News & Announcements

Take Your Service Business Beyond Borders

 Feb 29, 1:00-5:00pm, Blue Horizon Hotel, Vancouver

Women’s Enterprise Centre is hosting a workshop to inform women business owners in the service industry on how to take advantage of emerging global opportunities. If you are a business owner in consulting services (e.g. communications, leadership, strategy, marketing or social media) or other services (e.g. virtual assistant, coach, trainer or writer), this event is for you. Learn about new opportunities for business expansion across different regions and countries.

The half day workshop will cover the following:

• How to adapt marketing for international business development
• Strategies to prepare to overcome cultural barriers
• Accounting and tax considerations
• Legal implications including liability and immigration issues

The speakers for the event are:
-Auli Paviainen, International Business Consultant, Millard Consulting Group Inc.
-Katri Ulmonen, CA, MS (US) Tax, International Tax Services Partner, MNP LLP
-TBD, Lawyer, Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP

Click here to register for this information - packed workshop. Register TODAY, space is limited

 

Vancity Community Foundation is Recruiting Social Entrepreneurs & Aboriginal/First Nations Business Owners

 

Vancity Community Foundation is recruiting for two focus groups to learn more about business concerns and challenges of entrepreneurs.

1. Social entrepreneurs who have launched a socially responsible business that aims to generate profit, while addressing a social and/or environmental issue at the same time.

2. Aboriginal/First Nations business owners that are in the business growth stage.

The foundation is looking for participants who:

• Are comfortable speaking out in a small group setting
• Own or co-own a business in Metro Vancouver
• Want to expand business in the short term
• Have business in operation for at least 2 years
• Own business which has reached a point where revenue trends are identifiable and cash flow is steady
• Are confident that their business is scalable

These focus groups will be taking place in Metro Vancouver over the months of March through May 2012. All participants will receive a financial honorarium $50.00. To learn more please contact Joanne Norris at 604-877-7505 or joanne_norris@vancity.com by Wednesday February 29th, 2012.

 

Influential Women in Business Awards
 

“Business in Vancouver” is celebrating six exceptional business women in British Columbia. The 13th Annual Influential Women in Business award luncheon will be held at The Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver on March 6, 2012. The award recognizes the winners' influence in their industry and the business community, and their impact in promoting and supporting the advancement of women in business.

The 2012 winners are:

Wendy Grant-John, Deloitte
Jill Leversage, Financial Consultant
Lois Nahirney, Teekay Corporation
Launi Skinner, First West Credit Union
Kari Yuers, Kryton International Inc.

The 2012 Lifetime Achievement award has been given to Elizabeth Harrison, Farris.

For more information or to register for the luncheon go to https://www.biv.com/


 

Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program


 The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME) in the Pacific Region has organised Winter 2012 Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program (CICP) Innovation Forums. The Forums provide the opportunity to meet face-to-face with Government of Canada representatives and learn about the program.

CICP aims to help Canadian businesses by testing their innovative goods and services within the Government of Canada before taking them to the marketplace.The Program targets innovations in four priority areas:

  1. Environment
  2. Health
  3. Safety & security
  4. Enabling technologies

Below are the details for the winter 2012 Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program (CICP) Innovation Forums:

Nanaimo - January 25, 2012 

9:00am - Noon

Coast Bastion Inn 

11 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, BC

Vancouver - February 9, 2012 

9:00am - Noon

Roundhouse Community Centre

181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, BC

For more details about CICP, please visitwww.buyandsell.gc.ca/innovation

 

 

ASTRA Trade Mission to San Jose,CA

 

Astra Women’s Business Alliance (WBENC Regional Partner Organization) and WEConnect Canada have joined efforts to hold a Trade Mission in San Jose, CA  on February 29- March 1,2012. The purpose of the Trade Mission is to create mutually beneficial relationships by promoting women owned businesses to each other and to major corporations in 2012 and beyond. On March 1st, the event will provide an opportunity to women owned businesses to meet face-to-face with corporate contacts who can promote their products & services within their organizations. Applications to participate in the Matchmaker event are due by February 15th. Details are available at http://www.astrawba.org

WEConnect Canada certifies firms that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by women and connects them with the growing global demand from corporations and the public sector for diverse and innovative suppliers.

 

Application Deadline for Cartier Women’s Initiatives Awards

 

The Cartier Women’s Initiatives awards are looking for exceptional women entrepreneurs with the potential to grow significantly in future. Application deadline is March 13, 2012. The award recognizes women entrepreneurs who have created financially sustainable and creative start- ups. The project must be between one to three years old. Entrepreneurs have to submit a short business plan using the online application form. Details are available at www.cartierwomeninitiatives.com

Six Laureates will receive this award in 2012.They will receive a year of coaching and US $20,000 in funding. The competition is open to women from all countries and nationalities.

