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
📌 Seventh Session | Live Online Workshop
Main Topic:
Practical AI Tools for Entrepreneurs: Work Smarter, Not Harder
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 11, 2026| ⏰ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Speaker: Dan (Danny) Fan
Dan Fan is a Computer Science professor who holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from Northeastern University. He has taught at multiple post-secondary institutions within British Columbia, delivering courses in database systems, software engineering, machine learning, and applied computing.
In addition to his academic career, Dan brings extensive industry experience in software development and data systems, having worked in professional software environments on large-scale applications and data-driven platforms. His industry background informs his teaching approach, where he integrates real-world development practices, system design principles, and modern engineering workflows into the classroom.
Dan specializes in translating complex technical concepts into practical, accessible tools that entrepreneurs and professionals can immediately apply. He is passionate about helping small business owners leverage digital tools, automation, and AI strategically to improve efficiency, support data-informed decision-making, and build scalable systems for sustainable growth.
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
Ready to grow your business through real community connections? Join We Thrive BC – Women’s Entrepreneurship Program | Session 6 and discover how strong local partnerships can directly fuel your sales, visibility, and long-term growth.
Strong community ties and smart partnerships don’t just feel good — they drive revenue and sustainable growth. Your next customer may already be in your network.
📅 March 5, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM
💻 Online via Zoom | FREE
👩🏫 Facilitator: Samantha Wedlund
