Funding for Women’s Enterprise Centre is provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), which created the Women’s Enterprise Initiative (WEI) in 1994/1995 to address barriers faced by women in starting and expanding their businesses.

The objectives of the WEI were to establish a resource for women’s enterprise in each of the four Western Canadian provinces, and to assist in the expansion and diversification of the Western Canadian economy.

The mandate of the WEI organizations is to encourage women to start and expand businesses, encourage self-employment and business development and to promote economic equality between men and women.

Support from WD enables the four provincial organizations to provide enhanced business services to women entrepreneurs, including:

• Business Advisory Services
• Lending
• Information Services and Referrals
• Training and Business Skills Development
• Networking and Mentoring

Western Economic Diversification Canada's mandate is to promote the development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada and to advance the interests of the West in national economic policy.  WD fulfills its mandate through these programs and activities:

• Innovation
• Economic Development
• Business Development

Women's Enterprise Initiatives in Western Canada

No other organization in Canada compares with the WEI experience. With extensive knowledge and understanding of issues faced by women entrepreneurs, WEI’s provide the support required to effectively build women’s business capacity.

Women's Enterprise Centre We are BC's leading resource for women entrepreneurs, offering personalized business guidance, small business resources, skills development to help you succeed; empowerment lending to start or grow your business; networking connections, and events.

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (A.W.E.) Interactive events and workshops, business advising and loans designed to help you take action to grow your business. more ...

Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. (W.E.) Business advisory, development workshops, seminar and lending services that focus on entrepreneurial skills and business publications. more ...

Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba (WEC) Offering business services in three key areas: training, advice and loans for business start-up and growth. more ...

BC Business Services Network

In BC, Women’s Enterprise Centre works with other organizations, which are funded by Western Economic Diversification Canada to provide assistance to small businesses across the province. Download brochure that explains each partner's services.

Small Business BC Small Business BC provides entrepreneurs with the information and guidance necessary to build a solid foundation for their business. Through a wide range of products, services,education and resources, there's a peice that fits with every business. more ...

Community Futures Development Corporation of BC The CFDABC promotes, coordinates and facilitates community economic development initiatives more...

Francophone Economic Development Organization La Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB) est l'organisme qui porte le dossier du développement économique communautaire (DÉC) francophone en Colombie-Britannique, en plus de son mandat original de services aux entreprises. more...

Partnerships with Women's Business Organizations

Women’s Enterprise Centre works with women's busines networks and women's organizations throughout BC to bring entrepreneurs together to learn and network. Click here to view women's business links in BC and Canada.