach and engagement in Australia

Each application will go through an extensive assessment process to determine the most suitable stream for the organization.
TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS AND EXPENSES
Participants are responsible for organizing their own travel arrangements, including all air and ground transportation to and from the airport, and to make their own accommodation reservations. Programming and travel information (such as local transportation options and hotel block bookings) will be provided to confirmed participants as information becomes available.
There is no fee to participate in the trade mission. However, participants are responsible for covering all related travel costs, including airfare, accommodations, ground transportation and meals not included in the program.
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
To be considered for the business delegation of the Team Canada Trade Mission to Australia, submit your application as soon as possible, and no later than November 15, 2024, 17:00 E.T. We anticipate a high demand for participation in this mission. To maximize the number of participating organizations, a maximum of two representatives per organization can register for the trade mission.
Learn more or apply >>>

Discovery Morning With Inclusive Buyers
2025-03-11 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | 1133 Melville St, 1133 Melville St, Vancouver, BC, V6E 4E5, Canada
WeBC is proud to partner with Maia, RFAQ, BDC and SDECB on this event!
The Maïa project connects Canadian women entrepreneurs with large Canadian companies to create successful partnerships.
Maia’s ‘Meet The Buyers Events’ offer women entrepreneurs the opportunity to:

Discover diverse suppliers: Access innovative and qualified suppliers ready to meet your specific
needs.
Showcase your inclusivity: Highlight your commitment to supplier diversity.
Foster strategic partnerships: Build a resilient and innovative supply chain through collaboration
with diverse suppliers.

Vancouver Session: March 11th, 2025 from 9h-12h
BDC Business Center
1133 Melville Street,
Suite 1500
Vancouver, BC
Register here >>>
