When Kate Hawley started her business in Prince George, entrepreneurship wasn’t a passion project; it was a way forward at a pivotal stage in her life. She had recently lost access to childcare, was caring for children with special needs, and experienced the loss of her partner. At the same time, she was facing limited opportunities for professional growth and financial stability.
Today, Hawley is the owner of Baller Food, a Prince George-based business that has become a familiar part of the local food scene. What began as a necessity has grown into a multifaceted operation serving the community through food truck service, catering, lunch programs, freezer meal boxes, and retail products across Prince George and surrounding areas.
“I have one of the longest-standing food trucks locally, and we travel to many outlying small communities. We are a staple at all community events from May to October,” says Hawley.
Like many women business owners, Hawley encountered challenges navigating growth on her own. As the business expanded, she found herself trying to manage every aspect, from operations and finances to planning for the future, while balancing personal responsibilities.
After connecting with WeBC, Hawley accessed WeBC’s mentoring program, gaining guidance and structure that helped her step back from trying to do everything herself and focus on building a more sustainable business.
With that support in place, Hawley was able to strengthen her business model and continue growing Baller Food’s offerings throughout northern B.C.
WeBC is a not‑for‑profit business support organization funded by PacifiCan that provides mentoring, training, and other wrap‑around supports directly to women entrepreneurs.
This year, International Women’s Day is highlighting how investing time, resources and support in women creates economic and social returns.
“In B.C., every dollar WeBC lends to a woman entrepreneur generates more than $15 in new economic activity,” says Shauna Harper, CEO of WeBC. “That is proven measurable economic growth.”
Women entrepreneurs across British Columbia are seeking increased business support, with WeBC reporting a 43% rise in demand for services in the past year. In 2025, WeBC helped 6,500 women across the province to start and grow businesses.
Over the past five years, $8.5 million in WeBC loans has generated $223 million in business revenue across B.C. Despite that track record, women entrepreneurs continue to face barriers to accessing capital. Through a combination of mentoring, skills training and other business supports, WeBC works to close those gaps and help women entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses in their communities.
“We know that when women are funded, communities gain,” said Harper. “Giving capital, mentorship, partnership and visibility to women entrepreneurs multiplies opportunity. When women thrive, our economy grows stronger.”
Hawley’s advice for other entrepreneurs: “You can do it! With help!”
WeBC is encouraging women entrepreneurs at any stage, from idea to growth, to visit we-bc.ca to access information, programs and services.
One thought on “Prince George woman entrepreneur turns necessity into opportunity with support from not-for-profit”
we hired her for our anniversary celebration last August. Our guests loved the food. The price was very reasonable for the portions and quality.