Coastal Women in Business (CWiB) president Cheri Wilson is excited about small business growth potential in the qathet region and wants to grow the CWiB membership and network.
October 20 to October 26 is Small Business Week in BC. To celebrate, CWiB is hosting a free mixer event on October 24 that brings women together to talk about their passions for work, business, volunteer time or hobbies. Event director Milla Hope Starchik, who is also owner/operator of Ukrainian Soul Foods, said being a member of CWiB has played an important role in her confidence running a small business.
"We encourage people to just give [launching a business] a try," said Starchik. "I started at craft fairs and the Thursday night market."
Now, Starchik has her pierogies and other Ukrainian foods at a few retail locations in town.
"We typically have between 40 and 50 [CWiB members] but we are looking to increase that," said Wilson. "We lowered our membership fee to make sure we are reaching everyone, including startups, or those who want to start a business."
At the CWiB mixer the theme will be: Share your passion.
"We're seeing more people moving and starting their own businesses here," said Wilson. "This is a time of opportunity, because we don't have the mill anymore, and that leaves a big opening for people to do something different and think outside the box."
Wilson and Starchik said the mixer and CWiB membership isn't just for women business owners, but also for women who might be remote workers who want to meet people. Although both are excited for the future of business in qathet, housing availability/affordability is top of mind.
"We all experience some of the same trials and tribulations in life, like, how do you be a successful business person and have a successful home life?" said Starchik. "But if families can't find a place to live, how are they going to do business here?"
To RSVP to the CWiB mixer, which takes place from 6 to 8:30 pm at First Credit Union, or to register to participate in the Artisan and Entrepreneur Show at Powell River Royal Canadian Legion on November 2, go to coastalwib.com/events.
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