The award was created in 2006 by Cartier in partnership with Women’s Forum, INSEAD Business School and Mckinsey & Co.

 

 

BC Restaurants to Provide Customers with Nutrition Information


BC restaurant owners have the opportunity to participate in the Informed Dining Program launched by the provincial government last year. Participating businesses will also be recognized through promotional and advertising campaigns coordinated by the Ministry of Health.  The program aims to provide customers with nutritional information at or before the point of ordering their food.

Participating restaurants may provide the information on a brochure, a menu insert or poster. Calorie and sodium content will be highlighted, and restaurants must also include information on daily sodium and calorie requirements. It will help customers make informed choices when choosing meals for themselves or their children.

Over 70% of restaurants in BC are small businesses with 50 or less employees.  To help these businesses, the Ministry of Health, Heart and Stroke Foundation and the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association have created a support program. The small business program provides access to expert dieticians at HealthLinkBC in completing a nutrient analysis for the standard menu items. HealthLinkBC will also provide dieticians with culinary backgrounds to help participating restaurants redesign recipes.

The Informed Dining Program has also developed a number of templates to help restaurant owners with graphic design. The Program will also supply grants of up to $300 to help with the printing of additional menus, brochures or menu boards for a limited period.

To apply for the small business support, complete and submit the Informed Dining Expression of interest Form by email to:Informeddining@gov.bc.ca or mail or fax ( 250-952-1570) a printed copy to Ministry of Health, Chronic Disease, Injury Prevention & the Built Environment, 4-2, 1515 Blanshard Street, Victoria BC  V8W 3C8  ATTN: Informed Dining.

For details about the program, please visit www.informeddining.ca

 

 

Opening Doors for Women Owned B2B Companies
 

WEConnect Canada held its third conference to encourage women business owners to take advantage of the growing global demand from corporations and the public sector for diverse and innovative suppliers. WEConnect Canada certifies businesses that are at least 51-per-cent owned, managed and controlled by women. Being certified increases access to international markets by giving more representation and visibility, fostering new connections, networking and mutual support. The conference was held at Sutton Place Hotel in Toronto on November 7 and 8, 2011.

Several women business leaders from BC participated as panelists in the discussions on making the concept of supplier diversity into a successful business reality in Canada. Panelists included: Michelle Pockey, Partner with Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Barbara Mowat, President, Impact Communications Ltd., Cheryl Dawn-Smith, owner, Horty Girl, and Marla Kott, CEO, Imprint Plus.

In a report on the conference, The Globe and Mail on November 11, 2011 said, “The trend of certifying female-owned businesses has a longer history in the United States, but remains relatively new in Canada.” In an interview, Betty Wood, WEConnect Canada’s lead strategist commented, “Corporations look at it as an opportunity to meet innovative suppliers and also to reflect the marketplace,” According to the report, female-owned businesses are the fastest-growing segment of the business sector in Canada. The number of female entrepreneurs in Canada increased 208 per cent between 1981 and 2001, compared with 38 per cent for men.

The conference is very timely. In a report released this month, the Canadian Taskforce for Women’s Business Growth has called for governments at all levels to do more to support Canadian women entrepreneurs. The taskforce has detailed action strategies to mobilize this under-served segment of our economy. Its recommendations include implementing measureable supplier-diversity procurement objectives for all federal agencies and departments.

WEConnect Canada estimates that Canadian women-owned businesses comprise of less than 5% of all domestic and international suppliers to large corporations and governments. As a result women’s businesses don’t grow as quickly, big business misses out on value and innovation, and national productivity and GDP suffer. WEConnect Canada has certified about 150 companies so far.

Currently, WEConnect is the only way to formally certify that a business is majority owned, managed and controlled by women. Women's Enterprise Centre, BC's leading resource for women entrepreneurs is responsible for carrying out the site visits for the certification of BC companies on behalf of WEConnect Canada.

For more information on the program go to http://www.WEConnectcanada.org/

 

Women’s Business Growth a Major Stimulus for the Canadian Economy: Call for Increased Support
 

The Canadian Taskforce for Women’s Business Growth is calling for governments at all levels to do more to support Canadian women entrepreneurs. Describing such efforts as an essential strategy for sustained economic growth in Canada, the Taskforce says that a 20% increase in total revenues among majority female-owned enterprises will contribute an additional $2 billion a year to the Canadian economy. The Taskforce report, entitled Action Strategies to Support Women’s Enterprise Development, was released in Toronto on November 7, 2011.

