In 2024, WeBC partnered with research and evaluation consultancy AND Implementation to listen deeply and learn from diverse entrepreneurs about what they need to feel supported in their business journeys, and how we can respond with programs and services that reflect their realities.

We share this report at a time when many organizations are being asked to scale back social justice efforts. Instead, WeBC offers this case study as an invitation to resist the pressure to back off of equity work: use it to spark conversation, promote co-learning, and explore what DEI could look like in your own organization. This is not a prescriptive toolkit, and we caution against replicating our approach without listening to your community and reflecting internally.

DEI work is complex, imperfect, and deeply personal to each organization, but it is necessary. We hope this report helps illuminate the resources required, especially the courage and humility it takes to change. We hope it inspires others to take action and encourages collective responsibility for change.

This DEI Case Study Report was created to share what we learned about the realities of advancing equity for women, non-binary, and gender diverse entrepreneurs across British Columbia, including limits we encountered along the way and work that still needs to be done.

Our process was shaped by the voices of entrepreneurs from priority groups—including Indigenous, immigrant, disabled, rural, and gender-diverse individuals—whose experiences and insights guided our recommendations and commitments.

The study was made possible through funding from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) as part of the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy. Thanks to our funder for enabling us to dedicate resources to meaningful research, facilitated planning, and collective learning.

Cliquez ici pour télécharger ce rapport en français.

The post WeBC DEI Case Study Report: Building Belonging in BC’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem appeared first on WeBC.

Join WeBC, The Forum, and WEDO on Women’s Entrepreneurship Day as we celebrate the ripple effect of investing in women entrepreneurs! This year’s theme, Invest in Her, shines a spotlight on the opportunity and impact that comes from supporting women-led businesses, not just for individual founders, but for communities and Canada’s economic future.

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road: late nights, tough decisions, and moments of doubt. In this energizing session, we’ll zoom out and look at the big picture: what women are accomplishing across Canada, and why your journey matters.

You’ll hear from three inspiring leaders:

• Shauna Harper (WeBC) will share highlights from WeBC’s impact report, giving you the data and stories that show the true value of investing in women entrepreneurs.
• Amy Englemark (WEDO) will spotlight how national community-building efforts are creating greater collaboration, powerful partnerships, access to capital and community connection.
• Kirsten Koppang Telford (The Forum) will speak to the power of mentorship and how growth happens when women come together in supportive communities, reminding us that we’re never alone on this journey.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, connection, or the confidence to advocate for yourself and others, you’ll leave inspired to ask—and answer—‘How can I use my business to create change and help more women succeed?’

Celebrate your achievements, get pumped up, and join a movement that’s shaping Canada’s future!

The post Invest in Her, Shape the Future: A Celebration of Women’s Entrepreneurship appeared first on WeBC.

This WeCafé is all about recognizing both the realities and the “superpowers” of neurodiversity in business. Join Elizabeth Vieira-Richard, CEO of People Dynamics Inc. and internationally recognized Master Executive Coach and Master ADHD Coach, for an honest, supportive conversation about how ADHD and neurodiversity can be leveraged for entrepreneurial success.

In this WeCafé, you’ll learn:

• The make-up of neurodiversity
• How the neurodiverse brain works
• Exploring the strengths and challenges of ADHD for entrepreneurs
• Strategies and tools for ADHD entrepreneurs to harness their unique abilities

Whether you’re navigating the ups and downs of ADHD yourself or want to better support neurodiverse team members, you’ll leave with practical tools and a fresh perspective on how neurodiversity can drive business success.

Facilitator: Kelly Masson, WeBC Business Advisor

Panelist: Elizabeth Vieira-Richard, CEO & Owner, People Dynamics Inc.

The post Neurodiversity at Work: Strategies for Entrepreneurial Success appeared first on WeBC.

In this practical, plain-language session, you’ll learn everyday strategies to navigate legal questions and manage risks with more clarity and confidence.

Join us for a candid conversation with Martine Boucher, serial entrepreneur, mentor, and co-founder of Simplex Legal. She’ll share real-world tools and frameworks to help you build your “legal radar” so you can make strong, informed decisions without needing a law degree.

We’ll explore:

– How to use simple tools like recap emails or shared notes to capture key points of an agreement and build trust

– A straightforward 5W framework to surface blind spots and ask the right questions before problems show up

– Tips for deciding when to call a lawyer, and simple things you can do to reduce your legal fees when you do

– Smart ways to use ChatGPT for legal awareness, including prompt examples and important limitations & consideration.

Facilitator: Cathy Burrell, WeBC Client Services Coordinator

Panelist: Martine Boucher, Serial Entrepreneur, Mentor, and Co-Founder of Simplex Legal

The post Fireside Chat Everyday Legal Smarts for Entrepreneurs appeared first on WeBC.

We’ve been listening, dreaming, and building—and now, we’re ready to share something special.

