Beacon: Advancing Growth in Nanaimo

11/22/2025

This will be such a great event with Kelly McBride from Community Futures Central Vancouver Island presenting.

Another way to get involved in your community.

Tickets can be purchase by clicking below 👇🏼

Get your tickets now! 🎟️✨

Join us Nov 26 at Nanaimo Golf Club for an inspiring session with Kelly McBride from — all about turning your ideas into real opportunities.

🔥 What you’ll gain:
• Learn how to unlock funding + financing options
• Get practical steps to strengthen your strategy
• Discover how to build partnerships that open doors
• Connect with a community of women who want to see you win

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, you’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and real tools to grow your business.

Let’s learn, connect, and rise together! 💛🤝

WomenSupportingWomen NanaimoEvents

11/20/2025

✨ What an incredible morning! ✨
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Part 2 of the BEACON Series — a collaborative breakfast event hosted by the Nanaimo Women’s Business Network, the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Vancouver Island.

This morning’s conversations were real, honest, and packed with insight. Our panel dug into some of the biggest issues shaping Nanaimo — housing affordability, the impact of remote work, transportation growth, business resilience, and the opportunities hidden in our under-used assets. It was thoughtful, gritty, and exactly the dialogue our community needs more of.

Huge thank-you to our incredible speakers, partners, volunteers, and all of you who came out bright and early ready to learn, question, and connect. 💛
Your energy is what makes these events powerful.

Swipe through the photos for a look at the morning — and stay tuned for Part 3 of the BEACON Series coming in early 2026! 🌟

11/19/2025

📢 Calling all entrepreneurs, business owners & growth-minded professionals!

Join us for Part 2 of the BEACON Series: Business Growth & Entrepreneurship in Nanaimo

🗓 Thursday, November 20 2025 | 🕖 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
📍 Nanaimo Golf Club – 2800 Highland Blvd, Nanaimo, BC V9S 3N8
🎟 Grab your ticket now: https://www.nanaimowbn.com/event-details-registration/part-2-business-growth-and-entrepreneurship-in-nanaimo

🔍 What’s on the agenda?

Insightful discussion on Nanaimo’s entrepreneurial landscape — what’s working, what’s changing & what’s next

Expert panel sharing real-life stories of resilience, growth and collaboration

Practical strategies you can implement now to overcome barriers, access resources and scale your business

This event is open to all — whether you are just starting out, scaling up, or looking to connect with other local business leaders.

✨ Why attend?

Network with fellow entrepreneurs and growth-oriented professionals

Gain actionable tools and ideas specific to our region

Be part of a community that’s shaping the future of business in Nanaimo

📌 Space is limited. Secure your spot today!
🔗 Register here: https://www.nanaimowbn.com/event-details-registration/part-2-business-growth-and-entrepreneurship-in-nanaimo

➡ Want to bring a colleague? Share this post and invite someone new. See you there!

This BEACON session focuses on the resilience and adaptability of Nanaimo’s business community. Explore the current entrepreneurial climate, hear from confirmed panel experts, and gain practical strategies for overcoming barriers, accessing resources, and fostering collaboration.

11/15/2025

🚀 Part 2 – Business Growth & Entrepreneurship in Nanaimo

Thursday, Nov 20 | 7:00 a.m.
hosted at the Nanaimo Golf Club

Join us for the next instalment of the BEACON series — a powerful morning exploring Nanaimo’s entrepreneurial climate with expert panelists, practical strategies to overcome barriers, access resources, and collaborate for growth. 

👥 Network with local business leaders.
📈 Gain tools to scale, adapt and thrive.
🎟 Limited tickets — secure your spot today!

Tickets available here:

https://www.nanaimowbn.com/event-details-registration/part-2-business-growth-and-entrepreneurship-in-nanaimo

This BEACON session focuses on the resilience and adaptability of Nanaimo’s business community. Explore the current entrepreneurial climate, hear from confirmed panel experts, and gain practical strategies for overcoming barriers, accessing resources, and fostering collaboration.

