Imagine a space where financial hurdles and logistical nightmares melt away, replaced by a vibrant community cheering on women as they turn dreams into thriving businesses. That’s the essence of the Wint-Her Market, a transformative event hosted by YWCA Calgary in partnership with Futurpreneur. Held on December 4 at the YWCA in Calgary, this third annual gathering showcased 36 women-owned businesses, offering everything from artisan jewelry to homemade snacks and beauty services. Far beyond a typical marketplace, it stands as a deliberate effort to dismantle the barriers that often keep women from stepping into the entrepreneurial spotlight. The event isn’t just about transactions; it’s about empowerment, connection, and rewriting the rules of opportunity for women in business. Through personal stories and broader impacts, the Wint-Her Market reveals itself as a catalyst for economic independence and community strength, proving that a single platform can spark lasting change. This exploration will dive into how the market breaks down obstacles, builds supportive networks, celebrates diverse journeys, and equips women with the tools to grow, painting a picture of an initiative that’s as inspiring as it is practical.
Overcoming Financial and Logistical Hurdles
The entrepreneurial path is often riddled with challenges, especially for women who face steep financial and logistical barriers when trying to enter traditional markets. The Wint-Her Market tackles this head-on by offering a cost-free or low-cost platform for vendors to display their goods and services. Kailey Armstrong, YWCA Calgary’s Director of Economic Prosperity, highlights that many small or emerging businesses simply can’t afford the hefty fees or navigate the complex setups required by conventional markets. By removing these obstacles, the event ensures that women—whether they’re just starting out or rebuilding after setbacks—have a real shot at getting their products in front of customers. This isn’t just a temporary fix; it’s a deliberate strategy to level the playing field, particularly for those grappling with systemic issues like unemployment or limited resources. The market becomes a gateway, allowing participants to focus on their craft rather than worrying about upfront costs that could stall their ambitions before they even begin.
Moreover, the impact of this accessibility extends beyond mere participation to creating tangible visibility for these businesses. With over 150 attendees pouring in within the first half-hour of the event, the Wint-Her Market transforms into a bustling hub where vendors can connect directly with potential customers. This kind of exposure is invaluable for small operations that might otherwise struggle to build a client base. For women navigating additional challenges—be it immigration-related hurdles or career transitions—this platform offers a critical opportunity to showcase their talents and establish a foothold in the local economy. Unlike traditional markets where high stakes can intimidate newcomers, the supportive environment here encourages risk-taking and experimentation. It’s a space where a single interaction with a customer can spark confidence, turning a modest table of goods into the foundation of a growing enterprise.
Fostering a Network of Support and Connection
Beyond breaking down barriers, the Wint-Her Market excels at weaving a tight-knit community that amplifies its empowering impact. This isn’t merely a place to sell products; it’s a gathering spot where bonds are formed and mutual encouragement flourishes. The festive atmosphere, enriched by local artists performing holiday tunes, sets the stage for meaningful interactions among vendors, visitors, and organizers. Armstrong describes this dynamic as a “full circle connection,” linking current participants of YWCA entrepreneurship programs with alumni and other community members. Such an environment nurtures a sense of belonging that’s often missing in the cutthroat world of business. Vendors don’t just compete; they collaborate, share tips, and celebrate each other’s successes, creating a ripple effect of positivity that extends far beyond the event itself. This communal spirit turns a single day of selling into a foundation for ongoing support.
In addition, the personal connections forged at the market add a layer of emotional strength to the entrepreneurial journey. Take Jessie Iron Fist, a vendor offering jewelry through her brands Jessie’s Treasures and Midnight Sun Elegance, who describes the experience as nothing short of excellent. For her, the joy comes not only from showcasing her creations but also from shopping at neighboring stalls and engaging with fellow vendors. This camaraderie transforms the market into a shared celebration, where each participant feels seen and valued. It’s a reminder that entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a lonely endeavor. By fostering these interactions, the Wint-Her Market builds a network where women lift each other up, proving that success is sweeter when it’s shared. The relationships built here often outlast the event, offering a safety net of friendship and advice for the unpredictable road ahead.
