Mara brings her social and environmental sustainability education to the business, offering artisan, ethically sourced chocolate bars, truffles, bonbons, and ganaches. Sourced from Ecuador, each cocoa bean is organic, fairly traded, and produced without the use of GMOs or fertilizers.

As a business owner, Mara believes in her responsibility to make positive social change. She does so by creating inclusive workspaces so she can prioritize hiring adults on the autism spectrum.

While searching for resources to support her small business, Mara discovered WeBC’s free programs. She started with the Peer Mentorship Program and stayed connected to WeBC after the program ended.

Later that year, Mara reconnected with Melanie Rupp, Senior Director, Loans & Advisory Services, who suggested the loan program to grow her business. Initially hesitant to take out a loan, Mara was encouraged by multiple colleagues who recommended WeBC’s support. Her loan was granted, which was used to purchase new equipment to increase product production and expand with more distributors.

Mara appreciated the support she received throughout the process and was impressed with the financial assistance and guidance from the WeBC team. As a solopreneur, Mara is grateful to organizations like WeBC for supporting her through each phase of her journey.

Client Q&A

Q: How did you get into the chocolate business?

I met a chocolatier at a farmer’s market during my first week of university. He was a French chocolatier, and it was my first time trying artisan craft chocolate—and I was blown away. I thought, how is it that I eat chocolate every day, and people rave about chocolate from Belgium, Germany and Switzerland, yet I’ve never tasted anything so pure?

So, I stood there at his booth, buying up all the chocolate, while he explained the benefits—how it’s good for the heart, the brain and overall health. But most chocolate isn’t made this way. I thought, “I’m a student; I probably can’t afford a $10 bar every day,” but I asked him if I could volunteer in exchange for chocolate. And that’s what we did for about two years.

Eventually, I did some paid work for him, which is when the idea of a social enterprise came up. I spoke to him about it because I felt his business values were so closely aligned with mine. When he decided to move back to France, that’s when I took the business over.

Q: Can you share your experience with WeBC’s loan program?

At a BC Food and Beverage event, I connected with Melanie Rupp. She told me about all the loan programs and encouraged me to reach out if I was interested. 

It took me a long time to even think about taking a loan, knowing what I needed it for, but multiple people recommended it to me, so I worked with one of their advisors to apply.

I found it amazing because I wasn’t aware there was so much support. I thought it was just a loan, and then you manage how you repay it, but then you also get a financial advisor and have access to a whole team. That was such a big plus because I think even if you think you know finances, managing a loan and doing the best with it is different. 

I felt like planning for the next few years was outside my scope, but the team at WeBC showed me the ropes. I was so grateful to have somebody from the lender side who genuinely wanted me to succeed and was there to help me through it. 

Q: What were the specific challenges you faced that the loan helped you overcome?

The loan was for new equipment. I needed a tempering machine and two chocolate grinders to increase production capacity. My business was at full capacity in our space in Kitsilano, and I needed the new equipment to be able to produce four times as much, so I could expand to Ontario and work with a second distributor. At that point, I couldn’t even think about selling more because I didn’t have the capacity to produce more.

We didn’t have more to invest in the equipment and still make sure we had enough for cacao, so the loan from WeBC was essential to keep us going. I’m grateful for it; it made me take a step back and analyze everything in my business.

Q: How has hiring individuals on the autism spectrum impacted your business?

We have nine people working casually or part-time in the business, with six of them on the autism spectrum. The majority of our workforce is on the spectrum, and what’s so great about this is that, while it’s something I’m passionate about and was my focus from the start, it’s also been a smart business decision.

We’ve been meeting our regular growth targets, and it’s not holding us back—in fact, it’s helping us in many ways because they are fantastic employees. Taking that step to hire, train, and learn how to support people on the Autism spectrum has allowed them to thrive and perform at their best.

Where to find The GOOD Chocolatier
Website
Instagram
Facebook

The post Mara Mennicken, The GOOD Chocolatier, Vancouver appeared first on WeBC.

DOUBL offers bras customized to individual body measurements, using smartphone scanning technology. Their bras stand out by offering a custom fit that can be ordered from home, eliminating the need for in-store fittings.

As the business grew, Jessica and Bryn recognized they needed more financing to grow the business. They were ready to launch production of their product but needed additional capital to purchase the pattern-making software, train their patternmaker and increase their working capital. Even though Bryn has worked in brand management at the Fortune 500 company Unilever, and Jess has worked in buying and merchandising at major fashion brands like MEC and Herschel, as a start-up they struggled to get a loan from a traditional lender. They reached out to WeBC to complete their funding puzzle and worked with our Business Advisor, Kelly, to access the WEOC National Loan Fund. 

That same month, they also began participating in WeBC’s  Investor Speak™ program, which teaches women to better communicate the value of their business to investors so they can secure Venture Capital.

Through the Investor Speak™ program, Jess and Bryn learned to integrate new language into their daily speech patterns through ongoing practice sessions on WeBC’s Investor Q&A platform. They mastered the art of reframing negative questions into positive ones, which enhanced their grant applications, pitches, and overall communication strategy.

Since participating in the program, Jessica and Bryn have secured significant grants and prize money at pitch events, including the Desjardins GoodSpark Grant worth $20,000 and winning the Futurpreneur Growth Accelerator Pitch Competition worth $10,000. It also helped them attract customers and boost revenue, with a notable achievement of generating $60,000 in revenue within a month.

Around the same time, Jessica and Bryn launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise additional funds and build awareness of the brand and product. They raised over $32k of their intended $10k on the platform representing over 250 bras sold. The DOUBL co-founders have leveraged many programs from the small business support network, including the League of Innovators and Coralus, and Jessica is a member of the Startup Women Advocacy Network from Startup Canada, which is a collective of women entrepreneurs who champion and advocate for women business owners across the country.