“Women-led businesses in Canada represent a huge economic opportunity for our country,” said Barbara Orser, chair of the Taskforce and Deloitte Professor at the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management. “Majority women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises represent over $117 billion per annum of economic activity in Canada.” The Taskforce also reports that women-owned firms fail to grow as quickly as firms led by men. These differences are reflected in Canada’s productivity and competitiveness.

The Taskforce Action Strategies report is very timely. In September, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member countries convened their first-ever Summit on Women and the Economy, hosted by US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. The research presented at the Summit clearly demonstrated that fostering women’s economic empowerment is a sound economic strategy, both in developing and developed economies. The Summit, attended by senior government officials and other leaders from the 21 Asia Pacific economies, culminated in the signing of the San Francisco Declaration, which commits to improving women’s access to capital, access to markets, capacity and skills building, and promoting women’s leadership. The Declaration’s recommendations are expected to be adopted at the APEC Economic Leaders’ meeting later in November, which will be hosted by President Barack Obama and attended by leaders from all APEC nations, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Laurel Douglas, CEO of BC-based Women’s Enterprise Centre, is a founding member of the Taskforce on Women’s Business Growth, and was part of the 25-member Canadian delegation at the APEC Summit in September. Women’s Enterprise Centre also co-hosted the first Taskforce roundtable in Vancouver in 2010. Commenting on the Action Strategies Report, she said, “The Taskforce explored key issues associated with the growth of women-owned businesses in Canada, such as access to capital, supplier diversity and technology adoption. The report recommends proven policies and programs that will enable women entrepreneurs to contribute more to the national economy.” She added, “The Taskforce recommendations will assist federal policy-makers to respond to the APEC San Francisco Declaration with action strategies that will create economic benefit for the country and shape a bright future for women entrepreneurs.”

Industry Canada reports that, in 2007, 47 percent of Canada’s 1.6 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were wholly or partly owned by women, and sixteen percent of Canadian SMEs were exclusively owned by women. In addition, more than 900,000 of the 2.6 million self-employed workers in Canada are women. However, the average revenue of majority female-owned firms was $563,000 compared with $1,126,000 for majority male-owned firms.

The Taskforce is calling for a concerted effort to mobilize this under-served segment of our economy through a five-point strategy, by:

1. creating a national women-focused economic development strategy;
2. creating business-stimulation programs to develop new markets and grow globally;
3. creating and implementing measureable supplier-diversity procurement objectives for all federal agencies and departments;
4. enhancing women’s financial literacy and their awareness of gender influences in firm capitalization through training and other incentives; and
5. increasing the adoption of technology in women-led firms through training and other incentives.

The Taskforce for Women’s Business Growth is a national and non-partisan consortium of prominent female business owners, small business service agencies, academics and industry associations. Founded in 2009, the Taskforce aims to accelerate the growth of women’s enterprises through the creation of appropriate public policy, advocacy, research, and sharing of best practices. In 2010 and 2011, the Taskforce members hosted a series of roundtables across Canada to identify policies and programs to speed the growth and success of women business owners and self-employed workers. Participants included more than 200 prominent women business owners, financiers, industry association representatives, academics and other thought leaders.

 

Global Entrepreneurship Week 2011 launches
 

The annual Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2011, Nov. 14 to 20, started on Monday. A wide range of activities including competitions and network gatherings have been organized in 123 countries engaging more than 10 million current and aspiring entrepreneurs. An initiative of the Kauffman Foundation, an organization dedicated to entrepreneurship, GEW connects people through activities that create a platform to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem. For more information go to http://www.unleashingideas.org/
 

 

Nominations Open for 2012 PEAK Awards


The Association of Women in Finance ( AWF)is accepting nominations for the 2012 PEAK Awards. All nominations, including supporting materials, must be submitted by Monday, January 9, 2012.
Awards will be presented in the following categories:
1) Lifetime Achievement
2) Excellence in the Private Sector
3) Excellence in the Public Sector
4) Community Legacy
5) Rising Star
Award Honourees will be selected from eligible nominees in a confidential process by an independent judging panel. Additional Awards may be presented at the discretion of the AWF. The Award Honourees will be announced in February and individually honoured at PEAK on May 14th, 2012.
For more information go to http://www.womeninfinance.ca/awards.html
 

 

Save the Date - Canadian Trade Mission: WBENC 2012 Conference


Women business owners from across Canada (WEConnect certified and non-certified) are invited to join a trade mission to the WBENC 2012 conference in Orlando, Florida from June 19-21, 2012. The Canadian briefing organized by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) will be held on June 18; further details including upcoming webinars to follow. More than 3,000 women business-owners and 350 trade show exhibitors including major corporations are expected to attend. This is a do-not-miss event with fantastic networking, forward-looking workshops, and keynote speakers. Full conference information is available at www.wbenc.org.
 

