We Thrive BC is the program designed to support women entrepreneurs across British Columbia—especially newcomers, racialized women, and equity-deserving groups—by providing gender-informed, culturally inclusive business training and peer support. We provide free workshops and personalized one-on-one consultations to support you in starting or thriving in your business. This program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, in partnership with WeBC.
Join us and build a successful business together. Click to join us.
Workshop Topics include:
• Access to Capital & Financing Readiness + Starting a Business
• Business plan writing
• Cash flow management
• Marketing and communications
• Customer service & sales skills in a Canadian context
• Building partnerships and connecting with local communities
• Starting a business in BC
• Digitalization, technology & AI tools
Who should attend:
Women or individuals who self-identify as women and are currently starting or running a business, particularly those located in the Okanagan region and other communities outside Metro Vancouver and Victoria.
Important Note:
Registered women entrepreneurs will receive exclusive online classroom access details for each session two weeks, one week, and three days in advance via email.
We Thrive BC Free Workshops
📌 Sixth Session | Live Online Workshop
Main Topic: How to build Partnerships & Connect with Local Communities
Date and Time: Thursday, March 5, 2026| ⏰ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Speaker: Samantha Wedlund
Samantha Wedlund is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and CEO of Success 21 Salon in Kelowna, BC, recognized as Best of Kelowna in 2023 and 2024.
She is also the founder of Samantha Elevates 21, a mentorship platform that provides entrepreneurs with mindset strategies and execution frameworks to build purpose-driven businesses.
As the Professional Development Director for Kelowna Women in Business and a Top 40 Under 40 recipient, Samantha is passionate about leadership, community partnerships, and helping women achieve financial independence.
Topics:
-Strategic Relationship-Building – Identifying aligned partners and creating mutually beneficial collaborations that support long-term growth
-Community Engagement & Visibility – Building trust and presence through authentic participation in local networks, events, and initiatives
-Value-Driven Partnerships – Offering clear value in every collaboration, not just seeking support but contributing meaningfully
-Sustainable Connection Strategies – Turning relationships into long-term partnerships through consistency, communication, and shared purpose
Program Sponsor:
Previous Workshops:
OCCA, in collaboration with WEBC (Women’s Enterprise Centre of BC) and BDC (Canada’s official government financial agency for entrepreneurs), is conducting an initiative to better understand and help the needs of small and medium-sized business owners, as well as individuals planning to start a business across British Columbia.
This session will provide practical guidance and expanded 1-on-1 support for women entrepreneurs and racialized minority founders.
Date and Time: December 3rd, 2025 | ⏰ 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Venue: BDC Boardroom, Kelowna Innovation Centre
We Thrive BC is a three-month program designed to support women entrepreneurs across British Columbia—especially newcomers, racialized women, and equity-deserving groups—by providing gender-informed, culturally inclusive business training and peer support.
📌 First Session | Live Online Workshop
Finance for Women Entrepreneurs: Access to Capital & Financing Readiness + Starting a Business
Speaker: Archana Samtani Singhania, WeBC
Date and Time: Thursday, January 15 | ⏰ 6:00–8:00 pm
In a time of economic uncertainty and shifting market conditions, entrepreneurs need practical strategies, local insight, and the confidence to turn challenges into momentum. This interactive workshop is designed to help aspiring and existing business owners in BC understand their options, identify opportunities, and take informed next steps in 2026.
📌 Second Session | Live Online Workshop
Turning Headwinds into Opportunity: How to Start, Buy, and Grow a Business in BC (2026)
📅 Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00–11:30 am (Pacific Time | Kelowna)
💻 Format: Online (Zoom)
👩🏫 Facilitator: Siobhan McManus
Starting a business in a new country can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re faced with unfamiliar rules, paperwork, and legal requirements. Many women entrepreneurs have great ideas and strong motivation, but get stuck or delayed simply because the registration and licensing process in BC isn’t clear. This session is designed to remove that uncertainty.
📌 Third Session | Live Online Workshop
📅 Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00–8:00 pm (Pacific Time | Kelowna)
💻 Format: Online (Zoom)
📌 Workshop Topic:
Starting a Business in BC: Registration, Licensing & Legal Essentials
👩🏫 Facilitator: Tracy Gray
Are you ready to grow your business with confidence and clarity? Join We Thrive BC, a supportive and empowering webinar designed for self-identifying women who are starting or already running a business in BC. In this dynamic 2-hour session, you’ll gain practical tools and strategies to strengthen your brand, expand your online presence, and build a loyal community around your business.
📌 Fourth Session | Live Online Workshop
📅 February 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Zoom)
📩 Registration required – link will be sent by email
📌 Workshop Topic: Marketing & Social Media Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs
👩🏫 Facilitator: Clara Val & Kathy Crocker
Are you ready to strengthen your customer service and turn great service into real sales?Join us for “Customer Service & Sales Skills in a Canadian Context” — a practical and empowering session designed for women entrepreneurs who want to build trust, confidence, and loyal customers in Canada.
📅 Feb 25, 2026 (Wed) | 6:00–8:00 PM | Zoom
✨ In this session, you will learn:
• How to communicate professionally and confidently
• Canadian customer service etiquette and expectations
• How to build strong customer relationships
• How excellent service naturally leads to successful sales
👩🏫 Facilitator: Clara Val & Kathy Crocker
