PROGRESS: OWBN is here women connect, grow and lead in PQB community

Group creates opportunities for the next generation of women entrepreneurs

PROGRESS: OWBN is here women connect, grow and lead in PQB community Published 1:35 am Friday, July 17, 2026 View our special Progress section in the July 15 print issue of the PQB News When Holly Heppner first attended an Oceanside Women’s Business Network meeting, she didn’t realize how much she needed a night out, and how significant this group of women would become in her life. “I was a single mom, so I drove to Nanaimo and worked every day, and came home and dealt with my kids, so I didn’t really have a social life.”

Heppner said she felt a little nervous walking into the meeting room filled with women she didn’t know, but the reception she received was warm, inviting, and still memorable to this day, 13 years later. “I had three women come up and say, ‘Come sit with me!’” she said.

“I felt like such a kid in kindergarten.” Heppner was working at a bank at the time, but had her sights set on becoming a mortgage broker. A couple of years later, she made that career move, and credits the OBWN for helping give her the confidence, encouragement, and support she needed.

Heppner has been involved with the OWBN board of directors for more than 10 years and is currently the president. She has recently been elected to the board of directors of the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association of BC. OBWN is a relationship-building community where women support women in business, leadership, confidence, mentorship and community service.

The group started meeting informally around 1990 with upwards of 50 women in attendance. In 1999, OBWN became an official not-for-profit society. Heppner has spoken with several early members who revealed that many service clubs and business organizations were largely male-focused at that time.

There was a clear need for women to have a place to connect, support one another, and build confidence in business. Today, she explains, women are starting businesses in more industries, working in more flexible ways that fit their lifestyles and creating businesses that align with their professional goals and personal values. Donna Andres remembers attending the meetings about 20 years ago when she first opened Lady’s Mantle near the Orange Bridge in Parksville.

“Someone came in and said, ‘You are in business, so you should come’,” remembers Andres. Through the group, she connected with many women, hosting fashion shows and giving presentations, and the support was invaluable, she explained. “I got some really good business for my retail shop from OWBN.”

Kate Smyth joined the group three years ago when she moved to the area, and was looking for ways to connect with others. Everyone was really welcoming, she said, and would pull her into their conversations. She found the group dynamic very easy and comforting, and that motivated her to become more involved.

Smyth has enjoyed her role as vice-president and is excited to take on the role of president this year, when Heppner transitions to past president. Smyth said the group has helped grow her confidence in discussing her business, but her favourite part is the growth of the relationships she’s developed and her connection to the community. Through the group, she’s learned about the resources and services available, and has also been able to support other women while benefitting from their professional services.

Andres has been involved with the board for many years, having held most positions at one time or another. Donna and her husband Tim own Speedy Glass in Parksville, and Donna has been mentoring their daughter Jocelyn Mikolayenko, who is now a shareholder in the business. A couple of years ago, Donna brought Mikolayenko to an OBWN meeting, and said she continues to see the benefits the group has on her.

“Joycelyn has conversations in a different way than I do, and it’s been really good for her,” she said. The group also gives back to the community, Heppner noted. Beyond the fundraising draws the group does for their Charity of Choice, Heppner introduced an annual initiative called Purses for Haven eight years ago, in support of local women and their children fleeing abuse.

Members donate purses or bags filled with essentials which gets delivered to the Parksville Qualicum Haven House. Heppner said there are so many reasons to join OBWN, such as promoting your business, learning from informative speakers and enjoying a nice meal out. Over the past year, membership has increased by 20 people, bringing the total to 63.

Heppner’s hope for the future of the organization is to build on the foundation they have created, so the next generation of women entrepreneurs have even more opportunity than those who came before them. “The heart of the organization remains the same as it was in the beginning: connection, support, friendship, encouragement and community,” Heppner said. OBWN is open to all women; members do not need to be business owners or self- employed.

For more information visit www.owbn.ca.