fbpx

About WeBC

WeBC is a not-for-profit that has been supporting women business owners across the province for nearly three decades. Working with our regional partners, we’ve provided thousands of entrepreneurs with business loans and expertise, training, resources, and peer network support to help businesses grow and thrive.


 

MEET OUR TEAM

Our Purpose

As BC’s leading business resource organization for women, our passion is to support women entrepreneurs along their small business journey.

We exist to empower women entrepreneurs to make an impact in their communities and create opportunities in BC’s economy.

Our Story

In 1994, Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), which was then known as Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), identified critical gaps in access to financing and services for women entrepreneurs. To fill these gaps, they committed funds to create Women’s Enterprise Initiatives (WEI’s) in the four western provinces.

The Women’s Enterprise Initiative includes WeBC, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan and Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba.

 

WeBC’s IMPACT SINCE 1995

$2.6B+

in economic activity created, as a result of our funding

86,000+

one-on-one business advisory services provided

62,000+

women hosted in 2,600+ training sessions

WHAT WE OFFER

Our Values

Collaboration

We build connections and forge strong relationships to enrich the lives of those we interact with.

Possibility

We embrace the power of curiosity, learning and mentoring to build a growth mindset.

Diversity

We seek to maximize the potential of different opinions, backgrounds, and cultural references, and strive towards a community of belonging.

Trust

We support each other, listen with intent, and are accountable for our actions.

Celebration

We celebrate the journey and accomplishment of each entrepreneur and lift each other up.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

WeBC believes in a world that is inclusive in approach and equitable for all. We are committed to creating an environment centred on diversity, equity and inclusion for our team, our community and the entrepreneurs and business owners we serve.

Our Financial Responsibility

As a federally-funded not-for-profit organization, WeBC is committed to ensuring that our financial resources are invested in a manner that directly benefits women entrepreneurs. As a longstanding organization of 29 years, we closely manage our budgets, maximize resources, and adhere to sound financial practices, including a set of financial control policies that are reviewed regularly by our Board of Directors. We closely monitor and assess our financial health, making strategic investments that support our mission and ensure the long-term viability of our organization.

FEATURED entrepreneurs

Ewelina Pankowska, Reforest Design, Salt Spring Island

After seeing discarded furniture daily on city streets Ewelina Pankowska felt that something had to be done.

Ewelina studied Environmental & Furniture Design at OCAD University and is no stranger to sustainable projects. Having worked with businesses that had successful sustainable practices and vision for an environmentally friendly future, Ewelina wanted to be a part of this positive industry shift.

READ MORE