As a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) and educator, Lindsey Sloan has dedicated over 17 years to the profession. Her rewarding career led her to teach at two RMT programs in BC, where she shared her expertise with the next generation of therapists. Now, she is embarking on her greatest adventure yet, opening a massage therapy school in Kelowna, Sena College.

Sena College of Massage Therapy in Kelowna provides a two-year diploma program that prepares students both academically and practically for a fulfilling career in massage therapy. Opening its doors to the first cohort in 2025, Lindsey is excited to offer students hands-on training, theoretical knowledge, and a supportive leadership team to encourage personal and professional growth.

When she decided to tackle the major undertaking of opening a school, Lindsey began looking at different loan programs. She found traditional banks and venture capitalists weren’t equipped to support her financially, as funding a school presents unique challenges compared to funding a product. A colleague recommended WeBC because their eligibility criteria are more inclusive than traditional banks.

Believing in her vision, WeBC worked alongside Lindsey to perfect her loan application. As the BC Loan Fund Partner of the WEOC National Loan Fund, they provided support at each step. Lindsey was successful in accessing the capital, which was essential to cover her start-up costs including construction permits, renovations, and essential equipment for her students. She recounts how grateful she was to not only get the loan but also for the support she received from the team at WeBC.

“Working with WeBC has been a fantastic experience, especially in terms of communication. Supporting women in business is so important, and it’s great to see more women gaining support in areas like venture capital, which has traditionally been male-dominated. It’s been wonderful to collaborate with them, and I truly appreciate the opportunity.”

Lindsey is thrilled to open Sena College’s doors for the first time in 2025. She envisions creating a school where students thrive and develop into skilled professionals who make meaningful contributions to diverse communities. Her goal is to prepare students to provide services to a wide range of populations, fostering a culture of inclusivity and care.

Client Q&A

Q: What made you decide to open Sena College?
I’ve always wanted to be in a profession that helps people. I looked into a few career paths, at first I wanted to be a pediatrician but as I got older I realized I didn’t want to go to medical school. I was also interested in pursuing education and becoming a teacher. Someone once told me I had strong hands, so I decided to look into massage therapy.

In my massage therapy practice, I have a preferred area of practice called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). MLD promotes the movement of lymphatic fluid out of swollen areas.  I typically treat clients post-surgery or radiation when there has been damage or removal to the lymphatic system.
I also had the opportunity to teach at two different massage therapy diploma programs in BC. I’ve found that helping people in general and then moving into the school side of things has been so rewarding by teaching students, empowering them with knowledge and watching them grow.

So really, my two interests came together with being in healthcare and being in education. I wanted to continue educating and it was important to me to offer students a school that was RMT-owned and operated.

Q: How did you first learn about WeBC’s loan program?

I heard about WeBC through the grapevine when looking for different options to fund the opening of the school. 

I was hearing from investors and traditional banks that what I was asking for was one of the most challenging files that they’ve dealt with because a school is different from funding a product and selling it.
When I connected with WeBC, I was impressed by their commitment to being women-run and supporting other women in business. That was especially important to me, as Sena is currently owned and operated solely by women. I was able to get the loan through WeBC’s partner, the WEOC National Loan Fund. It has been a wonderfully positive experience, and everyone has been fantastic to work with.

Q: How did your loan help open Sena College?

We used the funding for the tenant improvements to transform the space into a school. We did a massive gut renovation of the entire area; it was a big undertaking.

We also used the funding for equipment that’s involved in setting up a massage therapy school. We had to buy the electric tables, portable tables, and so much more. It’s expensive to buy, so I’m grateful for the loan.

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

I would say talk to other people who have started businesses. I never thought about starting a business on my own; I was happy in practice and working at schools. The idea to start Sena landed in my lap, and my only experience with business was as a sole proprietor working as an RMT. That’s very different from launching a business from the ground up.

It’s been a huge learning curve, especially on the financial and real estate side of things. I’m wearing a lot of hats, and learning as I go. I really wish I had someone to talk to about the entrepreneurial journey from the start, it would have made a big difference.

Where to find Sena College

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