Applications now open for Discovery Foundation’s EM3 Program, presented by WeBC

KELOWNA, June 28, 2022 – In an industry where 95% of business owners are men, women tech entrepreneurs face unique challenges in financing their ventures, breaking into networks and growing their business.

Now, BC women entrepreneurs can connect with experienced tech CEOs as part of Discovery Foundation’s EM3 Program, presented by WeBC.

Thousands of women-owned businesses in BC have adopted, expanded and created technology to deliver products and services throughout the pandemic. The EM3 program is designed to bring these women together for mentorship from experienced tech CEOs, plus leadership training and networking so they can grow their businesses. 

The program is hosted by WeBC, a not-for-profit organization that provides support to women business owners all over BC. They are delivering EM3 as an agent of the Discovery Foundation’s Technology Education Program. They have four experienced mentors lined up for this year’s program:

1. Bobbi Leach has over 30 years of experience in business and has been working in the tech sector for two decades, mostly with online businesses. As co-founder of StudentCounsellor, she launched an online counseling tool with hundreds of high schools, helping students plan their academics to improve their chances of being accepted to a post-secondary institution. Another company she co-founded, FuturePay, provided eCommerce merchants with the ability to offer instant credit to their customers.
2. Corina Ludwig is the President of FunctionFox, which creates timesheet and project management software for creative professionals worldwide. Corina is an accomplished Senior Executive, Advisor, and Board Member who manages the daily corporate vision and strategy for FunctionFox in Victoria. 
3. Cassandra Hui, Founder and CEO of Heal Mary, has a background in data science and 10+ years in marketing and community building. She founded Heal Mary, a digital health platform that uses AI to close the gap in clinical trial participation, when her mom and 2 sisters were diagnosed with cancer.
4. Cheryll Wagner is the Co-Owner of Business2Mobile Communications Inc., a cutting-edge consulting & software development company. Using operational intelligence, they build customized mobile solutions for various small to mid-sized industrial or resource companies to solve their business challenges.

Over the next six months, the four women will facilitate peer mentoring groups of women entrepreneurs who work in technology or innovation or use it in their business. 

“With technology as the fastest growing sector in BC, women in tech can particularly benefit from mentoring as a means to build confidence, enhance skills, and grow their network, says Shauna Harper, CEO of WeBC. 

“This program helps them create a peer network and tap into the investment, support and programs available for women working in this high-growth industry while gaining support and encouragement from like-minded women.”

Applications for the program are being accepted until July 14, and there are 32 spots available. WeBC encourages women business owners to apply even if they don’t consider themselves to be a ‘tech’ entrepreneur.

Eligible businesses for the EM3 Program include companies working in communications, social media and eCommerce as well as health sciences, alternative energy, design and more. Visit go.we-bc.ca/EM3 for full program and eligibility details and to apply.