 

APEC Countries Agree to Remove Barriers to Women’s Economic Growth


Members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) have unanimously agreed to focus on women’s economic growth as an economic strategy in their countries. The San Francisco Declaration was adopted by the 21 APEC member countries at the conclusion of a 3-day Summit on Women and the Economy which was hosted by the US and took place in September in San Francisco.

Hosted by US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Summit was attended by senior diplomats, government officials, non-profit and business leaders from the 21 Asia Pacific economies which make up the APEC organization. It was the largest gathering of senior government officials in San Francisco since the Charter creating the United Nations was signed there in 1945.

Laurel Douglas, CEO of Women’s Enterprise Centre was part of the 25-member delegation which represented Canada at the summit, and was one of 2 Canadian presenters there. She spoke on the topic of “Access to Capital” at the SME Working group’s “Ease of Doing Business Workshop” on September 14. Her presentation focused on the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing capital, and the outcomes achieved by the Women’s Enterprise Initiative, which supports women entrepreneurs in Western Canada through financing, training, advisory services and mentoring.

The summit focused on how fostering women’s economic empowerment among the APEC economies is a sound economic strategy, both in developing and developed economies. In Canada, a 20% increase in revenues from existing women-owned businesses would generate over $2 billion per annum to the Canadian economy.

The four focus areas of the San Francisco Declaration are initiatives to improve access to capital, access to markets, capacity and skills building, and promoting women’s leadership. The Declaration underlines the need for concrete actions to realize the full potential of women, and integrate them more fully into APEC economies.

The Summit’s policy recommendations will be delivered to the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled for November 12-13, 2011 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

 

Small Business BC’s Successful You Awards


Small Business BC has launched its 9th annual Successful You Awards. The contest is open to all new and existing small businesses in BC. Nominate and support a small business by sharing the nomination information in your network. Winners will be announced at the Successful You awards ceremony on February 28, 2012. The contest is being held in six categories.

Best Company
Best Concept
Best Employer
Best Green Business
Best Online Marketer
Best Community Impact

Nominations are open until November 30, 2011. The contest acknowledges the dynamism and contributions of small businesses in BC to economic development of communities. Details about the contest are available on the Successful You website.

 

Small Business Month


October is being celebrated as the Small Business Month in BC. In its fifth year now, Small Business Month recognizes the dynamism and vitality that small businesses bring to BC economy. Several events have been organized in different communities across the province to promote and support entrepreneurship.

Job creation is the focus of Small Business Month. In BC, small businesses employ over one million people. To encourage entrepreneurism and job creation, the provincial government is taking several economic measures to provide a boost to small business sector. Please click here to learn about these initiatives.

Small Business BC has compiled a list of events happening in different communities during this period. Please visit their events calendar to learn more about different activities in your community.


Ignite your business growth!

 

Are you enthusiastic about growing your business but not sure whether to focus on increasing your sales revenue or the profits? Do you feel overwhelmed about making ‘good’ decisions? If this sounds like you, join us to ignite your business growth this fall!

This interactive workshop is designed to help you build your business so it’s right for YOU! It will provide networking opportunities, new ideas from other entrepreneurs and resources to help you meet your business needs for growth.

Women’s Enterprise Centre is pleased to offer our new “Grow your business so it is right for YOU!” workshop in the following  communities this fall.

Kelowna       Tuesday, September 27, 2011 
                      To register, click here

Victoria         Thursday, October 27, 2011
                      To register, click here

                     
If this workshop is not offered in your community, you can download the Growing Your Business Resource Guide for self-study.

 

BC Champions Recognized with International Awards

 

The International Alliance for Women (TIAW), a global umbrella organization uniting professional women and their networks, has announced the 2011 winners of its prestigious World of Difference 100 Awards. This year, eight exceptional individuals from British Columbia have been internationally recognized for their work promoting and supporting the advancement of women in business.

