A few of the women in the NIWBE program sharing a smile and a wave!
What Is NIWBE?
The NIWBE Program is a unique community partner that supports Immigrant women in starting their own businesses. The program is free for new women in Canada and allows for the women to come to the class where they can assess their potential business ideas or continue to grow their existing business.
The Program is three months long with three classes a week. The women learn hands-on content in the topics of marketing, customers and various business strategies. While the women learn how to facilitate their own business, more importantly they build trust and friendships with one another. The program is for women only, and creates a safe space to build the women’s confidence and exceed their potential.
More Than Just Business
I had the opportunity to interview women that are part of the NIWBE program. I met with Vivian Escorsin who is a program graduate and now the program facilitator. Vivian told me all about TIES (The Immigrant Education Society) which funds the program. TIES created the NIWBE program and also offers English language courses and employment skills so that newcomers in Canada have an easier time getting settled. TIES created the NIWBE program in 2021, and has since grown to have multiple completed cohorts who have broken down barriers to grow or start their own business.
Benefits
Some benefits of the NIWBE program include:
- Mentorship
- Expanding your network
- Learn how to grow a successful business
- Marketing opportunities
- Gained confidence
- Friendship
The Power Of Kinship
Vivian explained to me how many of the women who have graduated from previous NIWBE cohorts come back to visit and share how their businesses have developed and lives have changed since attending the program. It is not without the strong relationships Vivian builds with her students that this would occur. A lot of the women who got their start within the program have gone on to create amazing businesses that range from cleaning businesses, food services and even jewelry making. It is clear that NIWBE opens the door to new opportunities. Overall, The NIWBE program demonstrates community values by mentorship and as a result, builds strength within new immigrant women in Canada.
Personal Reflection
When I got the chance to interview the wonderful ladies within the NIWBE program, I had no idea what to expect. I won’t lie, when I went into the interviews I had no idea what I would learn or who I would meet. Reflecting on my experience with NIWBE, it was very impactful and motivating. The ladies that I had the chance to meet within the program are wonderful and passionate about their business plans. However it was Vivian Escorsin, the program facilitator and past NIWBE graduate who brought the comforting and supportive energy to the NIWBE classroom. I have the lovely opportunity to meet with Vivian and talk about her story and how she became involved in the program. Vivian’s story was inspiring to hear as she has a clear passion for business and helping other women learn to start their own. The NIWBE family was extremely inviting and open to me attending one of their classes where I myself got the chance to learn a bit of the lesson plan. It was a fun environment to be a part of and it was great to share laughter between the women in the class and I. Through my experience with NIWBE, I learned the importance of women empowerment and friendship. I believe that the NIWBE program is a great opportunity for new women in Canada to not only learn business skills but to create lifelong friendships. Thank you NIWBE for the opportunity to attend a class and see how impactful this program is.
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