Client Q&A

Q: What gave you the idea to start DOUBL?

Jessica: In our second year of Business School, we took a new venture creation course focused on launching new businesses. We both had an entrepreneurial spirit and in that class, we had to develop a business idea. This was back in 2015. Uber had recently gained popularity for revolutionizing the taxi industry through the use of innovative technology, completely redefining the way we hire cars. It got us thinking about other industries that had seen minimal change over the last century, and apparel, particularly bras, stood out.

After graduation, Bryn and I stayed close friends and would visit each other often. During our evenings and weekends together, we continued discussing our ideas and kept a close watch on advancing technology. By 2020, technology had progressed enough that we felt ready to give it a shot. Coincidentally, the pandemic had given us some extra time on our hands, so we decided to incorporate our business and get started.

Q: What makes DOUBL unique?

Jessica: Our bras are the first designed precisely to fit your body measurements—your bust, back, and shoulders—all from a smartphone scan. This means you can get a bra tailored exactly to you without leaving your home.

Q: What inspired you to take WeBC’s Investor Speak™ program?

Jessica: We’ve been “investor dating,” so to speak, for quite a few years because our research and development stage took us a long time. During that period, we focused on preparing for investment, joining accelerator programs, and expanding our network, so that’s why we joined the program.

One of the most interesting aspects of the program was learning that women often face more negative-leaning questions from investors compared to men. We therefore learned how to respond in aspirational ways and redirect the conversation to focus on the value we were delivering as a business. 

We learned how to shift that language to turn these negative leading questions into aspirational responses. And, honestly, it was just such an unlock for us. I feel like it completely shifted the way we applied for grants.

Since then, although there have been multiple factors contributing to our success, we’ve secured some substantial grants and won prize money from pitch events. The program was incredibly beneficial to our journey.

Q: Were there any key takeaways from the program?

Bryn: One of the best parts of the program—and probably something we should do more often—is the practice aspect. It’s one thing to learn new words to incorporate, but it’s another to truly integrate them into your everyday speech and have them become natural to you. Many of the issues we face are systemic, which means changing how we think on a deeper level.

There’s a practice component built into the program that I found valuable. It’s very smart and adapts based on your responses, even continuing for up to a year after the program ends. I’ve blocked out time on my calendar to keep practicing.

Q: You have such a unique product. How are you encouraging people to adopt it?

Bryn: Since we have such a unique business, we are also taking a unique approach to our go to market. We’re hosting bra parties, similar to Tupperware parties, so women can connect with their community and share about DOUBL.

We don’t have inventory, so we’re not asking people to buy inventory and sell it.
It’s really more if you love the brand, you can host your friends and we give everybody discount codes and swatch booklets so they can touch and feel all the materials before ordering.

Jess: We’ve been hosting a lot of community events to engage more authentically with our customers. We’re fully ecom, so customers don’t get that same opportunity to shop in-store. We’ve been hosting pop-ups and partnering with lots of other female founders on sip and shops, which has been really fun.

Our goal is to create a forum to have these conversations about boobs and bras.
Every time we have an event, somebody comes up to us and says ‘This might be too much information, but…’ 

We realize it’s such a personal thing for women. Everybody has a story and it’s just a matter of providing them the outlet to have those conversations and show them that they’re not alone. We want to create a community of feeling heard and seen and safe.

Q: What advice would you offer aspiring entrepreneurs looking to launch their own business?

Bryn: I think it’s crucial to start as early as possible. It’s an iterative process, so the sooner you can begin getting feedback from potential customers, the better. This feedback is important because you don’t want to work on an idea in isolation and launch it fully developed without understanding what the market is saying. 

There are statistics indicating that the primary reason businesses fail is because people give up. 

The best advice I’ve ever received is to hold tightly to the problem you’re solving while remaining flexible with the solution.

I think Jess and I have done a good job at addressing a pain point for the majority of women and we want to solve that problem, but we’re taking in the feedback around the bra and how to make it better.

Another thing we’ve learned in the journey is the importance of focusing your efforts and remembering you can only do so much, even with two people.

Where to find DOUBL

Website

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

The post Jessica Bosman and Bryn Davis Williams, DOUBL Kelowna appeared first on WeBC.

I saw a problem in the market around pill and supplement organization. It was just being targeted towards elderly people or polypharmacy end of life and completely ignoring the younger demographic of people who require support with their health and wellness and their supplement management.

Dealing with her own health challenges, such as fertility issues and hormonal imbalances, Kate recognized the need for a better solution for managing pills and supplements. Kate’s personal journey merged with her professional expertise in branding and healthcare to found Loba Wellness.

Some of these stats are actually mind-boggling: 50% of people under the age of 35 suffer with a chronic illness; one in six struggle with fertility; one in eight with mental health. A lot of that has to do with Women’s Health and the majority of Loba’s users to date have been women. With Loba, we really wanted to create a positive sentiment around taking your pills and supplements, especially for people who are struggling in these areas where there can be stigma.

Kate’s vision was to empower individuals to manage their health proactively through a streamlined pill and supplement organization system. Loba pairs with their app, allowing users to manage their schedule, set reminders, add pills, log information, track habits, and more.

People are turning towards more integrated care and naturopathy. They’re really being the steward of their own health, so our audience is investing proactively in their own healthcare and a lot of them are of a younger demographic.

After developing a relationship with WeBC through their business loan program, Kate was encouraged to join the Investor Speak™ program, where she found invaluable resources for pitching and handling investor questions.

