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Starting Your Business

Have a business idea and need guidance or financing to get it off the ground? We’re here to support you.

JOIN OUR FREE STARTING A BUSINESS INFO SESSION

We’re behind you from your first step

Every day, women are turning their dreams and passions into impactful businesses! There are many factors to consider when starting a business and, as a new entrepreneur, you’re bound to find gaps in your skills and knowledge along the way – that’s where we come in. For nearly three decades, we’ve supported women in starting and growing businesses in BC. We can lend our expertise as you begin your entrepreneurial journey.

Start here: Your top startup questions, answered!

Take the first step by joining our Starting a Business Info Session

How do I name and register my business? Where can I get funding? What kind of licenses do I need? We answer your top startup questions in our free, weekly webinars which cover all the basics of starting a business in BC.

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Programs and services to help start your business

Financing to get you started

With our startup-friendly loan program, we can provide financing up to $150k based on the viability of your business plan, so you may qualify with us even if you’ve been turned down by other lenders. Then, we back you up with wrap-around services to help your plan succeed.

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Advice when you need it

Wondering if you’ve estimated sufficient funds to get you started? Need help navigating this new journey? Our business advisors are a call away with resources, support or referrals to connect you with the right support at the right time.

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Mentors and peer networks

Starting a business doesn’t mean you have to navigate that road alone. Through our mentor and peer programs you can share ideas and get the lift you need to get off the ground.

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Training Programs for New Entrepreneurs

Gain the skills to build the business behind your vision in our interactive workshops.

Free WeBC Business Loan Info Session

DATE & TIME December 17 @ 12:00 pm to December 17 @ 12:00 pm

LOCATION Webinar

FREE Starting a Business Info Session | Part 2: How to Make Your Business Official

DATE & TIME December 18 @ 12:00 pm to December 18 @ 12:00 pm

LOCATION Webinar

Free WeBC Business Loan Info Session

DATE & TIME January 7, 2025 @ 12:00 pm to January 7, 2025 @ 12:00 pm

LOCATION Webinar

Our Top Free Resources to Guide You

Need to write a business plan? Trying to figure out your Go-to-Market strategy? Our resource centre is rich with guides and templates to get you started.

Growing Your Business

Cash Flow Template

This Cash Flow Template is a simple excel file that allows you to forecast your cash flow—the money coming in and going out...

FREE
Starting Your Business

Taking the Leap to Entrepreneurship Resource Guide

So, you want to be an entrepreneur… What would it be like to set out on your own—to become an entrepreneur? Whether y...

FREE
Starting Your Business

How to Write an Effective Business Plan

A good business plan is an invaluable tool for any business owner, whether you are just starting your new enterprise, expandi...

FREE
Managing Your Financials

Worksheet: Find Your Funding Path

A Step-by-Step Guide to Matching Your Funding Options With Your Needs If you’re looking for funding to realize your busines...

FREE
Marketing & Market Research

How to Identify a Target Market and Prepare a Customer Profile

If you don’t know who your customers are, how will you be able to assess whether you are meeting their needs?  In orde...

FREE
Growing Your Business

Business Acquisition Checklist

Ensure you’re making a smart investment with this comprehensive guide. Our Business Acquisition Checklist walks prospec...

FREE

Other offerings

woman business owner taking an online course

On-Demand SMART Programs from WeBC

With our SMART Programs, you can expand your knowledge on topics like HR, Financial Fitness and Marketing through self-paced learning, plus gain wrap-around support through advisory services and resiliency training.

Thanks to funding from the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, our SMART Programs are free for a limited time!

Create Your Business Plan Workbook

Created by our Business Advisors based on years of evaluating business plans, this guide takes you through each step of the business planning process, from refining your vision to completing a comprehensive business plan. Includes a downloadable business plan template that you can fill in as you work through each exercise.

Financial Understanding for Small Business Workbook

Even if you use a bookkeeper and/or accountant, you still need to understand the financial side of your business. This introductory-level resource takes you through practical exercises to help you understand the type of information financial statements provide and how they can help you make better business decisions.

Business Plan Review Service

WeBC is an approved third-party business plan reviewer for entrepreneurs applying for a loan with other financial institutions. Our team can provide recommendations on areas that need to be clarified or added in your business plan, from the standpoint of a potential investor or a lender.

CLIENT STORIES

Liz Caruso, Soles Nail Lounge & Footwear

No stranger to business management, Liz Caruso’s desire for growth and being her own boss were the driving forces behind her leap to become an entrepreneur.

After having to close the doors of her first business, Soles of Whistler, Liz saw the opportunity to merge her two businesses and fulfill what had always been a dream of hers.

Soles Nail lounge & Footwear was born.

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