Bernice shares her experiences about growing and succeeding in business. View videos here>

Read more about the experiences, lessons and successes of Women's Enterprise Centre clients and guest speakers. Go back to Women's Stories main page>

Bernice Davidson,
Former Owner Support Services Unlimited

Like many entrepreneurs, Bernice was savvy enough to know she’d make more money as a business owner than as an employee. Having watched her husband build his own business inspired her to move from secretary, to partner and then to owner of the office support business where she worked.

Once in charge, Bernice looked ahead. She saw a workplace where personal computers would drastically impact a business like hers. She found a niche to fill: providing administrative support to non-profit, volunteer based, membership organizations that don’t need full time support staff but want to present a professional face to their members and the world. Success soon followed, and Support Services Unlimited became the largest provider of association management services in Vancouver.

When it came time to retire, Bernice once again looked ahead. She wanted the business to continue to provide, both for her clients and herself. She determined how to systemize her services so that the business could function without her, and then she sold in 1998. Support Services Unlimited continues to thrive under its new owner Deanna Denham, with a support staff including a bookkeeper, 5 full-time and 2 part-time employees.

Now Bernice has time to look back and indulges in her twin passions for writing and personal history. She is also an active volunteer for The Canadian Women Voters Congress, the Canadian Club of Vancouver, Association of Personal Historians and Lions Gate Palliative Care.

Go back to Women's Stories main page