WeBC

FREE Starting a Business Info Session | Part 1: How to Write a Business Plan
2025-05-14 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-30 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-16 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-09 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.

Free WeBC Business Loan Info Session
2025-05-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-05-06 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-29 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-22 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-15 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-08 12:00 - 13:00 | 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 >>>

2025 BC Economic Summit - Connecting the Dots: Collaboration. Innovation. Resilience.
2025-05-12 08:30 - 2025-05-15 22:00 | Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, 273 Power Street, Penticton, BC, V2A 7K9, Canada
The 2025 BC Economic Summit is the premier gathering of economic developers, policymakers, business professionals, and community stakeholders dedicated to driving British Columbia’s economic future. This year’s theme, “Connecting the Dots: Collaboration. Innovation. Resilience.,” emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation in building a resilient and thriving economy across the province, while showcasing Canadian speakers, serving Canadian-sourced food & beverages, and using a Canadian-based event app.
The summit will explore the critical intersections between communities, community organizations, planning, industry, technology, and community development in a rapidly evolving economic landscape. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, participants will delve into strategies for fostering community resiliency, community-to-community partnerships, supporting local businesses, investment attraction, and harnessing emerging opportunities in different economic sectors.
Register Here >>>

The Forum E-Series presented by RBC: Application Deadline May 8!
2025-05-08 16:00 | Virtual
Registration Now open!
The Forum Entrepreneur Series (E-Series) presented by RBC, is back for the spring. E-Series is an intensive program for self-identifying women, non-binary, and trans-femme entrepreneurs who want a comprehensive education in business and entrepreneurship.
E-Series runs from May 27 – June 12, with virtual sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays of each week.
Registration is now open until May 8th, and you can claim your spot here today!

Program Fees
We are so grateful to the generosity of our program sponsors so program fees are offered on a sliding scale – you choose the price point that works best for you.
We recognize that systemic marginalization means that wealth has not been equitably distributed or accessible in the same way for everyone. Whatever amount you’re able to invest, we are here for you, and we want to see you thrive!
We ask you to consider your personal finances and pay what you can between $0-$849.
The full value of E-Series is $1500.

Digital Marketing Tips & Tactics: Turn Leads into Sales
2025-05-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Webinar
Would you rather sit around and hope customers will find you, or be confident that you have a steady stream of qualified leads coming in?
In today’s digital world, creating the right content and attracting the right leads are essential for growing your business. That’s why WeBC is excited to partner with Samantha Vlasceanu to offer a practical and empowering workshop series: “Digital Marketing Tips & Tactics: Turn Leads into Sales.”
This series is specifically designed for busy business owners who may not be professional marketers but still want to harness the power of strategic content and lead generation. We understand that as an entrepreneur, your time is valuable. That’s why our workshops provide simple, actionable strategies that you can implement even as you juggle other tasks. You’ll walk away with tools that help you attract leads and increase sales—without needing to spend countless hours on marketing.
We’ll focus on three key areas:

Developing Irresistible Lead Magnets – Learn how to design offers that draw in potential customers, helping you grow your email list and build relationships quickly.
Crafting Engaging Email Sequences – Discover how to nurture your leads with email marketing that converts, making the most out of each interaction with minimal effort.
Creating Captivating Content in Batches – Master the art of planning and creating content that keeps your audience engaged and your business top of mind all year long, even with a busy schedule.

You’ll learn how to create content that not only grabs attention but also nurtures relationships and guides potential customers through each stage of the buyer’s journey.
Series schedule
All sessions are on Thursdays, from 10am to 11:30am PT.

May 8 | Creating ‘WOW’ Lead Magnets
May 15 | Email Sequences: Turning Interest into Engagement
May 22 | Let’s Build 365 Days of Content – Right Now!

Join us in a supportive and interactive environment where you can unlock the secrets to effective marketing and content creation!
A recording will be available for 30 days after each of the live sessions.
Open to everyone.
Series cost: $80; free for WeBC Loan clients and Vancity Women Entrepreneur Program clients

Register Here >>

FREE Starting a Business Info Session | Part 2: How to Make Your Business Official
2025-05-07 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-23 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-09 12:00 - 13:00 | 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.

