Feature Articles

Franchising: What you Need to Consider

When the business model is finely tuned and operating nearly to perfection, many entrepreneurs come to the conclusion that they should clone it. Yes, they believe, franchising may be the ideal solution and that this opportunity is bound for greatness. But is it? Will there be a market for someone to invest and replicate this fine enterprise with a proven system and profitable return?

In The News

Fundraiser Celebrates Canada's Leading Ladies




An elegant home provided an intimate setting as invited guests gathered to honour two of Canada's leading ladies at a recent fundraising event in Kelowna on October 10.

Mrs. Laureen Harper, wife of Prime Minister Steven Harper, joined Jean Paré, founder of the Company's Coming cookbooks in speaking at a "women helping women" event to raise funds for the Kelowna Women's Shelter and Women's Enterprise Centre.

Client of the Month

Victoria Carr - Breath Spa

Victoria Carr, owner of Breathe Spa in Vancouver reaps the rewards of her hard work everyday when she sees her clients with glowing skin and big smiles. Being able to observe the direct effect that her business has on her clients is what keeps her driven in a very competitive industry.

"Our philosophy is to treat our guests as we ourselves would like to be treated. My clients are my compass, and seeing how satisfied they are after visiting us lets me know that I’m on the right
track with the business,” says Carr.

Become a Mentor or Mentee this Fall!

This fall will mark the third year of Women's Enterprise Centre’s Mentoring Program and we’re looking for more women to become mentors and mentees than ever before!

We are proud to continue offering free mentoring opportunities to women who are in the first three years of operating their business. If you are one of these women and would like to have the knowledge and support of a mentor, then please apply today!
If you are a woman with five years business experience or equivalent and you value giving back to your community, then becoming a mentor and helping another woman to succeed could be the volunteer opportunity you’ve been looking for!

To find out more about eligibility or to apply, please click here
or contact Sara Couper, Mentoring Coordinator at 1-800-643-7014 ext:201.

Congratulations, Laurel Douglas,
CEO of Women's Enterprise Centre

On September 20, 2009, the Economic Development Association of BC (EDABC) presented the 2009 MNP Meyers Norris Penny Economic Development Awards at BC's Economic Development Conference in Vancouver. The award recognize individuals and groups that produce outstanding work in economic development that has made a difference in their communities in BC.

"Rescue My Business" Casting Call

Vancouver based CoLor Picture Films (CPF) is currently developing a reality TV series called Rescue My Business which features struggling women entrepreneurs. CPF is looking for entrepreneurs who have been in business for a minimum of 18 months and have had relative success but are struggling with challenges that are stunting your growth and development.

Maybe you don’t know how to get to the next level and need serious help with sales and marketing. Perhaps you are concerned that your business partnership is no longer working. Are there any upcoming opportunities that could advance your business but you don’t know how to approach them? Are you on the verge of closure but are desperate and passionate about turning things around? This series is hosted by an expert business coach who works directly with women entrepreneurs and guarantees success. You must be willing to appear on camera in a short, non-broadcast demo. You will receive business coaching during the shoot which will take approximately one day of your time.

If any of these descriptions fits you, please contact CPF at info@colorpix.ca

Beyond Pink Conference

Young Women in Business is holding its annual personal and professional development conference, Beyond P!nk, on November 13 and 14 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver.

This unique, high-impact and eco-friendly conference will create a space for young women to engage in intimate workshops, partake in interactive roundtable discussions, engage with industry professionals, build lasting personal connections, and celebrate inspirational women in business.

For More information click here

Investigating immigrant and non-immigrant businesses in Kelowna research project

If you have been operating a business in Kelowna since 1990, please participate in this research by C. Teixeira, Associate Professor of Geography, UBC Okanagan.
For more information click here

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Events and Happenings

Women's Enterprise Centre Sponsored & Hosted Events

Focused Marketing - Targeted Effort, Tangible Results, Four Parts
Thurs, Oct. 29, 9am – 12pm (Part 1)
For more information click here

Moving Up! Business Growth Strategies
4230 Gateway Drive, Whistler
Thurs, Oct. 22, 8:30am – 12:30pm
For more information click here

Around the Province

Emerging Leaders Event
Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver
Thurs, Oct. 29, 9am - 1:30pm
For more information click here

Beyond Pink Conference
Marriot Renaissance, Vancouver
Fri, Nov. 13 – Sat, Nov. 14
For more information click here

Innovasion 2009
Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre
Wed, Nov. 18, 10am – 6pm
For more information click here

Taking the Stage, 2-day Course
Vancouver
Wed, Nov. 18 - Thurs, Nov. 19
For more information click here

Taking the Stage, 2-day Course
Vancouver
Thurs, Dec. 3 - Fri, Dec. 4
For more information click here

The Art of Customer Service - Influence with Ease Seminar
Hliton Vancouver Metrotown
6083 McKay Ave., Burnaby
Thurs, Nov. 19, 9am – 4:30pm
For more information click here

The Minerva Foundation's Women in Food Event
Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver
Weds, Dec. 2, 12pm - 2pm
For more information click here

RBC Canadian Women Entreprenuer Awards Gala
Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto
Tues, Dec. 8, 5:30pm - 10pm
For more information click here

Small Business BC Seminars - Vancouver
All Year - at Waterfront Station, 82-601 West Cordova
For more information click here

Business EBC Seminars - Vancouver
All Year - Tuesdays at Waterfront Station, 82-601 West Cordova
For more information click here