The 2011 awards recognize 100 achievers from 27 countries for their efforts in advancing the economic empowerment of women locally, regionally or worldwide.  The 22 Canadians honoured in this year’s awards also included Senator Céline Hervieux-Payette of Quebec, in the Public Service /Government category and Charles Coffey, O.C., currently Co-Chair, Aboriginal Human Resource Development Council of Canada and retired Executive Vice President, Government and Community Affairs President, RBC Financial Group, who was named in the Male Champions category.

This is the second time anyone from BC has made the list since the awards’ inception in 2008, when Doreen McKenzie-Sanders was recognized for her work creating the Women in the Lead Directory of qualified women candidates for appointment to corporate boards.  That same year, Sarmite Bulte, former Toronto-based MP and founder of the Women Entrepreneurs of Canada, was awarded for her advocacy of women’s rights.

Every year, TIAW invites nominations in several different categories. Award categories include Education, Community, Entrepreneurial, Non-profit, and Public Service/Government.  This year, Young Women Leaders, Male Champions of Women’s Economic Empowerment, and Corporations were added to the list. Hundreds of nominations were received from all continents, from which the top 100 were selected. The 2011 awards to the BC recipients were granted in the following categories (in alphabetical order):

The 2011 TIAW World of Difference 100 Awards will be presented to the recipients on October 27, 2011 at the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC as part of the annual TIAW Global Forum.

TIAW (www.tiaw.org ) is an international umbrella organization which strives to support and promote professional women through resources and networks. Founded in 1980, it has emerged as the global voice of businesswomen who want to make a difference in their communities.

 

Search is on for Canadian businesses in need


Are you a struggling Canadian company? Producers of the top rated entertainment program Dragon’s Den are looking for such companies to participate in an exciting new business show. According to a CBC announcement, some of the country’s top investors will spend their time and money to help these companies get back on their feet. To be eligible as an applicant, the business must have been in operation for three to five years, generate gross revenue of $500, 000 (average) per year, and employ more than five persons. Click here to learn more.

Applications must be submitted by August 12, 2011. The application form can be downloaded from http://www.cbc.ca/thebigdecision/

 

Act now to become a member of BC Business Network


BC Business Network offers extensive opportunities to British Columbia companies interested in building international trade and investment relationships. The network membership enables BC’s international trade network to provide support to BC businesses with timely business information and networking opportunities. Membership benefits include access to BC’s international network of trade offices, referrals from BC Ministry of Jobs, Tourism & Innovation when international clients are seeking products, services and investment opportunities, and invites to workshops, information sessions and trade events. You can also receive customized business intelligence specific to your industry and markets.

Registration is free. Click here to become a member and join 4500+ companies that are already members of the BC business network.

 

If you have staff, get on the list ! Biggest B.C. organizations managed by women


Business in Vancouver  (BIV) is publishing two lists on Women-Managed Organizations and Women-Owned Businesses on September 6, 2011. Each year, Business in Vancouver collects updated information for these lists. Inclusion on the lists will provide media exposure to women managers and entrepreneurs by reaching BIV readership and connecting with the business community. There is no charge for participating.

Please fill in the online forms to complete the survey. Click here for the survey on Women-Managed Organizations. Click here for the survey on Women-Owned Businesses.

The information must be submitted by July 27, 2011.


HST Referendum


British Columbians are preparing to vote on the HST referendum this month which is being conducted by mail-in ballot. Voting “NO” means keeping the HST at 10 percent while voting “YES” means returning to the 12 percent PST+GST. The referendum is a step towards a decision on one of the major tax policy initiatives in BC.

The Smart Tax Alliance (STA), an organization of almost 50 Business organizations including the BC Chamber of Commerce has provided a number of resources on HST. More information is available on the BC Chamber HST page, the STA website and Elections Canada website.

 

Targeted Skills Shortage Pilot Program


This new program will help local businesses and non-profit organizations train current staff to better meet the demands of a changing labour market.. Funding supports training for employed individuals who are low skilled, in particular, employed individuals who do not have a high school diploma or a recognized certification to reach their full potential in the current marketplace.

 Learn More:

  • Targeted Skills Shortage Pilot Program: http://www.aspect.bc.ca/tssp
  • Skills for Growth: www.aved.gov.bc.ca/skills_for_growth/ is British Columbia’s labour market strategy, helping to ensure B.C. has the right people with the right skills to fill the over one million jobs that will be available by 2019.
  • An online list of all labour market programs and services open to British Columbians at:  www.workbc.ca


Embracing Award Opportunities Seminar, Vancouver


Monday June 13, 2011 3:30 – 5:30pm
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, 550 Burrard St, Vancouver
Registration: $29.00

Business Awards – have you been nominated or considered nominating yourself but weren’t sure how to leverage the opportunity for your business? Have you been overwhelmed with the requirements of a nomination package and didn’t know if it was the right time for your company?