WeBC’s Investor Speak™ program helped her improve her communication skills and secure more follow-up meetings with investors. This strategic support proved instrumental as Loba Wellness expanded its reach and impact.

Today, Kate continues to drive Loba Wellness forward, aiming to forge partnerships with B2B enterprises and supplement companies to enhance health management and promote holistic wellness practices.

Client Q&A

Q: What inspired you to start Loba?

I’ve always been interested in more integrative approaches to health and bringing Western and Eastern medicine together to try to achieve the best possible health outcomes for myself and the people around me. Acupuncture, massage therapy, energy work, and of course, supplementation are all very interesting to me.

On a personal level, I was dealing with women’s health issues, including polycystic ovarian syndrome and uterine fibroids. I worked with my doctors and began looking into naturopathy and these other modes of health and alternatives to try and sort out my health.

All of this was the catalyst of my own need for a management solution where I could organize my pills for the week ahead, and not have to take an entire week’s worth of pills with me to dinner to be able to stay consistent.

I wanted something that looked beautiful in my space because I didn’t want something on my counter that made me feel like something was wrong with me. This was crucial for someone like me, deeply invested in health, wellness, and aesthetics. I decided to incorporate my personal needs with my experience in health and technology.

We found a way to incorporate technology and what we know about the psychology of building healthy habits into the solution that ultimately became Loba.

Q: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned being an entrepreneur?

I’ve always understood the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship, but starting a successful service-based business was a different challenge altogether. Transitioning to a tech startup with both hardware and software components added another layer of complexity.

The ecosystem is much more challenging and demands even greater resilience and grit, especially as a woman entrepreneur.

You hear about funding opportunities and venture capital for women entrepreneurs, but you don’t really understand how big that gap is until you’re living in it.

Learning to prioritize resilience and grit, and building strong support networks and sustainable practices, have been my biggest learning.

Q: What inspired you to take the Investor Speak program?

As a client of WeBC through their loan program, I developed a relationship with their team. It was during my second meeting with Melanie Rupp that I first learned about the Investor Speak™ program. After she contacted me, I decided to apply for the second cohort.

Building relationships with the team at WeBC made me feel understood, especially regarding the challenges women entrepreneurs face. When they recommended the program to me, I felt confident they had my best interest at heart. I knew participating would be worthwhile.

Q: Were there any key takeaways from the program?

The platform and technology were so helpful for my learning. Being able to go on and practice not just our pitch, but how to handle questions and objections from investors was the most valuable thing for me as a part of that program.

We were able to actually practice live, then read back transcripts and have our responses scored based on whether we used aspirational words, objection words, positive language, or negative language. It was really helpful in both affirming how I’ve handled Q&A in the past, but also flagging things and helping me to train them out of my language.

I was in the program at a time when I was pitching very actively—three to five pitch meetings a day. The learnings from that program directly contributed to my success in securing second and third meetings with investors, and move beyond the initial intro calls.

The biggest learning for me was understanding the psychology of language when it comes to what investors are looking for. It’s much more specific than one might think in the use of certain words and certain terms which typically result in more investment. Having access to that data to inform my responses and how I pitch was a big takeaway.

Q: What advice would you offer aspiring entrepreneurs looking to launch their own business?

My advice for someone starting their own business would be to be very clear about their purpose and have passion for what they’re doing. At the end of the day, the problem that you’re trying to solve is going to get you through the hard times. Always realign with your purpose and look at the bigger picture of the impact that you can have as a business.

Where to find Loba Wellness

Website

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

The post Kate Bouchard, Loba Wellness, Vancouver appeared first on WeBC.

Multi Brand Sampling Co. specializes in organizing collaborative sampling initiatives, where multiple brands are featured on the demo table in grocery stores and other venues. Their innovative approach allows brands to reach a wider audience and maximize exposure by doing more demos.

Madi first learned about WeBC while looking for financial backing to grow her business. As a young entrepreneur navigating business ownership, she was drawn to WeBC’s commitment to empowering start-ups and women-owned businesses. She was also interested in the opportunity to receive guidance from their experienced mentors and to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs.

Madi decided to take the next step and applied to WeBC’s Business Loan program. Her goal was to use the financial support to invest in essentials that would facilitate smoother operations and build capacity, from supplies for demo kits to administrative necessities.

Thanks to funding from WeBC, Madi was able to purchase additional equipment, which was crucial in enhancing her business growth and positioning her for success.

WeBC’s continuous support proved instrumental beyond the financial aid, and Madi says the community aspect of the program has been crucial for her business growth, fostering new connections, resources, and collaboration with fellow entrepreneurs.

Client Q&A

Q: What made you want to start a business?

Growing up, my mom had her own company as a food producer. So, from a young age, I was a brand ambassador and helped her with farmers markets, demos and trade shows.

During the pandemic, I became a TikTok influencer making vegan cake decorating videos. I started doing it because it was a niche that I didn’t see anybody tapping into. I grew my account and started doing brand deals.

At the same time, my mom was looking for innovative ways to promote her brand because smaller, local brands rely heavily on sampling for sales, feedback and much more. She started organizing passive sampling demos featuring a few other brands alongside her own, in the style of take-home sample bags to comply with COVID restrictions.

She was having fun with it, but also the brands she included in this pilot project were seeing a change in their sales. I thought it was a great idea and we ran with it from there.

Q: How is Multi Brand Sampling Co. different from other sampling companies?

When we first started, it was a regular sampling company, doing grocery store demos. But we realized we needed to do more to get our clients’ products into the consumers’ hands. So now, we do pop-up events, sampling in fitness studios, trade shows, and more. It’s a positive experience for the stores, the clients, and the customers because they can sample a few brands in one spot and they feel comfortable visiting our tables as we make the experience welcoming and fun.

