Experience. Learn. Grow. Dance! This is precisely what Bravo Dance Co. aims to do in Martensville, SK, and surrounding area. Owner and founder, Meagan Barabash, has not only danced for more than two decades, but has won many awards, and received her fine arts credits that facilitate not only her fulfilling dance instruction but also her passion for the arts.

Meagan has always been passionate about dance and making a difference in people’s lives. By fusing these two passions together, Meagan created the BDC dance family. A space that is supportive, encouraging, and designed to facilitate the growth and learning of young people has always been a dream of Meagan’s.

After teaching dance in Saskatoon and the surrounding area, Meagan experienced many perspectives within the dance studio. She was able to see the studio from the
dancer’s perspective, the instructors’ perspective, and the parent’s perspective. There were distinct gaps in many studios and systems. This was something Meagan knew she could address.

Additionally, dance had a significant role in Meagan’s life growing up, and she knew that she had the ability and the drive to create an incredible experience for other dancers, families, and the community alike.

In addition to the gaps in the dance world, Meagan felt she could specifically improve upon, she also has a strong desire for helping to make a difference in people’s lives.
Always looking for ways to give back, Meagan decided in late 2010 to take her philanthropic activities to a new level and utilize the platform that the Miss Teen Canada-World organization provides its girls. Winning the title of Miss Teen Saskatchewan – World 2011, Meagan was able to greatly impact the lives of many children, raising money for charity, organizing and executing community events, bringing awareness to her platform of self- love and acceptance, and more. Her zest for community and social support has stuck with Meagan and played a significant role in her business plan for BDC.

In addition to the aforementioned experience Meagan has in the dance world, she also graduated from the Edward’s School of Business gaining her Bachelor of Commerce degree with Great Distinction in 2016.

About Bravo Dance Co.

Bravo Dance Co. provides more than just great dance instruction in Martensville. The team has created an impeccable reputation built on personal service and dedication to their students and families. Bravo Dance Co. has become a business the community trusts to instill in their children dance skills, but also qualities that will lead to success in all areas of their lives.

BDC has shown their commitment to their students by going above and beyond in all aspects of the business operations. Passion, transparency, dedication, and adaptability have proven BDC’s excellent customer service and resulted in the success of the business.

With classes in everything from Tap to Ballet to Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, and even Ukrainian dance, BDC has something for everyone ages 18 months through to adulthood.

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Three other female business leaders to be recognized with Entrepreneur Awards on May 23, 2018.

For Immediate Release, May 23, 2018

REGINA SK – Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Hillberg & Berk Rachel Mielke today became the first recipient of Women Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan’s (WESK) Celebration of Achievement Award. WESK is highlighting the province’s female business leaders at its inaugural Celebration of Achievement Gala & Entrepreneur Awards in Regina.

WESK’s Celebration of Achievement Award pays tribute to an exceptional female entrepreneur who has built a business in Saskatchewan with a significant impact on the economy and the community.

“We are thrilled to announce that WESK’s first Celebration of Achievement Award is presented to Hillberg & Berk’s Rachel Mielke,” WESK CEO Prabha Mitchell said.

“Hillberg & Berk continues to make waves across the country and indeed the world, from its seasonal collections which celebrate women’s achievement and the beauty of the Canadian landscape to sparkle balls for all Canadian Football League teams, and designing custom rings for Canada’s Olympic Athletes to creating two custom brooches for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Rachel is an inspirational leader and a true role model for women in business in Saskatchewan and beyond.”

Mielke notes that empowering women has always been at the heart of Hillberg & Berk.

“When I started the company I was passionate about empowering women and figuring out how we could do more for the women who buy our product than just sell them beautiful jewellery,” Mielke said. “We’ve worked diligently to feature and tell the stories of incredibly inspiring women. The birth of my own daughter pushed me even further in that direction to really focus on equality and women’s empowerment and making that a core part of our business in everything that we do at Hillberg & Berk.”

In addition to the Celebration of Achievement Award, WESK will also present three other awards to recognize outstanding Saskatchewan female business leaders in the following categories: Emerging Entrepreneur, Innovator, and Growth & Expansion.

The Emerging Entrepreneur Award will be presented to a female entrepreneur who has built a strong, scalable business foundation and has achieved early success with strong market potential. The finalists for this award are: Meagan Barabash (Bravo Dance Co.); Jeanny Buan (Viahera Canada); and, Heather Murphy (Authentically: Business and Life Solutions)

The Innovator Award will be presented to a female entrepreneur who has built an innovation or technology-based business and has achieved early success with strong market potential. The finalists for this award are: Caitlin Barlas, Julie Gryba, and Bailey Wilmot (The Local Kitchen); Brooke Longpre (Sound Solar Systems Inc.); and, Jackie Martin (Viking Innovations Ltd.)