10/31/2025

🌟 Panel Speaker Spotlight: Colin Stansfield 🌟

We’re thrilled to welcome Colin Stansfield, CEO of the Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation (NPC), to the panel for Part Two of the BEACON Economic Development Series – Business Growth & Entrepreneurship in Nanaimo.

As CEO of NPC, Colin spearheads the organization’s mission to build a thriving and resilient economy at the forefront of innovation in community and economic development. With a wealth of experience across both private and public sectors, he is recognized for developing and implementing purpose-driven strategies that strengthen communities and foster long-term prosperity.

✨ Why Colin’s Voice Matters:
Colin brings a holistic approach to business growth—one that connects economic opportunity with community well-being and sustainability. His commitment to creating “win-win-win” outcomes promotes shared prosperity, social justice, and environmental stewardship, while driving the systemic changes needed to support a more inclusive and future-ready local economy.

📌 About Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation (NPC):
NPC is a collaborative initiative focused on advancing Nanaimo’s economic potential through innovation, partnership, and community leadership. By connecting local government, business, and community stakeholders, NPC ensures that Nanaimo’s growth reflects both economic ambition and social responsibility.
👉 Learn more: www.nanaimoprosperity.com

📅 Join us November 20, 2025 at the Nanaimo Golf Club for this engaging discussion on entrepreneurship, inclusion, and the future of business in Nanaimo.

🎟 Register now:
https://www.nanaimowbn.com/event-details-registration/part-2-business-growth-and-entrepreneurship-in-nanaimo

10/29/2025

🌟 PANEL SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: LIETTE MASSÉ 🌟

We’re proud to welcome Liette Massé, Executive Director of the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce and Acting CEO of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, as our next panel guest for Part Two of the BEACON Series: Business Growth & Entrepreneurship in Nanaimo.

With over 20 years of experience in community and economic development, event management, and stakeholder engagement, Liette brings a wealth of leadership and insight to the table. She’s known for building strong partnerships, fostering collaboration, and creating programs that help businesses and communities thrive.

At the Chamber, Liette leads strategic initiatives that support local entrepreneurs, strengthen business networks, and advance regional economic growth across Parksville and Nanaimo. Her career also includes senior roles at Vancouver Island University, Parks Canada, and in municipal government, where she’s consistently championed teamwork, innovation, and connection.

✨ Liette’s perspective is key to this conversation — bridging education, business, and community development — and showing how collaboration fuels sustainable growth across Vancouver Island.

📅 Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
📍 Location: Nanaimo Golf Club
🎟 Tickets: $35
🔗 Register Here
https://www.nanaimowbn.com/event-details-registration/part-2-business-growth-and-entrepreneurship-in-nanaimo

Join us for an inspiring morning that shines a light on how partnership and leadership shape the future of business in our region.

10/26/2025

🌟 Panel Speaker Spotlight: Trevor Cootes (Hiiyiqhsath) 🌟

We’re honoured to welcome Trevor Cootes, Founder & CEO of Cootes (Hiiyiqhsath) Consulting Corp and President of Indigenous Economic Pathways (IEP), to the panel for Part Two of the BEACON Economic Development Series – Business Growth & Entrepreneurship in Nanaimo.

With over 25 years of experience in Indigenous economic development, reconciliation, and partnership building, Trevor has led transformative initiatives across forestry, tourism, technology, housing, and the blue economy. His leadership has empowered Indigenous entrepreneurs, advanced reconciliation, and built collaborations that strengthen communities across BC.

✨ Why Trevor’s Voice Matters:
Trevor’s leadership ensures that Indigenous voices and perspectives are at the heart of conversations about entrepreneurship and community growth. From his work on the Huu-ay-aht First Nation Executive Council to his role as Vice President of the BC Indigenous Housing Society, Trevor has consistently championed strategies that balance reconciliation, innovation, and sustainable development.

