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
📌 Third Session | Live Online Workshop
Main Topic: Starting a Business in BC: Registration, Licensing & Legal Essentials
Date and Time: Thursday, February 12, 2026| ⏰ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Speaker: Tracy Gray
Tracy Gray is a national award-winning entrepreneur, former Member of Parliament (MP) and municipal City Councillor, and has served on the boards of many organizations including in the financial sector.
Tracy’s professional career spanned twenty-seven years in the beer and wine industry including founding Discover Wines – 100% BC VQA Wines and Gifts stores. The Kelowna location was number one in sales in BC for thirteen years prior to selling in 2018. Success came from focusing on superior customer service, innovative marketing techniques, and building a strong and credible team. Accolades included “Top 40 over 40” by BDO, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award, BC’s “100 Women to Watch” and RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur of the Year.
Tracy was a weekly guest on a Global TV CHBC wine lifestyle segment, guest lectured college and university business students and mentored women starting businesses.Tracy ran for municipal city council to be a voice of small business where she served one term.
As a two-term federal MP, Tracy held four Shadow Cabinet Minister portfolios, was Vice Chair of Parliamentary Standing Committees, and introduced legislation aiming to help people recover from addiction.
Tracy was the first female MP elected to serve in the riding. Tracy presently owns a business and government relations advisory company. She believes in making a meaningful difference, giving back, and leading with integrity.
📌 Fourth Session | Live Online Workshop
Main Topic: Marketing & Social Media Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs
Date and Time: Wed, February 18, 2026| ⏰ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Speaker: Kathy Crocker
Kathy Crocker is a career coach who supports newcomers, racialized women, and equity-deserving groups as they build confidence, clarity, and meaningful community connections in Canada.
In one-on-one sessions, Kathy helps women who are starting a new career or business strengthen awareness of how to effectively use social media in marketing, how to foster loyalty through customer service, and how to build meaningful sustainable partnerships in a practical and supportive way. Her approach is collaborative and strengths-based, focused on helping participants clarify their goals, communicate their ideas with confidence, and plan to take realistic next steps.
Kathy brings extensive experience in mentorship, employment services, and community engagement, along with lived experience of building a career in a new country and starting over in Canada. She understands the challenges that come with change and is passionate about creating a welcoming space where women feel heard, supported, and empowered to move forward.
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