Embrace the nomination opportunity by joining like-minded women entrepreneurs who are growing their businesses.

  • Discover how you can use an awards nomination to benefit your business
  • Identify ways you can write a winning nomination by choosing the right award category and engaging people to help you
  • Learn from panelists who will share their experiences as nominees, winners and judges.

We hope you will accept this opportunity to be inspired and to learn how to leverage awards for your business!

Hosted by: Women's Enterprise Centre, the Association for Women Business Owners of the Lower Mainland BC, the Association of Women in Finance, the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs and the Professional Women's Network

To Register, click here

 

Taking the Stage® Launch, Prince George

 

On May 3, 2011 Women’s Enterprise Centre hosted the Taking the Stage® launch reception at Ohh Chocolate Café in Prince George. Susan Kelly-Easton of Competitive Edge Career Services will be the volunteer facilitator to help women in her group to step forward, develop their leadership presence, and enable them to better influence and inspire others.

Taking the Stage®, developed by The Humphrey Group, has been made available to the business owners in the North through the financial support of Status of Women Canada and Northern Development Initiative Trust.
 


Janine North of NDIT presenting a cheque
to Heather Martin from WEC


Seeking New Guest Blog Posts for WEC Blog


Women's Enterprise Centre is seeking women entrepreneurs to write on important and relevant business topics to help other self-employed women. If you have an area of expertise related to business growth, marketing, operations or sales and are willing to share your knowledge through our blog, please send us a 250 word blog of original content. Your blog should include some advice, steps to follow, or resources that our readers can take away with them. Please keep your blog focused on a specific topic rather than being too general.

Don't be afraid to get creative!

Please submit a photo and your bio in the format below:
(Name) is the owner of (business) in (city). Business description or personal profile (60 words max)
Learn more here.

Please submit blog, bio and photo to share@womensenterprise.ca
To read our past blog posts go to http://www.womensenterprise.ca/blog
 

 

NetworkinginVan.com, Online Resource for Networking in Vancouver


NetworkinginVan.comis Vancouver’s first online resource that identifies and navigates the numerous networking events held in the city. The site is a one-stop resource for individuals of varying industries to obtain information on all things networking-related.

Launched on May 1, 2011 NetworkinginVan.com’s primary function is to provide working professionals, graduates, and entrepreneurs with a comprehensive calendar of Vancouver’s ongoing networking events, which are all easily sorted by date, industry, or specific networking group. The website also offers a library of up to date information pertaining to networking and business, including tips from noted guest bloggers, book reviews, and more. Information on how to connect with specific networking groups within the city such as women’s-only, marketing specific, and tech focused, are also featured.

“I created NetworkinginVan.com as a resource for people who are new to the networking game and don’t know where to start,” says Jen Schaeffers, Marketing Professional and Founder of NetworkinginVan.com. “There is a desire particularly within the new generation of working professionals to become active in the face-to-face networking scene, however there was not one comprehensive tool to assist in navigating the growing networking opportunities,” adds Schaeffers.

NetworkinginVan.com is also committed to demystifying the fear and hurdles associated with face-to-face networking. Regular tipsand helpful documents are available on how to be successful once you’ve selected the networking events to attend. Some of these tools include Networking Etiquette and Advice from the Pro’s on how to make the most of networking events.


Wanted: A Few Good Women

Canada’s largest celebration of entrepreneurial achievement by women is back!

The 13th annual ranking of the PROFIT W100: Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneurs is the definitive list of Canada’s leading women-owned and women-run businesses. The list ranks applicants by a combination of company size, growth rate and operating profitability.

W100 winners enjoy many benefits, including coverage in the November issue of PROFIT, which can attract new staff, customers, business partners and the interest of other local and national media. You can also count on business-building marketing and PR support from PROFIT.

Perhaps best of all, you’ll be invited to the PROFIT W100 Idea Exchange, an exclusive conference geared to helping you strengthen your company and management skills in collaboration with other female entrepreneurs. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend the Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Gala later that evening.

Nominate your business or that of an entrepreneur you admire by calling 1-800-713-GROW or completing the online ballot at PROFITguide.com/w100ballot.  But don’t wait—the nomination deadline is June 30, 2011.


Congratulations to Debra Arnott of Community Futures Sun Country!