📌 About Indigenous Economic Pathways (IEP):
IEP is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to amplifying Indigenous participation in key sectors including forestry, tourism, technology, and the blue economy. Through initiatives like the Indigenous Forestry Conference and other collaborative events, IEP fosters innovation, partnership, and actionable solutions that create long-lasting impacts for Indigenous communities.
👉 Learn more: www.iepathways.ca

📅 Join us November 20, 2025 at the Nanaimo Golf Club for this important conversation on business growth and entrepreneurship in Nanaimo.
🎟 Register now: NWBN BEACON Series – Part 2: https://www.nanaimowbn.com/event-details-registration/part-2-business-growth-and-entrepreneurship-in-nanaimo

10/22/2025

🌟 PANEL SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT: JULIE SPERBER 🌟

We’re thrilled to welcome Julie Sperber, CEO of the The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA), as our first panel guest for Part Two of the BEACON Series: Business Growth & Entrepreneurship in Nanaimo.

Julie is a connector, entrepreneur, and community builder whose career spans international hospitality, small business ownership, and nonprofit leadership. Since 2017, she’s been driving economic development and community-led initiatives across Vancouver Island, applying an entrepreneurial mindset to strategic management and systems change.

She’s known for turning bold ideas into action—identifying opportunities, aligning resources, and building partnerships that create real impact. Under her leadership at VIEA, she’s championed collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, recognizing that inclusive partnerships are essential to a sustainable future.

Julie will help us tackle some of the big questions shaping Nanaimo’s future:

💡 How can we tap into the hidden assets of our local economy?
🤝 What does true collaboration across sectors really look like?
🚀 What bold moves can break down barriers to growth?

📅 Date: November 20, 2025
📍 Location: Nanaimo Golf Club
🔗 Register Here: https://www.nanaimowbn.com/event-details-registration/part-2-business-growth-and-entrepreneurship-in-nanaimo

This conversation will spark new ideas, highlight opportunities, and inspire bold action. Don’t miss it.

10/20/2025

This will be a good one!

From wildfires to global crises, Jenn Houtby-Ferguson has been on the front lines. At our October Dinner, she’ll share the strategies every leader needs to protect their business.

10/18/2025

Another great event being put on by Canadian Home Builders' Association - Vancouver Island!

Check it out.

SAVE THE DATE- registration opening soon!

10/17/2025

Part 2: Business Growth and Entrepreneurship in Nanaimo
Thu, Nov 20 | Nanaimo Golf Club
This BEACON session focuses on the resilience and adaptability of Nanaimo’s business community. Explore the current entrepreneurial climate, hear from confirmed panel experts, and gain practical strategies for overcoming barriers, accessing resources, and fostering collaboration.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.nanaimowbn.com/event-details-registration/part-2-business-growth-and-entrepreneurship-in-nanaimo

10/16/2025

Nanaimo is evolving fast — and so is the way we do business.

Join us for Part 2 of the BEACON Series: Business Growth and Entrepreneurship in Nanaimo, where community leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers will tackle the big questions:

✅ How do we challenge old assumptions and build a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem?
🌿 How can we unlock hidden economic assets and support inclusive, diverse entrepreneurship?
🤝 What does true collaboration between government, Indigenous communities, businesses, and financial institutions look like?
⚡ How can small businesses build resilience and innovation in a changing economy?
🎓 What skills and mindsets will drive the next generation of entrepreneurs?

This isn’t just another event — it’s a conversation that shapes the future of business in Nanaimo. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, policymaker, or community builder, your voice matters.

📅 Date: November 20, 2025, 7am - 9am
📍 Location: Nanaimo Golf Club
🔗 Register here: https://www.nanaimowbn.com/event-details-registration/part-2-business-growth-and-entrepreneurship-in-nanaimo

This BEACON session focuses on the resilience and adaptability of Nanaimo’s business community. Explore the current entrepreneurial climate, hear from confirmed panel experts, and gain practical strategies for overcoming barriers, accessing resources, and fostering collaboration.