We also have over 35 brand ambassadors who conduct the demos in Vancouver, Kelowna, the Okanagan, and Vancouver Island. It’s a great side gig because the ambassadors can use our company app to sign up for as many demos as they want. We have students, single mothers, and people looking for extra income doing sampling events with our partners.

Q: How did your WeBC loan impact your business?

We used the funding for so many things. We started with our demo kits because we didn’t have enough supplies. So we bought anything sampling-related you can think of air fryers, skillets, rice cookers, blenders, tables, sample cups, and backup supplies in case anything breaks. We also used the loan to buy shelves and other equipment to help us organize all the demo supplies. It’s been a huge help having extra supplies as we expand the business.

Q: What has your experience been like working with WeBC?

It’s been amazing. We love that WeBC is a women-run organization and it aligned with what we needed. Their advisors have been a constant support and they’ve made me feel like I’m not alone. They’re very responsive and somebody is always there to help.

The best part is you get a mentor when you apply to the loan program, and I’m looking forward to starting with a mentor. In the meantime, I’ve been using WeBC’s free resources and online courses. It’s been a really positive experience.

Where to find Multi Brand Sampling Co.

Website

Instagram

The post Madi Chilcott, Multi Brand Sampling Co., Surrey appeared first on WeBC.

Atome Bakery provides a unique bread and pastry delivery service, allowing customers to customize their pastry box or select from curated options. Their signature bread is delivered frozen and ready to bake in a specially designed Atome Pan, which replicates the baking environment of a professional oven. This innovative approach preserves the authenticity of artisanal bread, ensuring both convenience and exceptional taste and texture.

Alice’s journey with WeBC began when her mentor introduced her to the organization. Under her mentor’s guidance, Alice applied to WeBC’s loan program to support her company’s expansion into the U.S. With plans to scale up operations across the border, Alice outlined a strategy that involved investing in resources such as packaging materials, equipment upgrades, and expanding storage facilities. She was granted the loan and used WeBC’s financial support to pursue her goals of reaching new markets and replicating her successful business model in the U.S.

The loan from WeBC was more than just financial support for Alice’s business, it was a boost that allowed her to pursue her dreams of expansion, enabling her to seize new opportunities and move forward with confidence.

Client Q&A

Q: How did you come up with the idea for Atome Bakery?

A: If you’ve ever been to France, you know there is a bakery on every street. When my partner Lucas and I moved to Canada, our bread consumption had to change. The bread we found in supermarkets here were full of additives and sugar, and we were missing that taste from our childhood, so we decided to start baking.

Through trial and error, we experimented with freezing bread so we could have the convenience of fresh bread every day without the hassle or compromising on the quality. We even crafted a pan that helps the bread bake at a consistent temperature and humidity level.

From there, we had friends asking to buy our bread, and then people we didn’t know. We set up a simple website where people could place an order and pick it up at a local partner. We quickly outgrew the freezer space, so that’s when we decided to quit our jobs and focus on the business. In the spring of 2023, we switched the model to deliver directly to the customer’s door with a subscription box.

Q: Were you always interested in starting your own business?

A: I went to a Business School in Lyon, which is the capital of gastronomy and I’ve always had a very big passion for food. At school, I specialized in entrepreneurship because I’ve always been very curious about starting my own business. I wanted to make some kind of a difference and leave something behind me.

Having previously worked at La Maison du Chocolat, a chocolate shop, and a side business called Le Bocal Store, specializing in baking mixes packaged in jars, I’ve always had a love for baking. When Atome Bakery took off, we had to make a judgment call and decided to put our energy into making it successful.

Q: Can you share your experience with WeBC’s loan program?

I was taking a program called “Scale Up” which focuses on scaling up a business and building a business plan with WeBC’s partner organization, PARO and Farm Food Drink. I was assigned to a counsellor at the time, named Deborah, who is also part of the WeBC team. She was the one who shared the loan program and WeBC’s services.

When it was time for us to take out debt, I was looking at anything available for entrepreneurs. I loved that WeBC supports female entrepreneurs because we’re more than 50% women-owned. We were able to access a loan from WeBC and a loan from the WEOC Loan Program.

It was a lot of back and forth to get to the loan, and WeBC was supportive along the way. We were granted the loan and plan to use it to expand into the United States.

Q: What were the specific challenges you faced that the loan helped you overcome?

Our next move is expanding in the U.S., so we need cash flow to be able to buy more packaging in bulk and to ship our orders across the border.

One good thing about our business model is that we get the payment before we ship the product, but we still need to get ingredients, extra pans, and additional machinery like vacuum sealing. We’re also hoping to upgrade our freezer to have a better space to store all of the products.

Q: What are your future plans for Atome Bakery?

Our goal is to get 100 customers in the state of Washington and Portland, OR before the end of June. Once we’ve proven we can replicate the B.C. model in another state, we want to use the momentum and open in the rest of Oregon and California by Q4 of this year.

We’re also planning to raise a seed fund later this year, so if there are any investors out there they can reach out!

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Atome Bakery recently won the La Palme Bleue award for Enterprise of the Year, presented by the Vancouver Francophone Chamber of Commerce and they have been recognized as a local business making a significant impact on the Francophone community. Congrats to Alice and her team!

The post Alice Couderc, Atome Bakery, Vancouver appeared first on WeBC.

Aki’s concept for Save da Sea emerged while she was managing her family’s Japanese restaurants. In 2018, she shifted to a vegan lifestyle and began looking for plant-based seafood, both for her own consumption and for her customers, but she couldn’t find a quality product. 

