Welcome, Land acknowledgment, Witness Program Introduction.

Women entrepreneurs are driving some of Canada’s most dynamic business growth—but the way they approach financing often looks different from what traditional lending models expect. This session shines a light on those differences in a practical, actionable way.

Drawing on provincial and national research from across the ecosystem, we’ll explore what the data shows about women’s borrowing patterns, repayment performance, and the creative strategies they use to secure the capital needed to grow. You’ll gain insight into why smaller, more frequent capital draws, flexible household‑based decisions, and relationship‑driven financial behaviours are not signs of risk—but indicators of opportunity.

This session offers financial institutions a clear, evidence‑based picture of where current systems support women entrepreneurs—and where structural gaps still limit access. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how lending practices can evolve to better meet the needs of women‑owned businesses, while strengthening institutional portfolios and uncovering new growth opportunities.

Featuring: 

• Darcy Matheson, Editor in Chief, BC Business Magazine (Facilitator)
• Shannon Pestun, Senior Advisor, Women’s Entrepreneur Knowledge Hub and CEO, Acote Inc.
• Lisa Niemetscheck, Director of Corporate Sponsorship, The Forum
• Siobhan McManus, Regional Manager, Inclusive Entrepreneurship, BDC

This panel brings you directly into the lived experiences of women who have navigated Canada’s lending system—through approvals, declines, and in between. Their stories offer a candid look at what works, what doesn’t, and where financial institutions have meaningful opportunities to evolve.

These firsthand perspectives highlight gaps that traditional lending practices often overlook, while revealing the resilience, creativity, and financial sophistication these entrepreneurs bring to their work. Plus, where development lenders can support bridge the gap. Their experiences are more than anecdotes—they are essential signals for institutions committed to serving under‑represented clients more effectively.

Facilitator: Melanie Rupp, Senior Director, Loans & Advisory Services, WeBC, LinkedIn

Panelists:

• Paula Krawus, Co-founder, Lawyer, Portal Law
• Kirsten Brolin, Founder, Bee Kind Honey Infusions
• Lindsey Sloan, Program Director, Sena College of Massage Therapy

How does a loan program go from zero approvals to over $42.5 million in lending? This session shares the story of the Vancity Women Entrepreneur Loan Program, which began as a pilot in 2020 and faced early setbacks.

Through collaboration with WeBC, Vancity re-examined its approach, making targeted changes that opened doors for women business owners who were struggling to access financing. The partnership didn’t just change lending criteria, it introduced wraparound support, mentorship, and advisory services that met the needs of underrepresented entrepreneurs.

You’ll hear from the lenders who shaped the program, the team members who supported its evolution, and a business owner whose experience illustrates the difference that inclusive lending and holistic support can make.

Part A Featuring:

• Shauna Harper, CEO, WeBC (Facilitator)
• Bill Cunningham, Executive VP, Business & Commercial Banking, Vancity

Part B Featuring:

• Melanie Rupp, Senior Director, Loans & Advisory Services, WeBC (Facilitator)
• Vicky Sharma-Lal, Small and Medium Business Advisor, Vancity
• Ariss Grutter, Cofounder, Awl Together Leather
• Gwen Maddock, CEO/Cofounder, A5 Cleaning Services

If earlier sessions showed what inclusive lending can become, this final panel explores how the work actually begins. Progress is rarely straightforward, and meaningful change often unfolds through experimentation, setbacks, and persistence. Drawing on experiences from financial institutions participating in WeBC’s Fostering Inclusive Economic Growth initiative, panelists will share honest reflections on identifying where lending systems fall short and testing practical changes within existing structures.

The discussion will highlight the role of internal champions, the impact of timing and organizational change, and the operational realities of resourcing, metrics, and staff capacity. The session will conclude with insights into concrete tools, workshops, and supports designed to help institutions take their next steps toward more fair and accessible lending.

Featuring:

• Shauna Harper, CEO, WeBC (Facilitator)
• Melanie Rupp, Senior Director, Loans & Advisory Services, WeBC
• Shannon Pestun, Senior Advisor, Women’s Entrepreneur Knowledge Hub and CEO, Acote Inc.
• Helen Goodwin, Regional Manager, Business Banking at Valley First
• Sandra Rose, Senior Manager, Commercial Services at Integris