‘It feels very empowering and exciting:’ Amber’s new business started at WorkBC Vernon

Amber Wetherill loved being what she calls ‘a friendly techie.’ Because of the warmth and approachability she brought to her work as an agency software developer, she often found herself being asked to help clients in ways that were beyond the scope of work.

Now, nearly a year since she began the Self Employment program, Amber’s capacity is filled with client projects, including monthly retainer services.

“I wanted to help people with more than I was hired to do,” says Amber. “I loved the relationships and being approachable.”

After Amber reached “major burn out” and had to make a change, she visited the WorkBC Vernon centre for help finding a job. When Amber’s career advisor asked if she’d ever considered starting her own business, Amber immediately saw the opportunity.

“Fostering relationships and helping clients with all of their questions, that was the part I really loved. Right away I knew, this was what I wanted to do.”

So began her path to opening Your Friendly Dev—offering AI, strategy and website development support to small and medium-sized businesses, particularly those owned by women and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs doing good for community.

“That piece is very important to me,” says Amber. Her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community is deeply personal. She draws inspiration from her gay brother and sister, whose accomplishments, despite adversity, fill her with pride and fuel her passion to use her 'Geek for Good' to uplift others.

“The Self-Employment (SE) Program helped me build confidence to create a business that's not only financially feasible, but also true to my heart and fulfilling,” says Amber. Early on in the program, she defined Your Friendly Dev’s values as being inclusive, kind and delivering innovative, quality work.

Amber and her 'Your Friendly Dev' business were featured as finalists at the 2025 Enterprize Challenge.

The work itself and the approachability was second nature to her—but running a business was new. Through the program, Amber narrowed the scope of her services, got extra help determining a pricing model and built confidence in marketing herself.

“I just soaked it all up,” she says, of the workshops and mentoring during the program. “Having the support of Margo and Erin was great. I would go to them for advice all the time.”

Now, nearly a year since she began the SE program, Amber’s capacity is filled with client projects, including many who hire her for monthly retainer services. With so much demand for common services, such as setting up a website or automating everyday administrative tasks with AI, Amber is now exploring downloadable courses supplemented by one-to-one support, and she’s also looking at hiring more ‘tech besties.’

She also has projects in the works that emphasize her focus on helping women/LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, such as new service offerings, free materials, volunteering, mentoring, and working with local indigenous communities on tech programs. That mission became even more clear after her brother died last spring.

“Overall, a lot of things in my life would've derailed starting my business, but being enrolled in the SE program helped me prioritize it and gave me the push at just the right time to go for my dreams.”

“I’m really grateful for the program. It feels very empowering and exciting, I’m teaching my kids how to work hard and I’m more present for them, and the work I’m doing is very rewarding.”