Introducing the Pollinator Program: a new initiative designed to support women who naturally connect others, share resources, and help their communities flourish.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just beginning to explore what’s possible, this program is about weaving impact into what you already do—and growing together.

The post Pollinator Program Launch: A Virtual Debut appeared first on WeBC.

WEP recognizes the unique needs of women entrepreneurs, and supports financial inclusion by taking a holistic approach. The program includes financing from Vancity with wrap-around support services from WeBC, which include complimentary online education and resources on financial management, as well as professional business support and mentorship with a community of other women business owners throughout BC.

Leadership commitment to progress

When the program launched in 2020, it was not initially effective in increasing access to capital for women, as many barriers still existed in the application and approval process.

These barriers included a complicated application form, traditional definitions of risk, and a limited classification of years in business. Despite significant interest in the program, very few women were completing the application process and being approved for funding.

In response, the Vancity team showed leadership and commitment in recognizing the unique needs of women entrepreneurs and created new policies to address the gaps, including:

• Offering two types of financial products: an auto-approved line of credit up to $25k and a term loan up to $250k;
• Lowering the minimum credit score needed to qualify;
• Changing the definition of ‘new business’ to six months in operation vs. 12 months; and
• Educating the team on the support needed to guide women along the application process.

Advancing lending policies to be more inclusive

This is the first example of an internal policy shift that contributed to a more sustained systemic change to better serve the different growth pathways of women entrepreneurs. Vancity has led by example to show how financial institutions can implement new policies to recognize the needs of diverse women entrepreneurs in Canada.

WEP is a strong example of a values-driven initiative that has promoted genuine change in how women interact with financial institutions. It goes beyond a marketing initiative and considers how women create value with their businesses, define success, and need to be supported. This report shares the incredible impact of the program since its relaunch in 2021.

The post Vancity Women Entrepreneurs Program: Impact Report 2021 to 2025 appeared first on WeBC.

Building Your Values-Driven Business with the Feminist Business Model Canvas is a bilingual, online course that walks you through the process of creating a feminist business model at your own pace, wherever it fits in your schedule

The post Building Your Values-Driven Business with the Feminist Business Model Canvas appeared first on WeBC.

Panelists: Barry Payne & Sarah-Anne Hrycenko, Procurement Assistance Canada

The post A Guide to Government Contracts: How to Sell, Understand and Deliver: Ask Barry and Sarah-Anne: Live Q&A on Federal Procurement appeared first on WeBC.

Led by Procurement Assistance Canada, this session is designed to help suppliers understand how solicitations are developed and how to make the most of the question period.

The post Inside the Buyer and Contracting Authority’s Mind: How Federal Procurement Works appeared first on WeBC.

Panelist: Barry Payne, Supply Team Leader, Indigenous Entrepreneurship Centre of Excellence, Procurement Assistance Canada

The post A Guide to Government Contracts: How to Sell, Understand and Deliver: Three Easy Steps to Low Dollar Value Contracts appeared first on WeBC.

Maybe you’ve tried social media, hired a freelancer, or launched a campaign that didn’t quite land. Or maybe you’re starting to see traction and wondering how to build on that momentum. Whatever stage you’re at, one thing is clear: marketing plays a key role in product-based growth—but it’s not always easy to know where to focus.

Join us for a candid fireside chat with Stephanie Baresh, a seasoned marketing expert who helped grow Eminence Organic Skin Care from a startup into a global brand sold in over 50 countries. Stephanie will share insights on what it really takes to market a product successfully—beyond just flashy ads and social posts.

We’ll talk about:

• Why the first step to growth is defining success
• How to keep your merchandising, PR, and campaigns aligned
• What metrics matter (and which ones to ignore)
• Why face-to-face marketing is still powerful
• How to celebrate your growth and turn it into momentum

Whether you’re doing it all yourself or leading a growing team, this is your chance to hear real-world insights from someone who’s been there—plus ask your own marketing questions in an open, supportive environment.

Facilitator: Holly Keech, Owner of Busy Boss Communications and WeBC Regional Ambassador for Northern BC

Panelists: Stephanie Baresh, Brand and Product Creative Director

The post Fireside Chat: Marketing That Fuels Growth: Insights for Product-Based Brands appeared first on WeBC.

This self-paced online course offers an introduction to truth and reconciliation in Canada. Through engaging, multimedia content, it provides essential education on the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians.

Topics Include:

• The history and impact of colonization and residential schools
• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its 94 Calls to Action
• The legacy and lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada
• Key principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
• Cultural protocols, respectful engagement, and allyship in business and community settings

Participants will engage with video content, slideshows, quizzes, and reflection exercises. A certificate of completion is provided for 3.5 hours of professional development.

By taking this course, you’re joining a growing movement of individuals and organizations committed to respectful relationships and meaningful reconciliation.

The post 4 Seasons of Reconciliation – Free Online Course appeared first on WeBC.