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09/02/2026

Opportunities coming up this September at WeBC 🤗

Looking for your next opportunity to grow your business this fall? Whether you're ready to sharpen your skills, expand your network, prioritize your well-being, or get your products in front of new customers, WeBC has opportunities happening across BC this September.

No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, there's an opportunity waiting for you. We hope you'll join us this fall. Learn more and register below.👇
https://events.we-bc.ca/

09/02/2026

Qualifying for a business loan isn’t always straightforward, and it’s not always immediate.

In Chapter 4 of our Access to Capital course, you’ll use a structured readiness assessment to understand your strengths, identify any gaps, and determine whether now is the right time to apply.

Because sometimes the answer is “not yet,” and that clarity can help you move forward stronger.

👉 Check it out here: go.we-bc.ca/SMART-Capital

Thanks to funding from the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, this course is currently free and open to entrepreneurs across Canada.

08/31/2026

Intake now open to join this special cohort for market vendors!

For many women entrepreneurs, markets are more than a place to sell products. They're often where businesses find their footing, connect with customers, and begin to imagine what's possible.

Whether you're refining your business model, looking for ways to grow sustainably, or exploring new opportunities, the next stage of growth can feel isolating without the right support.

That's why we're excited to partner with the BC Farmers Markets to launch "Growing Through Markets: Peer Mentoring Program for Women-Led Vendors."

This grant-funded five-week program uses WeBC's proven Peer Mentoring Model™ to combine peer learning, expert facilitation, and practical insights from experienced entrepreneurs who understand the realities of selling through markets.

Through meaningful conversations and shared learning, you'll gain fresh perspectives, valuable feedback, and a trusted network of peers to help you navigate challenges and grow your businesses with confidence.

The virtual cohort begins October 7, and applications are now open but spaces are limited!
Learn more or apply: go.we-bc.ca/MarketGrowth

08/30/2026

Looking to break into the defence market but not sure where to start?

Our friends at Export Navigator BC are hosting a three-part series designed for BC companies exploring opportunities in the defence sector. Whether you're just beginning to assess the market or looking to better understand procurement requirements, these sessions will help you navigate the path forward.

This series goes beyond conversations about defence spending and policy. It focuses on the practical realities of entering the sector, including understanding procurement processes, evaluating eligibility requirements, and determining whether the potential opportunities justify the time and investment involved.

Learn more about each session and register for one or all three events below:
🌟 September 17 – Entering Canada's Defence Market: How to Get Started
Learn more or register 👇🏼
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/entering-canadas-defence-market-how-to-get-started-tickets-1997641620863?aff=PartnerOutreach

🌟 September 29 – Becoming Defence Ready: Contract Security Program and Controlled Goods
Learn more or register 👇🏼
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/becoming-defence-ready-contract-security-program-and-controlled-goods-tickets-1997641477434?aff=erelpanelorg

🌟 October 6 – Becoming Defence Ready: Cybersecurity Requirements
Learn more or register 👇🏼
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/becoming-defence-ready-cybersecurity-requirements-tickets-1997641679037?aff=PartnerOutreach

If you're considering opportunities in Canada's defence sector, this series offers valuable insights to help you understand the landscape and determine your next steps.

08/29/2026

Applications are open for the Fall 2026 Fundable cohort from our friends at Accelerate Okanagan. This 8-week capital readiness program is for BC founders preparing to raise their first outside capital.

Eight weeks on the pitch, the financials, and the strategy, with guest experts most weeks. The kind of preparation that only happens when a room full of founders works on the same problem at the same time.

Facilitated by Nathan McNeill, AO’s Investor-in-Residence and the co-founder of Bomgar, the cohort covers:

🌟 Pitching, key messaging, and a deck you can defend
🌟 Financial forecasting built to hold up under investor scrutiny
🌟 Valuation, term sheets, deal structuring, and data room prep.

Sessions run Tuesdays, 3:00 to 5:30 PM, October 6 to November 24, in person at AO's Kelowna office, with a virtual option so founders anywhere in BC can take part. It closes with Demo Day on November 25, where founders pitch to the investors, mentors, and partners who show up for this community.

$700 plus tax for AO Tech Members, $900 for non-members.
Applications close September 13.

Apply now >> https://accelerateokanagan.com/entrepreneurs/fundable/

08/29/2026

WeBC is proud to be a partner of the upcoming Startup Canada Tour's Women's Breakfast Networking event in Victoria on September 29.

