Athena Collective and WeBC Announce Community Partnership to Strengthen Support for Women Entrepreneurs Across BC
Partnership unites two leading organizations to expand access to resources, mentorship, and community for self-identifying women founders at every stage of business.
Vancouver, BC – May 4th, 2026
Athena Collective, a membership community and platform dedicated to supporting female founders from idea to post-exit, today announced a new community partnership with WeBC, British Columbia's leading not-for-profit organization for self-identifying women entrepreneurs. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in creating a wider, stronger ecosystem of support for women building businesses across the province.
Both organizations are rooted in the same belief: that when women have the right support around them, incredible things happen. This partnership brings together two communities with deeply aligned values — a shared commitment to breaking down barriers, opening doors, and ensuring that no woman in business has to figure it out alone. By joining forces, Athena Collective and WeBC are expanding what's possible for women founders across the province — more resources, more connections, and more opportunities at every stage of the journey.
For over 30 years, WeBC has been at the forefront of women's entrepreneurship in British Columbia. As the province's leading business resource organization for women, WeBC has provided thousands of entrepreneurs with tailored financing, mentorship, business training, and peer network support, working alongside regional partners to reach women across every corner of BC. Whether a founder is launching a side hustle, scaling an enterprise, or pioneering innovation, WeBC exists to break down barriers and create real opportunities in BC's economy.
“Women entrepreneurs need strong networks to grow resilient, competitive businesses. At WeBC, our role is to connect women to resources and opportunities, with our Pollinators helping us extend that support across communities and regions. Our partnership with Athena Collective reflects a shared commitment to strengthening those connections where women often face gaps. Together, we’re making it easier for women entrepreneurs to access the support they need to grow.” – Shauna Harper, CEO of WeBC
Athena Collective is a platform, community, and ecosystem for women founders built to support every stage of the journey. Smart technology, curated resources and workshops, and online and in-person communities work together to give every member the roadmap, tools, and connections she needs to build smarter and grow faster. Whether a founder is on day one of her journey or building toward a lasting legacy, Athena Collective is there to help her move forward — on her own terms.
"We believe that when the right communities find each other, incredible things happen. WeBC has spent three decades building something extraordinary for women in business across BC, and we've been building a community that ensures no woman has to navigate that journey alone. Their expertise, their network, and their mission align deeply with ours — and together, we're creating something bigger than either of us could do on our own. This partnership means more women will have exactly what they need to build, grow, and thrive. We couldn't be more excited about what's ahead." – Sarah Bundy, Co-Founder and CEO, Athena Collective.
This partnership is just the beginning. Athena Collective and WeBC are committed to deepening their collaboration and finding new ways to show up for women entrepreneurs across BC. As both communities grow, so too does the network of support available to every female founder navigating her journey. Together, the two organizations look forward to building a future where more women have exactly what they need to succeed — for generations to come.
This partnership is built around WeBC’s Pollinator Program, a province‑wide network that helps connect women entrepreneurs to resources, opportunities, and each other. Pollinators act as peer connectors, extending WeBC’s reach across communities and business sectors where access to support can otherwise be limited so entrepreneurs in every region of BC can access WeBC’s federally-funded programs. Partnering with Athena Collective complements this work by broadening the networks women can draw on as they grow their businesses. Together, the organizations are strengthening how women entrepreneurs find and use support across BC.
About Athena Collective
Athena Collective is the strategic infrastructure designed for every female founder, from day one to exit. Built as a personalized roadmap that evolves with members, the organization provides the right resources, connections, and guidance at every stage. Athena Collective combines smart technology, curated resources and workshops, and online and in-person communities to help women start, scale, and exit businesses with clarity, confidence, and control.
About WeBC
WeBC is a not-for-profit organization that has been supporting women business owners across British Columbia for over three decades. Working with regional partners, WeBC has provided thousands of entrepreneurs with business loans, expertise, training, resources, and peer network support. As BC's leading business resource organization for women, WeBC is passionate about supporting women entrepreneurs along their small business journey and empowering them to make an impact in their communities.
Media Contact for Athena
Colby Davidson
Marketing Manager, Athena Collective
marketing@athenacollective.co
Media Contact for WeBC
Chaunda Honkonen
Marketing & Communications Manager, WeBC
communications@we-bc.ca