In January of 2017, Guelda had just moved to Chilliwack and didn’t find another networking group that resonated with her, so she started her own.
Her favourite previous groups had been women-only, because the reality is that men network quite differently from the way women do. As women, we are much more relational, and we network with our hearts, not our wallets. We enjoy our time spent chatting and getting to know each other, and some amazing friendships have formed in this group.
Another decision was to keep the meetings business exclusive. We are very protective to ensure that our meetings are about collaboration and working together rather than competing. We also strive to keep the meetings intimate and at a size where we still feel we can connect; we try to stay under 15 women in a meeting.
Another important piece of our group is not allowing negativity into our meetings. We don’t mean that we are not able to have a bad day and talk about it, but rather, we want to make sure our meetings are a safe and inclusive space for all women in business, so we do not allow any negativity around another woman or businesses. We encourage everyone to share about their own business, but comparisons by bashing another business are not allowed. If there are any disputes or issues, anyone is welcome to connect with Guelda.
The name has changed twice, from Chilliwack Women’s Business Network to Fraser Valley Women’s Business Network, and finally to BC Women’s Business Network.
While the group started in-person meetings in Chilliwack, we did have members from Abbotsford and Coquitlam. During COVID, we went online, and more women from other communities joined our online meetings. Once we were able to return to in-person meetings, our new chapters in several communities and with their own chapter leaders started to form.
Our growth was quick, and we now have chapters in
· Chilliwack
· Abbotsford
· Mission
· Langley
· Surrey
· Tri-Cities
· Vancouver
· Nanaimo
· Victoria
· Kamloops
· Cariboo (100-mile house)
· Prince George
As we grow, we are helping more women learn about their own abilities and helping them realize what they can accomplish. In a world where we are often the hardest on ourselves, not believing what we are capable of, our group is here to bring together women to support and encourage each other. Like many other networking groups, we are all about building relationships where amazing joint ventures, referral partners, and collaborations can be formed. We are not about making sales or building our teams, but rather about cheering each other on, sharing information, teaching skills, learning from each other, and celebrating each success, even the small ones. As we grow to know, like, and trust each other, each woman knows that our meetings are a safe place where they can grow, contribute, flourish, and surpass their own expectations.
For many of us the thought of going to a networking event fills us with anxiety about what is expected. What do I say, Who do I talk to? What if no one talks to me?
Build amazing relationships with like-minded women who you come to know, like and trust. Our meetings are business exclusive, so no competition at the meeting. Our group is full of amazing, supportive, and encouraging women who are there to share knowledge and help each other grow.
By committing as a member you become a constant in our meetings and therefore a constant in our minds. The more you attend, the more you learn and the more relationships you forge. These relationships lead to amazing joint ventures and collaborations where together with other members you grow your network and expand your client-base. Not to mention member pricing.
You’ve got questions. We've got answers.
Feel free to email us with any other questions (info@bcwomensbusinessnetwork.com)
We have four options for memberships. If you would like to pay for meetings as you attend, you can pay the non-member fee, but if you want to grow your business and need consistency, then you should choose the membership that works best for you. If you are unsure and would like to chat, please book a "get to know you" call.
We have a membership option for everyone.
Three membership questions and agreeing to the group rules are required to join. This online community is free, but the real magic happens in our meetings. With membership you also get access to an exclusive members only group.
There are 4 options for membership. They vary depending on what you want out of it. Each membership gives more value and if you are hoping to grow this year then I would highly suggest the Business Innovator Membership. But check them all out to see what fits for you. https://www.bcwomensbusinessnetwork.com/memberships-plans
We have several women with the same business in our group, but only one woman per business in our in-person or virtual meetings. Make sure that you purchase your spot early to secure it. Our registration portal is here.
No, absolutely not. You will hear about the benefits of membership but if you are happy paying the non-member fees, you are welcome to join us.
"Guelda has established a very professional and supportive group of women in business. We empower each other to be the best versions of ourselves. My business is stronger because of the BCWBN!"