The Growth & Expansion Award will be presented to a female entrepreneur who has built a solid foundation for her business and is now experiencing rapid growth and significant expansion opportunity for her business by strengthening her leadership capacity and developing new market opportunities. The finalists for this award are: Connie Buchanan (Zoom Zoom Groom, PreZoomably Cats, and Apex Academy); Colleen Haussecker (Canadian Organic Spice & Herb Co. Inc.); and, Jordana Jacobson (Cravings Maternity-Baby-Kids)

“The Celebration of Achievement Gala & Entrepreneur Awards is the only event of its kind in Saskatchewan that brings together female entrepreneurs with representatives from government, industry, media, and educational institutions to celebrate the outstanding contributions of inspiring female entrepreneurs,” Mitchell said.

 

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For more information:

 

Katelyn Bruce

Marketing & Communications Officer

WESK

DIRECT: 306.260.2931

 

ABOUT WESK

Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan’s (WESK) vision is for all Saskatchewan entrepreneurs have an equal opportunity to achieve success and recognition. Entrepreneurship is a catalyst for independence, economic development, employment, growth, innovation, and equality. For more than 20 years, WESK has worked with hundreds of women, helping them start, purchase and expand businesses. WESK is a non-profit, membership-based organization that provides business advisory and support services; start-up, purchase and expansion lending; mentoring and networking; and a variety of learning opportunities from seminars and webinars to events. Since 1995, WESK has provided more than $30 million in loans and professional advice to women across the province. Together, women entrepreneurs and WESK have shaped and enhanced the Saskatchewan economy. WESK is supported by Western Economic Diversification Canada.

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Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. (WESK) Invests in Indigenous Economic Development in Saskatchewan 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 14, 2018

Saskatoon, SK –

Today, WESK CEO, Prabha Mitchell, highlighted investments of more than $300,000 for the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Program (IWEP) in Saskatchewan, through Western Economic Diversification Canada under their Western Diversification Program (WDP) and other funding sources.

“The launch of the new brand in May 2017 reflected WESK’s commitment to diversity and inclusion,” says CEO of WESK, Prabha Mitchell. “The new brand was to address the needs of every entrepreneur regardless of culture, age, and stage of business growth,” she added.

In collaboration with our strategic partners, WESK will engage and consult with Indigenous women, organizations, communities, chiefs, elders, and other leaders in four communities to identify barriers, deliver training and offer supports including business advising and financing to start or grow a business. The project is intended to develop a best practices model to assist Indigenous women to start/grow a business, employ people in their communities, and fuel economic growth.

“Investing in the capacity of Indigenous women to become successful entrepreneurs will help build a stronger and more inclusive economy in Saskatchewan,” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada. “The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the skills, education and resources Indigenous Peoples need to fully participate in the economy and strengthen their communities.”

“The IWEP was initiated by WESK to foster entrepreneurial capacity amongst Indigenous women and serve as a catalyst for economic growth in Indigenous communities,” says CEO of WESK, Prabha Mitchell. ”Such an undertaking is not feasible without the support and engagement of our partners including the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, the Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation, First Nations University, and FHQ Developments,” she added.

“Working together, we have been able to leverage additional resources from the Government of Saskatchewan and Indigenous Services Canada to support the IWEP,” says Vice Chief Heather Bear. “The Treaty right to livelihood encompasses economic self-sufficiency. The FSIN saw this partnership with WESK as an opportunity to increase the economic self-sufficiency of First Nations women, through entrepreneurship, and thereby improve the well-being of families,” she added.

“Our women are the life givers and caregivers in our Nations,” says Chief Bobby Cameron. “They are the heart and soul of all of our families and communities. When they succeed we all succeed,” he added.

This investment in Saskatchewan was part of an announcement of over $27 million made by Minister Bains on March 13, 2018 at the Songhees Nation in British Columbia, supporting a total of 45 Indigenous projects across Western Canada.

 

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To learn more about the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Program contact:

 

Prabha Mitchell, Hon. CPA, CGA; MSW          Katelyn Bruce
CEO, WESK                                                     Marketing & Communications
108-502 Cope Way                                        108-502 Cope Way
Saskatoon, SK S7T 0G3                                  Saskatoon, SK S7T 0G3
T: 306.477.7173 ext. 281                                 T: 306.477.7173 ext. 286
E: pmitchell@wesk.rbdemo.site                                     E: kbruce@wesk.rbdemo.site

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Written by Lori Jestin-Knaus, Business Advisor & Growth Initiatives Manager, WESK

 

On Feb 1, 2018, Women Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan (WESK) and Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) hosted a panel discussion, Build Your Business: Saskatchewan and Beyond. This event was an opportunity to learn about the business expansion and market access from the panelists, Angela Propp Schmitt, RedWillow Organics; Katherine Regnier, Coconut Software Corporation; Serese Selanders, Kasiel Solutions Inc.; along with moderator, Natasha Vandenhurk, Three Farmers Products.

