CGLCC’s OUT For Business Initiative is a mentorship program created to empower LGBT+ youth by providing them the support and guidance to establish or grow their own business. Young LGBT+ business owners tap into the experience and expertise of mentors and other leaders in the LGBT+ business community. Through one-on-one and team mentoring, youth entrepreneurs sharpen […]
Western Economic Diversification Canada supports women-owned businesses in Western Canada
Canadian women entrepreneurs are contributing to the economic success of our communities. At the same time, they have unique and systemic hurdles to overcome when starting and growing a business, and have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, many of the sectors where women entrepreneurs tend to operate like retail, accommodation and […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Releases Latest “Pulse Check”
Many of you have reached out asking for help and guidance during these trying times. We’re listening! We have partnered with BC Chamber of Commerce to conduct ‘pulse check’ surveys on BCMindreader.com. These short surveys aim to learn how businesses are faring in the age of COVID-19, and how your needs are evolving. This information […]
Columbia Basin Trust Programs Expanded
Columbia Basin Trust has recently expanded programs to “reflect the needs of current needs of business.” These programs include: The Summer Works Program The Summer Works Program provides small businesses with a wage subsidy to hire full-time high school and post-secondary students during the school summer break. For more information on The Summer Works […]
Government Announces $650 Million More For Indigenous Health, Economic And Social Support
The breakdown of funding announced May 29th by the Canadian Government is as follows: • $285.1 million to support the ongoing public health response to COVID-19 in Indigenous communities. • $270 million to supplement the On-Reserve Income Assistance Program to address increased demand on the program. • $44.8 million over five years to build 12 […]
Canadian Business Resilience Network Announces Small Business Relief Fund
When COVID-19 struck Canada, businesses of all sizes were affected. Small businesses were hit particularly hard. Small businesses are the faces of our communities and neighbourhoods. Canadians everywhere have been supporting their local businesses throughout COVID-19, from ordering take-out to buying gift cards. Civic-minded organizations with the resources and means are also pitching in. The […]
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund will help SMEs that fall into COVID-19 support cracks
The Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement today regarding the COVID-19 Regional Relief and Recovery Fund. “Today’s announcement of $962 million in funding to federal regional economic development agencies will bring Desperately needed help to small and medium-sized businesses unable to qualify for […]
Government announces help for employers to meet their labour needs
Process launched today allows temporary workers to get back to work quickly. With the COVID-19 pandemic impacting almost every sector in Canada, temporary foreign workers and their employers are confronted by new challenges in a rapidly changing job market. Many temporary workers with employer-specific work permits lost their jobs this spring. While some have left […]
Kootenay Round Table Discussion – Government of BC Small Business Resources
On April 7th, 2020 Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Kimberley Chamber of Commerce, the City of Cranbrook, the City of Kimberley, Cranbrook Downtown Business Association, and Community Futures East Kootenay hosted the Kootenay Business Round Table via Zoom. During this meeting Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka shared a document outlining business supports from the B.C. […]