Welcome to Tsuts’weye!
(Pronounced “Soots-way-e”, means butterfly, in Secwepemc)

Tsuts’weye is a federally-funded project through Western Economic Development Canada, to support women entrepreneurs in the Shuswap through building skills, knowledge and networks.

MEET OUR TEAM:
Carmen Massey –  Project Manager
Julie John – Diversity Coordinator
Caroline Grover – Entrepreneur in Residence
Kari Wilkinson – Toliver Design –  Website and Marketing
Robyn Cyr –  Resources and Databases

Please visit the Tsuts’weye.ca to learn more about the project and the team.

CONTACT US:
Online at  Tsuts’weye.ca
Or visit us on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Community Futures Shuswap Office at #101-160 Harbourfront Drive NE,
Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4P9.
Please call ahead to make an appointment.

Tsuts’weye Women’s Entrepreneur & Innovation
Network Round Table Discussions

The Tsuts’weye project invited women entrepreneurs from around the Shuswap to gather and share their entrepreneurial experiences and network with other female business owners in the community.  The three evening sessions took place on November 19, 20, 21 in Sicamous, Salmon Arm, and at Quaaout Lodge.  The session started off with inspirational keynotes from Kathleen Seeley and Nicole McLaren, two successful entrepreneurs who encourage women to face and embrace the challenges and opportunities of owning their own businesses.  Attendees spent the evening discussing the challenges and opportunities specifically facing businesswomen of the Shuswap. View the Women’s Entrepreneur Round Table Summary here.

A few comments from participants:

• There was enough variety for the discussion to never be boring… I liked the fact that we had to get up and move to a new table for each brainstorming session.  Kathleen Seeley’s talk was very inspirational!

• The thing I liked best about the round tables was connecting with people and brainstorming; hearing everyone’s strength and unity; hearing different perspectives; the collaborative discussions; meeting fellow entrepreneurs; and meeting so many wonderful, strong women!

87% of attendees said it was time well spent!

Meet our Entrepreneurs in Residence


Caroline Grover
Entrepreneur in Residence – Tsuts’weye Entrepreneur Network.
Request an appointment with Caroline.


Andrew Klingel
Entrepreneur in Residence – Salmon Arm Innovation Centre.
Request an appointment with Andrew.

Business Coaching Available

Women Entrepreneurs have additional support available thanks to the Tsuts’weye program. If you have a new business idea, are starting a new company, or finding growth strategies for the mature business owner, or creating an exit plan, we are here to help. An Entrepreneur in Residence is available to meet by appointment.

An Entrepreneur in Resident (EIR) is a business coach or advisor who assists the business owner determine their strengths and assesses areas if additional training or supports are required. The EIR brings extensive business skills, contacts, coaching ability and access to resources that assist the entrepreneur to reach their goals.

Tsuts’weye’s EIR is Caroline Grover who partners with the Salmon Arm Innovation Centre EIR, Andrew Klingel. Please contact one of the EIR’s if you would like assistance to either start a new business or grow your existing business. The EIR’s are located in the Salmon Arm Innovation Centre. This service is free for entrepreneurs to access, at this time, thanks to the financial support of Shuswap Community Futures, Okanagan College, Western Economic Diversification and Salmon Arm Economic Development Society.

New Entrepreneurs 12 Week Course

Women working with the Tsuts’weye Entrepreneur in Residence, Caroline Grover, are being referred to experts in our community for assistance in reaching their business goals.

Women who would benefit from a twelve weeks of Entrepreneurship training are being referred to a program that delves into the role of the entrepreneur in business and economic development. Course fees and resources are funded by Tsuts’weye if the applicant is accepted into this course.

The course reviews personality/character traits that are necessary to become a successful entrepreneur. Students will identify business opportunities, develop a business plan for their own small business and pitch their venture idea to a small audience who will evaluate its potential viability.

The course starts Tuesday, January 7th, 2020 and ends April 7th, 2020. Time of class is from 2:00 – 4:50 pm (No class February 18th – Reading Week) at the Salmon Arm Okanagan College Campus.

To meet with Caroline Grover about this or other entrepreneurial supports available through the Tsuts’weye program, please complete this form.

CONSULTANTS AND BUSINESS SPECIALISTS
Urgently needed to support Tsuts’weye Coaching and Mentoring Program

What is the Tsuts’weye Coaching and Mentoring Program?
The Tsuts’weye Entrepreneur in Residence meets with women entrepreneurs and together they determine supports needed and provide referrals to an expert in a specific field – HR, marketing, healthy and safety, etc.

What is special about this program?
Consultants are screened and hired by the Tsuts’weye project on behalf of the women entrepreneurs.

Who is the Entrepreneur in Residence?
Currently the Tsuts’weye Entrepreneur in Residence is Caroline Grover.

What is needed?
The Tsuts’weye Coaching and Mentoring Program needs to develop an experienced consultant pool that will assist our women entrepreneurs.

How do I become a consultant, mentor, expert or specialist to the Program?
Complete a Consultant Expression of Interest Form for the Coaching and Mentoring Program.

Return the Expression of Interest form to:
Carmen Massey, Project Manager at [email protected] or drop off completed forms at Community Futures Shuswap office in Salmon Arm.

We would appreciate your assistance in reaching experts and professionals in the Shuswap. Please forward this opportunity on to businesses and individuals in your networks.

Resources for Entrepreneurs

If you have any workshops, courses, or other resources that you can share please send to [email protected]. Thanks!!