Women are leading the movement towards building a business community that is sustainable and impactful – over two-thirds of BC women entrepreneurs integrate social impact into their businesses, and 65% of women define success as creating a positive impact on society.
Building a socially impactful business doesn’t have to come at the expense of your own financial security. You can build a business that makes a difference in your community and provides the income you need to sustain yourself and your impact!
Who is this for?
This program is suited for women who are in the pre-startup phase, have a business idea and are ready to launch.
Program components
Impact Toolbox, presented by WeBC, is the roadmap you need to create initiatives that tackle complex problems. We’ll show you how to start small, validate your ideas, and grow purposefully.
Working through critical insights and practical steps, you’ll learn how to build a thriving social enterprise that contributes to positive social and environmental change and brings you income! We’ll cover:
- How to define the problem you’re trying to solve and develop a theory of change
- Sustainable development and how to align your business ideas with the sustainable goals
- Creating a business model
- How to discover customers and find a product-market fit
- Navigating startup challenges and incorporation options for social enterprises
About the program
What’s included
- Access to Impact Toolbox’s “How To Start A Successful Social Enterprise” module, a self-paced course with instructional and interactive bite-sized online lessons, tools, and practical guidelines.
- Group Coaching Sessions led by experienced social entrepreneurs and leaders in the industry who will offer valuable insights and feedback to help you navigate the challenges of starting and managing a socially impactful business.
- An opportunity to present your new venture to the community at a Social Enterprise Showcase.
Program dates
- Session 1 | January 13 | Introductions & Program Overview
- Session 2 | January 27 | Reviewing Your Theory of Change
- Session 3 | February 10 | Competitive Landscape & Proposing Value
- Session 4 | February 24 | Business Modelling
- Session 5 | March 24 | Customer Discovery & Developing a Minimal Viable Product
- Session 6 | April 7 | Financial Analysis
- Session 7 | April 21 | Storytelling and Marketing
- Session 8 | May 5 | Pitches and Pitch Deck Review
- Optional Session | May 19 | Social Enterprise Showcase
Program details
- Where: Zoom
- When: 7 Virtual Sessions | Time TBC
- January 13, 27; February 10, 24; March 24; April 7, 21
- May 5 – Pitches and Pitch Deck Review
- Optional Showcase – May 19
- Cost: This program is valued at $3,000. Thanks to generous support from PacifiCan, your cost is $150. Free for WeBC loan clients!
How to apply
Applications are now open to join the Winter 2026 cohort! Only 6 spots are available, apply now >>>
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