Determined to fill the market gap for seafood alternatives, Aki crafted her own recipes and introduced plant-based seafood products to her family’s restaurant menu. The new options were met with overwhelming positive feedback and soon became a favourite on the menu! Aki took the plunge and decided to launch her own business, Save da Sea, and devote her time to the venture on a full-time basis in 2019.

Based in Victoria, Save da Sea specializes in the production of plant-based seafood crafted from whole foods. The products have the same nutrients and flavour as seafood without the toxins and harm to the planet. Save da Sea’s mission is to contribute to the preservation of our oceans by offering delightful and convenient alternatives, and empowering consumers to make sustainable dietary choices.

Currently, their product lineup includes two smoked salmon alternatives derived from carrots, and a plant-based tuna salad featuring jackfruit. In a short time, Save da Sea has made waves in the market and products are currently available in over 500 stores including Whole Foods, Choices, Healthy Planet, Longo’s and Sobeys. In 2024, Save da Sea was featured in the Whole Foods Top Trends report in the Fancy Faux Fish category. 

In late 2022, Aki was using a co-manufacturer in Vancouver to produce her product, when she was approached with an opportunity to take over a food manufacturing facility in Victoria. She turned to WeBC for a business loan and completed her funding puzzle with Coralus. By moving production in-house to their own facility in Victoria, Save da Sea was able to increase their production capacity, improve their margins while creating five high-skilled jobs in food manufacturing on Vancouver Island.

Aki worked with a WeBC Business Advisor to review her cash flow forecast, participated in the Trade Accelerator Program and also accessed the WEOC National Loan Program via WeBC to replenish her working capital. Aki has an extensive group of advisors and investment partners, is leveraging all opportunities in the ecosystem and is on track to expand Save da Sea into the US market this year. 

LOAN CLIENT Q&A

Q: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned on your entrepreneurial journey?

A: Growing Save da Sea is the hardest thing I have ever done. People tell you how hard it is to run your own business, but it’s hard to truly understand it until you experience it for yourself. I’m fighting fires every other day, from supply chain issues to increasing costs, equipment breaking down, and retailers delisting your products. But the rewards far exceed the challenges. 

I have an incredible team that is passionate about what we do and that alone gets me excited to do what I do every single day. We have a growing customer base that tells us how much they love our products and how happy they are to be able to enjoy seafood again after not being able to eat it for years. 

Most importantly, we are working on one of the most pressing issues of our time, our oceans face significant peril, with a predicted total collapse of global fisheries by 2048 due to human-led destruction and climate change. By inspiring more people to shift to a plant-based diet, we can help relieve pressure on our oceans.

Q: How has your community played a role in your business’ success? 

A: I am very lucky to have an incredible group of advisors, investors and peers around me that have allowed us to get to where we are today. Having a clear purpose has helped us find folks who are just as passionate as us about alleviating pressure on our oceans.

Q: What has your WeBC loan enabled you to do in your business?

A: WeBC gave us a loan to fund the build of our state-of-the-art facility in Victoria. Getting loans from traditional lenders such as banks for a business of our size is virtually impossible. The funds from WeBC allowed us to invest in equipment to help increase our production capacity thereby reducing our labour cost. This will allow us to achieve profitability by the end of 2024.

Q: What other kinds of support have been helpful as you grow your business?

A: Recently, WeBC gave us the opportunity to participate in a program called Investoready which helps educate start-up founders on accessing venture capital. 

The program is now complete and we will have the opportunity to pitch our businesses to potential investors which will allow us access to additional capital to help fund our expansion to the US.

Q: What advice do you have for other women entrepreneurs?

A: There are many paths to success, so don’t be discouraged if someone tells you that the path you have chosen is wrong or different. My strategy has been to collect as much advice as possible and then make a decision I feel is best based on the information I have. 

At the end of the day, no one is going to understand nor care about your business as much as you do, so you know best what is the right path for you.

WHERE TO FIND SAVE DA SEA

Website – www.SaveDaSea.com

Facebook – Save da Sea

Instagram – @SaveDaSea

LinkedIn – Save da Sea Foods Inc.

The post Aki Kaltenbach, Save da Sea, Victoria appeared first on WeBC.

While Louise and her business partners had invested their own money into startup costs and construction for Hank’s, they quickly realized that additional funding would be required to purchase equipment. Louise got in touch with WeBC to access the Business Loan Program for Women Entrepreneurs. 

“WeBC has been super helpful; the program was easy for me. Getting a little bit of funding from WeBC at the end just gave us the ability to finish purchasing equipment and get our doors open. Without that, we would have been looking at borrowing more money through other institutions so we were really grateful for the support.”

Client Q&A

Q: What made you want to start a business?

A: My partner and I shared a deep love for cooking. We had always dreamed of creating something of our own that would allow us to share our culinary creations with the world. We also saw an opportunity in our local community for the type of food and baked goods we wanted to offer. 

What truly pushed us to start our business was the desire for a more flexible and fulfilling lifestyle. We wanted to have more control over our work, our time, and our future. The combination of our passion for food and the need for a flexible lifestyle got us here today.

Now that I have Hank’s, I feel like this is where I was always meant to be. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but the rewards are irreplaceable.

Q: What is the biggest lesson you have learned as an entrepreneur?

A:  That there’s an answer to most problems. Everything can feel overwhelming when you’re in the moment of dealing with problems.

When they come up, it can feel like it’s too much and you can feel like you’re not going to get there. But I’m learning as we go along that actually we will figure them out, and we can do it. 