Think BIG

Participation in export markets enables businesses to expand and grow their operations. Serese Selanders and Angela Propp Schmitt emphasized the need to ‘think big’ in your business. For Katherine Regnier, exporting was a natural step in the progression of her software business.

Serese’s mission is to be a world class company. When Serese was unable to find an appropriate alert device for her father in 2013, the ORA journey began. Kasiel Solutions Inc. develops innovative personal safety products. Kasiel’s first product, ORA, is designed specifically for seniors and lone workers. The ORA is lightweight, discreet, attractive, and leverages Bluetooth through a cellular app for extended range.

 

Angela Propp Schmitt ships her organic products to international suppliers.  RedWillow Organics is a 2,500-acre dedicated organic family farm near Carrot River. The farm produces and processes certified organic cereal grains, forages and oilseeds. An On-Farm Seed Cleaning Plant provides seed cleaning and packaging for the farm production as well as offering custom services.

 

Since 2011, Katherine’s Coconut Software Corporation has quickly become the leading appointment scheduling platform that modernizes the customer experience and increases business results. Coconut Software Corp. provides an enterprise appointment scheduling solution that redefines how customers interact with organizations, while maintaining unparalleled levels of security and compliance.

 

Fortuitous opportunities

As certified organic grower, Angela Propp recognized that the international markets were the only game in town for her operation. In 2012, Angela decided to phone STEP and before she knew it, she was on her way to Germany to attend a tradeshow. Subsequently, Angela attended two German tradeshows where she met potential buyers. Angela discovered that “tradeshows are key but don’t expect to go your first year and get orders.”

For Serese Selanders, she assumed an overseas hardware supplier was the way to go for the development of the components used in her ORA products. Often, the international suppliers can provide cheaper component parts for North American manufacturing companies. Serese found her solution to be Canadian and not international. Her hardware components are developed by a Quebec company.

In tech, Silicon Valley is where you eventually locate your business. Katherine Regnier went to the Silicon Valley to gain knowledge and make valuable connections. She can’t be persuaded to move to the Valley; she dug her heels in and she is committed to staying in Saskatoon. Katherine admits “she took a chance, got on a plane, and something amazing happened” and that is her advice for others. Take advantage of fortuitous opportunities to expand your markets and make those necessary connections. Then bring it back home.

 

Find Your Rockstar

Mentorship and networks are necessary for business development and growth. As a small business owner in Saskatchewan, Katherine found it easy to knock on doors. Approximately two years ago, Katherine expanded and set up an office in Toronto along with employees while maintaining an office in Saskatoon. Katherine soon discovered that management, culture and leadership was complicated and there wasn’t a playbook. Katherine sought out a rockstar in her industry and then asked for introductions. Katherine found her mentor in Toronto. “Mentors are the floodlight while you are fumbling in the dark. Find your market, find your leader and ask for help.”

 

Canadian, eh! Language, culture and business

As her business expands, Serese has found it difficult to build those relationships beyond Saskatchewan and she recognizes that there are cultural differences regionally in Canada and as one would expect, international business can be difficult to maneuver. Serese purposely sets out to make meaningful connections weekly in order to develop and cultivate her markets.

When dealing with international clients, Angela discovered that language and cultural values may contribute to miscommunication and misunderstandings that can impact your business. Angela affirms that relationships are paramount. Consumers are seeking organic products and they are looking for the farm to fork story.  Angela’s story is key to effectively brand her company and to market her product as genuinely Canadian.

 

Find your supports and leverage their knowledge and expertise

All three women agree. Seek the advice and support of organizations starting with the ones in your own backyard. Gather information from the necessary resources and then do your research. Find mentors and advisors.

WESK empowers business owners with opportunities, resources, and a community to scale up their business. With invaluable business advising, a unique financing program, revitalized training programs, and exciting events, WESK is dedicated to guiding you on your entrepreneurial journey.

STEP is a member-driven, non-profit corporation dedicated to increasing Saskatchewan’s export activities while raising awareness of our province’s distinct products and services. Linking Saskatchewan suppliers with the global marketplace – STEP is your direct connection to expertise, markets, and global networks.  STEP offers their members a variety of services and programs that can help diversify customer bases and grow business.

On May 8, 2018, WESK and STEP will host a second Build Your Business breakfast event in Regina featuring Brooke Longpre, Sound Solar Systems Inc.; Val Michaud, Gravelbourg Mustard; and Colleen Haussecker, Canadian Organic Spice & Herb Co. Inc. The event will be moderated by Janet Lee, The Story Co. Register here https://wesk.ca/e/build-your-business/

Written by Lori Jestin-Knaus, Business Advisor & Growth Initiatives Manager, WESK

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By Prabha Mitchell

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