Social Venture Institute: Sea to Sky
2025-04-30 18:00 - 2025-05-02 15:00 | BC
SVI Sea to Sky is an intimate, high-impact gathering for purpose-driven entrepreneurs, impact investors, and non-profit leaders. This gathering, taking place at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, offers a chance to connect, collaborate, and problem-solve with local changemakers and leaders.
Get personalized advice on your own business challenges through Peer Coaching Circles and One-on-One Advisors.
Note: Scholarships are available, as well as a 10% discount for non-profit organizations using code NONPROFIT
Stay with Aava Whistler Hotel with the link on the SVI Sea 2 Sky website by March 31 to get exclusive discount accommodations.
???? Explore more and secure your spot here: https://hollyhock.ca/svi-sea2sky

Business Planning Bootcamp
2025-04-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Victoria City Hall, 1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC, V8W 1P6, Canada
This Futurpreneur Business Planning Bootcamp is designed to help you build essential business planning skills in an interactive and engaging setting.
Join us for this free, three-hour workshop led by Futurpreneur’s entrepreneur-in-residence, where you’ll gain expert insights and connect with other local entrepreneurs.
What to expect:

Learn business planning tips & tricks
Get expert advice from Futurpreneur
Connect with other local entrepreneurs
Enjoy free snacks and refreshments!

Space is limited, Register Here>>>

ChatGPT for Entrepreneurs: Work Smarter, Not Harder
2025-04-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-04-10 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-04-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
AI is everywhere—are you making the most of it?
It seems like every day there’s a new tool, update, or trend in artificial intelligence (AI). If you’re feeling like you’re missing out or unsure where to start, you’re not alone! AI can be a powerful tool to save time, boost productivity, and enhance your business—if you know how to use it effectively.
This spring, WeBC is excited to partner with Jennifer Hufnagel, Business Consultant, Learning & Development Specialist, and AI Futurelab Certified Trainer, to offer a practical and hands-on workshop series: “ChatGPT for Entrepreneurs: Work Smarter, Not Harder.”
Jennifer brings over 25 years of professional experience in corporate training, instructional design, and business development. She has spent the last two years specializing in AI, leading ChatGPT and LLM training for over 1,000 participants globally.
AI is set to be the most transformative, disruptive, and exciting technology of the 21st century, impacting every industry, every job, and every aspect of our lives. This is not the time to “put your head in the sand”—AI is happening, whether we like it or not.
This practical, hands-on, series prepares you to thrive, succeed, and stay relevant in your business. As you take in the power of ChatGPT and its practical applications, you will be able to immediately reduce your workload, save time, become more efficient, and prioritize what truly matters.
We’ll focus on three key areas:

Understanding AI & ChatGPT Basics – Learn the basic principles of AI
Mastering Effective Prompting – Develop strategies to create prompts that generate accurate, insightful, and useful responses.
Implementing AI for Business & Productivity – Discover real-world applications of ChatGPT to reduce workload, enhance efficiency, and integrate AI into your daily operations.

Series Schedule
All sessions are on Thursdays, from 10am to 11am PT.

April 3 | Understanding AI & ChatGPT Basics
April 10 | Mastering Effective Prompting
April 17 | Implementing AI for Business & Productivity

Join us in a supportive and interactive environment where you can unlock the potential of AI and gain practical experience using ChatGPT!
A recording will be available for 30 days after each live session.
Open to everyone but only 20 spots are available so register today!
Series cost: $95; free for WeBC Loan clients and Vancity Women Entrepreneur Program clients.

Register Here >>>

Grocery Redefined | Trade Show + Conference
2025-04-14 - 2025-04-15 | Vancouver Convention Centre, East Building, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, V6C 0C3, Canada
This is the stage where top brands showcase the latest products, services, and trends shaping the future of food and retail. Meet industry leaders, discover groundbreaking solutions, and build meaningful connections with partners driving change. Dive into interactive experiences, thought-provoking sessions, and live product demonstrations that bring the future of grocery and specialty food to life. Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and lead. Registration for Grocery & Specialty Food West 2025 is now open!
Don’t delay to get your ticket to grow And connect at Western Canada’s Largest Grocery B2B Exhibition & Conference. Be a part of the grocery week and network with retailers, decision-makers, wholesalers and more.
Early Bird Pricing for Retailers, Trade Show Only Pass – $69 BEFORE March 21st
Early Bird Pricing for Non-Retailers, Trade Show Only Pass – $399 BEFORE March 21st
Register here

WBE Supplier Diversity Day | Vancouver
2025-04-11 09:00 - 16:00 | RBC – Royal Centre Vancouver, 1055 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 2R7, Canada
Get ready to connect with corporate buyers and industry leaders as we travel across Canada, creating new opportunities for women-owned businesses.
WBE Canada’s Supplier Diversity Days are full-day in-person events designed to bring women-owned businesses, corporate and government organizations, partners and champions of supplier diversity together in cities across Canada.
Join us to learn how to navigate today’s economic challenges, network with buyers and suppliers to find new opportunities and create common goals to expand economic prosperity within regions, provinces and across the country.
Register Here