There are a lot of days where we feel like we’re winning and we’re getting it. And there are a lot of days where we’re overwhelmed and it’s too much. We’re wondering how to make this work with our lives and our children and all of our personal things going on. But if you’re smart about your choices and you take your time and you assess the situation, most things are achievable.

Q: What were the specific challenges you faced that the loan helped you overcome?

A: During construction, we encountered unexpected challenges, like water and sewer upgrades and additional plumbing work. These unforeseen issues required extra funding and threatened to delay our opening. 

The loan we received came in at just the right time, helping us overcome these hurdles and ensuring we could open our doors as planned.

Q: How does your community play a role in your business’ success? 

A:  We wouldn’t be where we are today without the community’s unwavering support. Our regular customers, many of whom have become friends, have sustained us daily. We’ve also benefited from networking with other local businesses and entrepreneurs. In our close-knit community, there’s always someone willing to help, offer advice, or provide solutions when we encounter challenges.

Our community is a priority for us and we consider it a two-way street. Whether it’s sourcing local products, collaborating with neighbouring businesses, or supporting events, we make an effort to reinvest in the community that has supported us. 

Q: If you had one piece of advice for someone starting a business, what would it be?

A: Do your homework, and then do it again. Building and running a business can be challenging, and there’s always more to learn than you expect. Research thoroughly, listen to experienced voices, and be open to asking for help. Building a strong support network is just as important as having a great idea. With the right knowledge and support, you can overcome obstacles and make your business a success.

Where to find Hank’s Cowichan

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In 2013, Fuze became a reality, a food truck with a fully operational kitchen. Fuze’s diverse menu offers Mexican, Indian, and Asian-inspired dishes, specializing in made-from-scratch healthy food, and customizable to dietary needs with gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. Fuze stands out by using local products to support the community, reflecting Sarah’s passion for high-quality, homemade ingredients.

Sarah’s entrepreneurial journey wasn’t without obstacles. When zoning issues forced her food truck to close, Sarah saw it as an opportunity to finally purchase a permanent space for Fuze. Turning to WeBC’s Business Loan program for support, she leveraged their business planning guidance to secure her first loan. She later obtained a second loan for renovations, which she carried out during the pandemic. Her commitment to diverse and healthy food resonated with both locals and tourists, making her restaurant an ongoing success.

“Thanks to WeBC’s loan, I could open my restaurant and improve it, fulfilling my dreams and serving our community. Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

What Sarah values most is the positive feedback from her customers, who appreciate her unique, high-quality menu. She takes pride in the positive reviews and in collaborating with local business owners, making her entrepreneurial journey truly rewarding.

Client Q&A

Q: What motivated you to prioritize healthy and dietary-specific menu options?

A: My passion for health and the growing trend in dietary requests like vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free guided the menu I created. I’m enthusiastic about promoting healthier eating choices, and I personally enjoyed them. In our small town, there was a lack of these options, and I saw the opportunity to fill that gap.

Prioritizing these options not only provided my town with a unique and healthy dining choice but also allowed me to collaborate with local business owners to source fresh, quality ingredients. It’s all about creating a community feel and enhancing the overall dining experience.

Q: How did you first learn about WeBC’s loan program, and what was your experience like when applying for and securing loans for your restaurant?

A: I  learned about WeBC’s loan program through a friend who had used their services for their own business. I heard great things, so I thought it was worth trying because securing a loan isn’t an easy process. 

WeBC’s staff were supportive and knowledgeable, guiding me through the application process and helping me understand the financial aspects. It was a crucial step in getting my restaurant up and running, and then again to do the renovation. Without both loans, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Q: How has the support from WeBC influenced the growth and success of your restaurant?

A: The loans and financial advice they provided allowed me to invest in essential equipment, expand my menu, and improve the overall customer experience. This support reassured me that obtaining a loan was not as intimidating as I initially thought, giving me the confidence to explore future expansion opportunities for my restaurant. In the coming years, I plan to continue leveraging WeBC’s support to further expand my business.

Q: What do you value most in your journey as a restaurant owner?

A: What I value most is my staff. They are not just employees, they have become part of my family.

Many of my students are striving to save money for college or get the necessary skills for success in the hospitality industry. Some have been by my side for years, and others return every summer. It’s an opportunity to not only impart culinary knowledge and share ideas about food, but also to act as a mentor for some of these students. This role is incredibly fulfilling and holds a special place in my heart.

Q: What advice would you offer aspiring entrepreneurs looking to launch their own business?

A:  I’d emphasize the importance of a business plan. Take your time with it and use it to understand what you truly need; it’s more than likely your initial idea will change through this process.

Starting a business is a long-term commitment. It usually takes several years to turn a significant profit, and during the early stages, you’ll likely work tirelessly and question your decisions. Success isn’t just about making money, it’s also about achieving a work-life balance that aligns with your personal goals and values. Keep in mind that dedication and hard work are key to building a business that suits your life.

Where to find Fuze Food

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With over two decades of experience supporting individuals and their families with mental health, trauma, and addiction issues, Maureen utilizes her expertise to guide and support clients during stressful and challenging times as they journey through their own personal transformation of the psyche.

“Throughout my nursing career a lot of my work fell under the scope of counselling and I was always very passionate to help people on a deeper level. After my maternity leave, I took the plunge to follow my dream, earned my master’s degree in counselling, and opened Wood Dragon Counselling in 2017,” says Maureen.

“I equip clients with tools and help them acquire skills that allow them to set personal boundaries, enhance their relationships, and process traumatic experiences.” 

She’s trained in various forms of therapy and has acquired additional training for hypnotherapy and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing).