Debra Arnott was named a BC Community Achievement Award recipient by Premier Christy Clark and Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation. Debra is a community leader and role model who promotes business and community economic development in the Central Interior as the general manager of Community Futures Sun Country.

 

April 2011

 

Thank you to our Taking the Stage ® facilitators!


On behalf of the 2010/2011 Taking the Stage ® participants, Women’s Enterprise Centre would like to express our sincere thanks to the following Taking the Stage ® facilitators for their commitment, dedication and support for the program:
Cranbrook: Janice Alpine
Kamloops: Carmie Minnabarriet
Kelowna: Doreen Rosvold, Marilyn Strong & Victoria Oppertshauser
Merritt: Ann Condin
Port Alberni: Jennifer Gallic & Robyn Samuel
Terrace: Betty Barton
Vancouver: Kathryn Moen, Lillian Mukanzu, Lynn Robinson & Carrie Gallant

This month in Vancouver, Women's Enterprise Centre and The Humphrey Group trained eight new facilitators for Taking the Stage ®. As we launch into the second intake for the program, we’d like to acknowledge and introduce our new facilitators:

Comox Valley: Dianne Hawkins
Prince George: Susan Kelly-Easton
Prince Rupert: Trish Dyck
Salmon Arm: Nancy Whitticase
Squamish: Jennifer Deane
Vancouver: Alpana Sharma & Felicia Lee
Victoria: Dawn McCooey

 

 

Without dedicated volunteers like these amazing women, we would be unable to deliver the Taking the Stage ® program around the province.

For more details on the Taking the Stage ® program, click here.
 

 

The 2011 Census and businesses

Canada’s next census will be held in May 2011.

Completed questionnaires will provide valuable information that will be used by all levels of government to make decisions about your neighbourhood and community. The Census and the National Household Survey (NHS) will help the business community have accurate, reliable data. Please encourage your clients and employees to visit http://www.census2011.gc.ca/ .

For more info on The 2011 Census and business, download the PDF

B.C. Business Network, is an online database that will help you create or build strategic business relationships within BC or abroad. To profile your company, register at https://trade.britishcolumbia.ca

 


Small Business Accelerator

Small businesses across British Columbia now have a free, comprehensive resource to boost their business-planning efforts and foster an online community of information and support. The Small Business Accelerator (SBA) is a new gateway to business information for entrepreneurs throughout the province.

A highlight of the SBA is its range of research guides that provide tailored information for specific industries. The site features 72 in-depth guides, developed with the expertise of UBC business librarians and library students, which cover sectors ranging from coffee shops, event planning, jewelry design, life coaching, and much more.

 

March 2001 News


The University of Victoria’s Business Law Clinic (BLC) invites you
to obtain free legal information for your business

 

 

The BLC provides information on matters such as business associations, employment law, intellectual property, taxation, and contracts. Students in the BLC program are not yet lawyers, and therefore are unable to provide legal advice or draft contracts; they provide researched legal information. Inquiries are reviewed to ensure that the students at the BLC have the requisite capacity and expertise to respond appropriately. If the clinic decides to take on your case, you can expect a written memo within four weeks following your initial meeting with the clinic.

Clients living in and around Victoria are interviewed in person at the University of Victoria Faculty of Law, while those living in other communities can be interviewed by telephone. For more information, please visit the BLC website at http://www.law.uvic.ca/blc or contact the clinic at 250-472-4522.

 

February 2011 News

 

Harper Announces 2011 Year of the Entrepreneur

On January 25, the Harper Government recognized 2011 as the Year of the Entrepreneur. The Prime Minister was quoted as saying, "Canada's entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy, creating jobs and driving economic growth in communities large and small across our country."

The BC Business Service Network – comprised of Community Futures British Columbia, Small Business BC, and the Société de développment économique Colombie-Britannique and the Women’s Enterprise Centre -- are adding their voices to raise awareness of Prime Minister Steven Harper’s proclamation for 2011 as the Year of the Entrepreneur.

As lead agencies in the province working together to provide support, training and small business loans for entrepreneurs, these community partners share the Prime Minister’s view. Each one of these agencies have been touched by the determination of entrepreneurs who are prepared to learn, grow and take risks to improve his or her future and the community’s served.


“Given how tough it’s been over the last couple years for small business owners, this recognition is well-earned. We’re seeing strong increases in demand for our loans and business advisory services these days, so in spite of the tough times, BC’s women entrepreneurs are taking the initiative to start and grow businesses more than ever,” says Laurel Douglas, CEO of Women’s Enterprise Centre.