Navigating Trade Challenges
2025-04-03 09:30 - 12:00 | Coast Capri Hotel, 171 Harvey Avenue (Horizon North Room), Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Y 6E8, Canada
The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission is excited to host two insightful events on April 3rd to help businesses navigate trade challenges. The events include an industry roundtable from 8:00 to 9:30 AM, followed by an open panel presentation titled “Navigating Trade Challenges” with experts from 9:30 to 12:00 PM. This day is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses to learn directly from industry experts and gain valuable insights into the resources and support available to help navigate trade challenges.
The industry round table is your chance to voice the real-world impacts on your industry and operations. They want to hear directly from you, the businesses at the forefront. Your insights will be shared with senior levels of government, ensuring your experiences help to shape future policies and programs. The panel discussion will be a deep dive into the complexities of tariffs with valuable insights from industry experts and your peers. This session promises to equip the business community with the knowledge and strategies to address trade barriers and implement effective solutions.
Register Here>>>

Whistler Chamber | Google Ads: A Practical Guide for Small Business in 2025
2025-04-02 09:00 - 23:00 | Virtual
Registration Now Open!
We’ve partnered with Ollo Metrics to bring you a live online webinar to help you leverage Google Ads to reach more customers and grow your business while avoiding costly pitfalls!
Members $65 / Future Members $80
Register Here!

Trade Accelerator Program: B.C. Interior Cohort
2025-04-02 08:30 | TBD – Downtown Kelowna, Kelowna, BC, Canada
Find New Customers, Grow in Global Markets
B.C. companies can now join the upcoming TAP B.C. Interior Cohort! This program, valued at $5,000, offers bursaries to qualifying SMEs, helping them unlock export potential and expand into international markets. The cohort begins in April—don’t miss this opportunity!
Application Deadline: March 19, 2025
Apply Here!

CF and WeBC: Women Entrepreneur Drop-In Sessions | Abbotsford
2025-03-31 13:00 - 15:00 | Studioture, 2547 Montvue Ave, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 3V2, Canada
In partnership with WeBC, Community Futures South Fraser is hosting free drop-in 20-minute sessions for women entrepreneurs to get their business questions answered and find support.
Ask About:

Pricing
Staff Policies
Marketing & Branding
Cash Flow (Survival Mode)
and any other burning questions!

Mondays in March (starting March 10) from 1pm-3pm.
RSVP to reserve your spot: nicole.read@southfraser.com

Build a Strong and Positive Relationship with Social Media
2025-03-31 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Join Angie to understand what your relationship is with Social Media and how to make it a strong and positive one so it’s not something that holds you back in your business.
You have a relationship with social media. If it’s a not-so-good one, it can be holding you back from putting yourself out there, you can create a strong, positive relationship if you have the tools. There are many platforms out there. It’s time to get to know them in this workshop.
Presenter: ANGIE OLSON, A.E. Coaching Inc.
Log In with Community Futures to Register.
Note: You may be able to receive this workshop free of charge. Create an account or login to your dashboard to check your eligibility.

2025 Okanagan Angel Summit | Application Deadline
2025-03-28 23:59 | Virtual
Exciting news! The 7th Okanagan Angel Summit is here, and we’re ready to make waves in BC’s innovation ecosystem. This annual investment event brings startups and investors together to connect, grow, and shape the future of BC tech.
Whether you’re ready to pitch your big idea or eager to join the ranks of accredited investors, the Okanagan Angel Summit is your chance to be part of something transformative.
Applications are now open for the 2025 Okanagan Angel Summit! We’re looking for accredited Okanagan-based angel investors and Western Canadian startups ready to raise capital.
The deadline to apply is March 28th.
Don’t wait—learn more and apply here

Crafting a Newsletter: Writing one your clients are excited to open
2025-03-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
A workshop designed to teach and inspire entrepreneurs how to implement newsletters in their business’ marketing strategy. We will go over the benefits of a newsletter as well as strategies and newsletter elements you will be able to apply specifically to your own business. Through this session, you will not only understand the importance of a newsletter but how to design one that will actually get read and in turn, increase your brand’s trust and recognition.
Presenter: JOLENE SAMPIETRO
Log Into Community Futures to Register.
Note: You may be able to receive this workshop free of charge. Create an account or login to your dashboard to check your eligibility.