Honoring Diverse Backgrounds and Personal Triumphs
One of the most striking aspects of the Wint-Her Market is the rich tapestry of backgrounds represented among its participants. The event draws women from all walks of life—newcomers to Canada, individuals pivoting careers, and those scaling small ventures—each bringing a unique perspective to the table. Consider Frida Murillo, an immigrant from Mexico, who faced significant challenges finding employment after arriving in Calgary. Turning adversity into opportunity, she launched Frida’s Coffee Home, importing and roasting coffee beans to share a piece of her heritage. Supported by Futurpreneur, her participation in the market allowed her to connect with customers and tell her story, blending cultural roots with entrepreneurial drive. This diversity isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a vital strength of the event, ensuring that women of varied experiences find a space to shine and contribute to a broader economic narrative.
Equally compelling are the stories of personal reinvention that emerge from the market’s stalls. IJ, for instance, found herself at a crossroads after losing her job in the banking industry. Rather than succumbing to despair, she channeled her energy into entrepreneurship, crafting homemade shortbread crunchies and plantain chips that have since captivated local palates. In under a year, she’s sold nearly 3,000 units and carved out a presence at other local markets, a success she attributes to the guidance and resources from YWCA programs. Her journey underscores how the Wint-Her Market serves as a turning point for women facing unexpected challenges, offering not just a venue to sell but a chance to rebuild confidence and purpose. These individual triumphs, woven together, highlight an inclusive ethos that embraces every story, showing that resilience and diversity are powerful engines of business growth.
Equipping Women with Tools for Sustainable Growth
The Wint-Her Market goes beyond providing a temporary platform by equipping women with the skills needed for long-term success through structured programs. YWCA’s initiatives, such as “Start and Scale” and “Vision to Venture,” offer comprehensive training over 10 weeks, covering essentials like business planning, customized coaching, and networking within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. These programs are game-changers for participants who might lack formal business education or resources. Vendors like IJ have leveraged this training to revamp their branding, enhance packaging, and even create promotional content with innovative tools. Such transformations illustrate how the market isn’t just a one-off event but a stepping stone tied to broader skill-building efforts. Armstrong envisions this as a pathway for growth, where women can evolve from home-based operations to storefronts or expand their reach, ensuring that the impact of the market ripples into sustainable futures.
Furthermore, the focus on scaling reflects a deep understanding of the challenges women entrepreneurs face in moving to the next level. The tools and mentorship provided through YWCA’s programs address practical needs while fostering a mindset of ambition and resilience. For many vendors, the knowledge gained translates into concrete progress—whether it’s mastering digital marketing or navigating supply chains. This emphasis on development ensures that the Wint-Her Market serves as a launchpad rather than a endpoint, encouraging participants to dream bigger with each passing year. The result is a cohort of women who are not only surviving but thriving, equipped to tackle the complexities of business with newfound confidence. By pairing immediate opportunities with long-term education, the market creates a holistic environment where growth isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.
Paving the Way for Lasting Impact
Reflecting on the third annual Wint-Her Market, it’s evident that this initiative carved out a meaningful space for women entrepreneurs to rise above challenges and claim their place in the business world. Hosted by YWCA Calgary alongside Futurpreneur, the event dismantled financial barriers, nurtured a vibrant community, celebrated diverse stories, and armed participants with essential skills through targeted programs. The personal victories of vendors like Frida Murillo, IJ, and Jessie Iron Fist mirrored the broader mission of economic empowerment, showing how individual success stories stitched together a powerful collective impact. Moving forward, the challenge lies in expanding such platforms to reach even more women, ensuring that no talent goes untapped due to systemic obstacles. Stakeholders might consider partnerships with local governments or businesses to fund and scale these efforts, while integrating digital marketplaces could amplify visibility beyond physical events. As this model of empowerment continues to evolve, it holds the promise of reshaping local economies by prioritizing inclusion and opportunity, one entrepreneur at a time.