Seeds Natural Food Market, Finalist for Best Employer Award

Small Business BC announced five finalists in each of its four categories last week for the annual Successful You Awards. Tina and Jim Willard-Stepan, owners of Seeds Natural Food Market in Cumberland, BC made it through to be finalists in the Best Employer category. Last year Tina was matched with a Mentor through the Women’s Enterprise Centre mentoring program to receive support while she develops the business.

Seeds has excelled at customer service since they opened almost 3 years ago, quickly becoming an integral part of their community. The reason for this is their business philosophy and their staff. A family-owned business, staff at Seeds is considered a part of this family and it shows. Owners Tina and Jim offer professional growth opportunities through training initiatives. There is frequent staff appreciation. Staff is offered flexible hours to accommodate personal and family obligations, with their health and happiness being taken into consideration at all times. They bring their children to work. They are frequently given food and supplements at no cost. And they are happy – this is clearly reflected in the way that customers are treated - with genuine warmth from the moment you walk through the door. They are leaders in their HR practices and definitely deserve recognition as the Small Business BC Best Employer for 2011!


Canadian Trade Mission: WBENC 2011 Conference

Women business owners from across Canada (WEConnect certified and non-certified) are invited to join a trade mission to the WBENC 2011 conference in Las Vegas from June 20-23, 2011 where more than 3,000 women business-owners and 350 trade show exhibitors including major corporations are expected to attend. This is a do-not-miss event with fantastic networking, forward-looking workshops, and keynote speakers. Full conference information is available at www.wbenc.org .
 

 

January 2011 News


NEW RELEASE: Growing Your Business Resource Guide!


This guide provides tools to help you decide what growth means to you, how to ready yourself for change, and how to become a strategist – thinking about where you really want your business to grow and how to get there. It will give you key pointers on subjects that women who have expanded their businesses have identified as critical to their growth. Along the way, you will meet inspirational BC women who share their own personal experiences.


Download your free copy here!


Small Business Accelerator


Small businesses across British Columbia now have a free, comprehensive resource to boost their business-planning efforts and foster an online community of information and support. The Small Business Accelerator is a new gateway to business information for entrepreneurs throughout the province.

A highlight of the SBA is its range of research guides that provide tailored information for specific industries. The site features 36 in-depth guides, developed with the expertise of UBC business librarians and library students, which cover sectors ranging from alternative energy to Web development, landscaping to restaurant retailing, and much more.


BC Aboriginal Business Awards Celebrate Excellence in Entrepreneurship

As the first true entrepreneurs in British Columbia, First Nations developed the economy, expanded on local and foreign trade and led the way in managing available resources. Throughout history they have continued to pursue that entrepreneurial spirit, but only in recent years has it been acknowledged and awarded.

Last month the British Columbia Aboriginal Business Awards, founded by the British Columbia Achievement Foundation, held its third annual ceremony to celebrate aboriginal entrepreneurs across the province.

“From small start-ups to mega businesses we are here to recognize the expanding and important role of aboriginal business in our economy, in our communities, in our lands,” acknowledged Keith Mitchell, QC, Chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation.

 

Long time entrepreneur, Dolly Watts was honoured as an aboriginal woman who has played an important role in her community and in inspiring other women. At age 49, Watts went to university; at age 57 she started a catering business; at 60 she opened her restaurant Liliget Feast House. And at age 69, she won the Gold Medal in an Iron Chef competition in Vancouver. Most recently she co-authored an award winning book with her daughter: Where People Feast: An Indigenous People's Cookbook. Dolly was featured in our original Starting Your Business resource guide.

Watts knows that it’s never too late to follow your dream: “I hope that everyone who wants to go into business will see that they too can do it.” She received the BC Aboriginal Business Award for Individual Achievement.

Following in her footsteps is Sharon Bond, another aboriginal entrepreneur who made her vision into reality just five years ago. After demand increased for her bannock, she expanded her small catering business and opened Kekuli Café Aboriginal Foods and Catering in Kelowna. “My whole goal for Kekuli is to bring aboriginal food into the millennium and to have Kekuli Cafes across Canada.”

Upon receiving her award for Business of the Year – ten or more person enterprise, Bond shouted to the audience, “Don’t panic, there’ll be bannock all across Canada!” Her message exemplifies what the awards are all about; the pursuit and achievement of an entrepreneurial dream.

Those same sentiments were shared by Premier Gordon Campbell, who took the stage to commemorate the recipients. “We should remember that achievement is what really set’s the example. Achievement is what drives young people forward, it’s what drives new dreams across our province and across our country".


 

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