Business Loans for Women Business Owners in BC

Maureen found out about WeBC’s funding program by reaching out to her local Community Futures network while looking for ways to finance her business expansion. WeBC’s unique funding program differs from traditional financial institutions, allowing broader eligibility criteria to meet the needs of women entrepreneurs. Alongside business loans of up to $150,000, WeBC clients are also supported with complimentary services aimed at empowering women to develop and strengthen as entrepreneurs. 

“It was really good and they did help me through the loan process. There was a Business Advisor who helped me with all of the financials and the spreadsheets and everything because that was difficult for me, putting all the numbers on paper.”

Q&A

Q: What role has your community played in your business?

A: When Covid hit, there was a big  increase in clients as members of my community were navigating  the various impacts of the pandemic. The ability to counsel over the phone or online was essential to support my clients during these particularly challenging times. 

I’ve been doing a lot of counselling locally, particularly for the Indigenous population. Growing my business enables me to increase the number of counseling spots I can offer to my community.

Q: What’s the biggest lesson you have learned on your entrepreneurial journey?

A: I think starting and managing your own business is a huge lesson in itself. Everything you do is new. You’re finding your way through the process while looking for the best ways to run your business. 

Whether it’s about incorporating to simplify your tax matters and other financial aspects or exploring growth paths for your business; it’s a continuous learning experience.

Q: How did the WeBC loan program support you in starting your business?

A: WeBC’s loan supported me in multiple ways and set me up financially for my business expansion. With the loan, I was able to create affiliate marketing for mental health products on my website. 

Additionally, it allowed me to build a social media presence from the ground up: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. In February 2023 we also launched a YouTube channel called Everything Mental Health, where we offer mental health support in the form of educational podcasts, sound therapy, and more.

Q: What does the future of your business look like?

A:  I have so many ideas! Currently, I’m in the process of launching a sound therapy app called Drop&Go . It’s a brain training app that uses hypnotherapy, bilateral stimulation, and binaural beats to help individuals going through anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health related challenges. 

I’m also working with others to get the Oceanwoods Recovery Society off the ground, a non-profit focused on aftercare for people coming out of a treatment center and providing transitional and long-term mentorship and support.

Where to find Wood Dragon Counselling

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“I was always a passionate environmentalist throughout my teenage years, and having children reminded me to get in touch with my core values again to provide a better planet for my children and their children,” Salina explains. “When I moved to Chilliwack, I grew very fond of a soap dispensary in Vancouver where I could buy ingredients for my homemade products. I wanted a store like that in the Fraser Valley, so I made it happen.”

While making it easier to take steps towards a zero waste life, Salina and her team are also supporting the Downtown Chilliwack Market Society, which encourages food security through their summer market.

Business Loans for Women Business Owners in BC

To fund her startup, Salina connected with WeBC for a business loan.

“Starting a new business is a challenge in many ways, especially if you have no background in business. WeBC not only provided me with the loan I needed to get started, they also shared guidance through programs like the free ‘Starting a Business’ course.”

WeBC’s business loans support women entrepreneurs in the startup and growth stages of business. The unique funding program differs from traditional financial institutions, allowing broader eligibility criteria to meet the needs of women entrepreneurs. Alongside business loans of up to $150,000, WeBC clients are also supported with complimentary services like advisory support, mentoring and training, aimed at empowering women to develop and strengthen as entrepreneurs.

Q&A

Q: What role has your community played in the success of your business?

A: I’m so grateful for the community in Chilliwack! We’ve noticed a lot of folks moving out here in the past years from all over the world, and it’s such a compliment when a customer says that our store is a reaffirmation that Chilliwack is where they want to be.

Our customers are extremely supportive and tell their friends and family about us, which helps immensely with maintaining and growing our business. I can’t express enough how great the Chilliwack community is and how strongly they’ve embraced our business.

Q: What’s the biggest lesson you have learned on your entrepreneurial journey?

A: When you’re operating a zero waste store, finding the balance between aligning to your values and vision for the business without neglecting the need to be profitable can be challenging.
It’s a very labour-intensive business model, but I’m getting better at making decisions that positively impact the financial side of the business and ensuring that we can stick around and continue to be a source of positive change in our community.

Q: How did the WeBC loan program support you in starting your business?

A: The WeBC loan is why PickEco Refills is here today; I used the loan to pay for startup costs, like setting-up our retail store and buying inventory. Just last week I made the last payment of my initial loan.

I’m so grateful that WeBC had faith in me and that I was able to make it all work in the anticipated timeline. I’m also really happy for all the women entrepreneurs starting out, knowing that WeBC is there to support them on their business journey.

Q: What does the future of your business look like?

A: After recently moving to the other side of town, we’re sharing a space with Stormy’s, which adds value for our customers in the form of access to delicious smoothie bowls.

I also just incorporated PickEco Zero Waste Society, which allows us to access more funding to ramp-up our local cleanup operations.

Lastly, I’m working toward getting some of our in-house wholesale products on the shelves of other stores with the help of fellow zero waste women entrepreneurs in BC.

Where to find PickEco Refills

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Sabrina learned about the preferences of Kimberley’s locals and visitors while working in a different health market as well as a local ski resort after graduating high school. Her day-to-day interactions with customers helped her develop a strong sense of what people needed for health and wellness products.

“I didn’t set out to become a business owner but I was always passionate about health and wellness,” Sabrina says. “When I was 17, just after I had finished high school, I became a manager at one of our local health markets. I loved helping people and I was fascinated with all things nutrition and herbalism. After three years, I left that job to travel and learn something new; that’s when I became a Holistic Nutritionist.”

Sabrina’s journey with Sprout Health Market began as an employee before she was offered the opportunity to take ownership of the store.