This inspiring morning is designed to connect women-identifying entrepreneurs with fellow founders, ecosystem partners, and valuable resources to support their business growth.

Attendees will have the opportunity to build meaningful connections, learn about funding opportunities through the WEOC National Loan Program, and gain insights from organizations dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed.

Will we see you there? Reserve your spot today:👇🏼
https://site.pheedloop.com/event/SCTourVictoria

08/28/2026

Meet Jessica Piccinin, a seasoned entrepreneur with 17 years in the farming industry, a farmer, and the Executive Director of the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Joining a WeBC Peer Mentorship Group was meant to help Jessica explore a personal brand focused on public speaking. Instead, it became the catalyst for an entirely new venture. She stated, "It was such a catalyst. I didn't expect it to propel me far like it did. I was shocked."

Through conversations, feedback, and encouragement from the women in her Peer Mentorship Group, a new idea began to take shape. Together with colleagues Mandi Lunan and Shauna Fidler, Jessica launched The Bread and Salt Sessions, a community podcast dedicated to highlighting local food producers and the people who make our food systems thrive. With the structure, accountability, and support of the Peer Mentorship Program, the team successfully branded, planned, and began recording the podcast within just eight weeks!

Today, Jessica is preparing for her podcast's launch while continuing to champion entrepreneurship and economic development in the Creston Valley. Her long-term vision is to create even more opportunities to celebrate local food producers and strengthen community connections throughout the region.

Visit our blog to read more about her journey ⬇️
✨ Story – https://blogs.we-bc.ca/jessica-piccinin-the-bread-salt-sessions-podcast-creston/
✨ Podcast – Coming this fall
✨ Instagram –

Looking for the same connections, accountability, and support that helped Jessica turn an idea into reality? Applications are now open for WeBC's Peer Mentorship Groups. Apply today 👇🏼
go.we-bc.ca/CommunityMentorship

08/28/2026

Are you concerned about how the Canada-U.S. trade war and tariffs could impact your business?

Join our friends at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and World Trade Centre Vancouver for their free virtual session, 'Surviving the Trade War: A Practical Guide to Tariffs and Business Supports", on September 2.

This practical session is designed for businesses navigating the challenges and uncertainty created by the latest tariffs.

Who should attend?
• Businesses affected by tariffs and U.S. trade uncertainty
• Exporters and importers
• Manufacturers and distributors
• Supply chain and logistics professionals
• Business owners and executives
• Finance and operations leaders

Session 1: Understanding and Complying with the New Tariff Rules
Hear from customs and trade specialists about what the latest U.S. tariffs and Canadian counter-tariffs mean for your business. Learn how to determine whether your products are affected, understand your compliance obligations, navigate customs requirements, and identify practical steps to reduce risk and avoid costly mistakes.

Session 2: Financial Supports Available to B.C. Businesses
Hear directly from BDC, PacifiCan, and the Province of British Columbia about financing, funding, advisory services, and business support programs available to help businesses respond to tariff-related challenges and uncertainty.

Register today to secure your spot 👇🏼
https://www.boardoftrade.com/events/8185

Learn how to respond to evolving tariff and counter-tariff measures in this practical session featuring customs experts, financial institutions, and government representatives.

08/26/2026

Most entrepreneurs build a business that depends on them for everything. It works... until it doesn't.

When every decision, task, and process relies on you, growth can only go so far. Working harder isn't always the answer. Strong systems create the capacity to scale.

Join us for a free WeCafé on October 14 with Kelsey Boyd, Founder & CEO of Day1, as she shares the seven essential building blocks that help a business run on systems instead of the owner.

You'll leave with a clearer understanding of what your business needs to operate more independently, along with a simple self-assessment to help you identify your most critical area for improvement and where to start.

Free and open to everyone! Register today: go.we-bc.ca/SystemsWeCafe

08/26/2026

Women founders: what do you actually need to grow, and what keeps getting in the way?

YSpace's ELLA is gathering the national picture, straight from founders. The aim is to turn what founders tell us into a clearer case for how Canada backs women entrepreneurs, and how the ecosystem can better support their journeys.

The survey takes under 8 minutes; it is confidential, and everyone who takes part gets early access to the findings. Your insights will help inform how programs, resources, and supports are designed to better meet the needs of women entrepreneurs across Canada.

Share your thoughts here by September 14: https://form.typeform.com/to/B1lGpiSx