The Wachiay Friendship Centre has been delivering a series of 12 workshops for aboriginal and non-aboriginal women in business, as well as those women aspiring to get into business.

The course advisers have also been continuing one-on-one mentoring with workshop attendees, and other interested parties who, because of family or work issues, may not have been able to attend the workshops.

With the first intake close to completion, the Blueprint for Success held a networking evening, with guest speakers including women already in business offering their advice and insight. The Chamber of Commerce was also present and delivered an overview of their programs and events.

鈥淭he evening was a great success,鈥� says Lisa Wood, assistant co-ordinator of Wachiay Business Programs. 鈥淚t was a full house, and everyone got a lot from hearing first hand experiences (both good and bad), of women in business in the Comox Valley region.鈥�

Wachiay鈥檚 Blueprint for Success: Women Entrepreneurial Program is gearing up for its next intake, starting Sept. 15. There is no charge for attendees.

As well, Wachiay provides child care assistance. With seats filling quickly, interested parties should contact Lisa Wood at lisa@wachiay.com or 250-338-7793.

鈥淲e are very proud of this innovative workshop and mentoring program we have created,鈥� cites Jay Silverberg, co-ordinator of Wachiay Business Programs. 鈥淲e deal with business advice on a very 鈥榮treet smart 鈥� no rose coloured glasses鈥� approach, and focus down on what it takes to get into business, grow your business, and succeed in business.

"We cover both the rewards, and the risks, providing a balanced approach in a highly user-friendly style. This includes all of our guest speakers as well.鈥�

Wachiay is also planning to shortly launch a web-based workshop series, for those who cannot attend, but are still interested in entrepreneurship. This will go hand-in-hand with the mentoring (one-on-one) program.

The introduction HD video can be viewed through Wachiay鈥檚 website at www.wachiay.org.

鈥� Wachiay Friendship Centre