“I had the opportunity to work under the previous owner for about a year and learn the business,” Sabrina says. “One day, she came into work and told me that she was going to put the business up for sale. I made her an offer and took my first step on the path of becoming an entrepreneur.”

Business Loans for Women Business Owners in BC

Sabrina found out about WeBC’s business loan program from the previous owner of Sprout Health Market. WeBC’s unique funding program differs from traditional financial institutions, allowing broader eligibility criteria to meet the needs of women entrepreneurs. As a young business owner, Sabrina qualified for the youth business loan, an initiative of WeBC and Futurpreneur Canada. She completed her funding puzzle with Community Futures to purchase the business. Now, she works with a WeBC Business Advisor to support her business journey.

“It was a challenge learning all the financial stuff of owning a business, like how to read my books and really understand what my sales are. WeBC has a lot of really great resources and workbooks for that so I have a pretty good handle on that now,” says Sabrina. “They also have advisors that you can reach out to. I feel like I have support, and if anything happened that I didn’t know how to handle I could ask them and they could help me.”

Q&A

Q: What role has your community played in the success of your business?

A: I feel really fortunate that I live in Kimberley and own a business here. I have a lot of repeat customers that I’ve gotten to know personally over the years. All our regulars are really supportive and sweet. 

Having people come into your small business and compliment how you run it truly makes a business owner’s day. The business owners in Kimberley are very supportive of each other; there is a real sense of community among us.

Q: What’s the biggest lesson you have learned on your entrepreneurial journey?

A: One thing I’ve learned is that when you take over a pre-existing business, you take on a lot of what the previous owner has developed; whether that is processes, staff, suppliers, or a bookkeeper. 

Finding my own way to run the business was a little challenging at first, but I’m really happy that I put in the time and energy to make it my own. Now I own a business that I fully stand behind and that aligns with my values and vision.

Q: How did the WeBC loan program support you in starting your business?

A: As a young entrepreneur, it’s quite challenging to find a bank that will loan to you because you often lack collateral. WeBC not only provided me with the loan that allowed me to purchase my business, but they also supported me during and after the loan application. I really appreciate that they check in with you and if you ever have any questions, you can reach out to them and they’ll be there for you.

Q: What does the future of your business look like?

A: Once I have my current loan paid off, it’s a dream of mine to grow Sprout Health Market further. I’d like to branch out and open up a second brick-and-mortar store, maybe in Invermere or Creston. Recently, I also opened up an online store to explore growing through eCommerce; selling my products online allows me to reach those customers who can’t stop by to shop locally.

Where to find Sprout Health Market

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Evolution Equestrian was Samantha’s long-held dream that started in her garage and was almost extinguished by the pandemic. 

“I was working for a different tack store for about seven years before starting my own business, Samantha explains. When COVID hit, I had to step away from that dream because the risks were just too high. After the birth of my child, the world slowly opened back up again which gave me the opportunity to try again.”

Samantha came back stronger and successfully set up her horse equipment storefront for the local riding community in Courtenay. 

With a burning passion for learning everything there is to know about horses, and sharing insights with her community, Samantha regularly posts educational content on social media, alongside a weekly blog named ‘Tack Tip Tuesday.’

“I’m really passionate about providing learning opportunities for my community on all things horse-related,” Samantha says. “It’s a great way to build a relationship with my customers and connect with them on a more personal level.”

Business Loans for Women Business Owners in BC

Through WeBC’s funding program, Samantha was able to secure her storefront and create growth opportunities for her business.

“I was on maternity leave so traditional loans were challenging, because I didn’t have consistent employment. But anyone who knows me knew I had a strong business plan and I know the industry,” Samantha shares.

WeBC’s unique funding program differs from traditional financial institutions, allowing broader eligibility criteria to meet the needs of women entrepreneurs. Alongside business loans of up to $150,000, women are also supported with complimentary services aimed at empowering women to develop and strengthen as entrepreneurs.

Q&A

Q: What role has your community played in your business?

A:  I’ve had a great relationship with my community, with word of mouth being a huge driver for my success starting out. After I left the tack store I worked for previously, a lot of customers followed me because they wanted to see me succeed. I’m really grateful for the trust that the community puts in me. 

Aside from that, I’m really thankful for the support I received from my friends, my family, and my husband, since he basically built an entire storefront for me.

Q: What’s the biggest lesson you have learned on your entrepreneurial journey?

A: I found that doors open and close in life and it’s important to learn to go with the flow and find what works for you. Sometimes the timing isn’t quite right or obstacles are outside of your control. Covid put a pause on my plans for the local storefront, but at the same time allowed me to come back stronger after the pandemic and be more prepared to start my business.

Q: How did the WeBC loan program support you in starting your business?

A: Being a new business, a new mom and all that, that small little loan has allowed me to bring enough product in, secure the storefront and really get my foot in, which is what I needed. I’ve been able to do $40K a month in sales since getting into my storefront. So it’s just giving me that confidence I need, someone to get me going.

Growing so quickly has been challenging because I did run the store in my other job, but I didn’t necessarily ever see the budget or the numbers. Learning about taxes and cash flow and being able to get feedback on that from WeBC is huge. I also did a few of their webinars before I opened the storefront because it’s such great information and learning.

Q: What does the future of your business look like?

A:  Considering that Evolution Equestrian started in my garage two years ago, we’ve already exceeded my initial expectations for growth! In the future, I’d like to bring in more brands, expand my supply, alongside my opening hours, and hire additional staff. Another major goal for me is to be able to support the local community with more prizes, events, and sponsored riders.

Where to find Evolution Equestrian Co.

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