Bulkley Valley Business Climate

The 2012 RDBN Business Forum held in Smithers on October 16th and 17th was a complete success!  120 delegates listened to 37 presenters over the two day conference.  The BVEDA would like to thank the sponsors of the Forum for without them this would not have been possible.  They are:

And thank you to our Business Start Up Competition Sponsors:

The government of B.C.  presented six communities with “B.C.’s Most Small Business Friendly Community” award, which recognizes local policies, projects and programs that support small business. These awards were presented today, September 27, during a special segment of the Union of BC Municipalities Conference

One community from six of B.C’s eight economic regions was selected as a winner. This year’s recipients are Kamloops, Nanaimo, Nelson, North Vancouver District, Prince George and Smithers.

Award evaluations are based on local measures that enhance small business competitiveness, recognize the contributions of small businesses to the community and promote climate action plans that support small business.

The award is issued by B.C.’s Small Business Round Table, which was formed in 2005. The round table is made up of small business leaders who represent regions, industries and associations throughout the province.

Quotes:

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour—

“Small business employs over one million people in B.C., so it’s important to recognize when municipalities make it easier for small businesses to thrive in their communities. It was difficult to choose only one winner from each region, and I want to thank all of the communities that presented submissions.”

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Small Business—

“These awards are a great way to recognize communities that go the extra mile to improve their business environment. Small business is a huge economic driver in this province, and the more successful each community is, the more successful the province is as a whole.”

Quick Facts:

· Small business is defined as a business with fewer than 50 employees, or self-employed without paid help.

- 98 per cent of B.C. businesses are classified as small businesses.

· Small business provides nearly 56 per cent of private-sector jobs, employing over one million people in B.C.

· B.C.’s small business community contributes 29 per cent of the province’s Gross Domestic Product.

· B.C.’s Small Business Round Table is responsible for identifying key small business issues and opportunities, providing recommendations to enhance the small business climate in B.C., and promoting small business interests in the province.

I wanted to let you know about Northern Development’s Competitiveness Consulting Rebate (CCR) program and how it can help your local businesses in the Northwest.

The Northern Development Initiative Trust has recently updated the website and application guide to clarify the industry sectors, eligibility and process for companies to access the program.

With all the business activity in the North West, I am certain that there are local companies that need some help getting ready to take on these major projects.

The Competitiveness Consulting program will help offset the cost of external consultants for 50% up to $30,000 per company.   If you are a company struggling with growth - need HR systems, marketing, operational efficiency or health and safety systems, you are likely eligible.  Companies can apply directly to the Northern Development Initiative Trust.   They helped a welding company expanding in Tumbler Ridge to get COR certified and they are busy working for Ledcor with 7 staff.    Lots of companies are looking to get certifications which can often cost $20k or more.  Be a company hero by saving them $10,000!

Discover more about the program by checking out the program here.

The Bulkley Valley Economic Development Association and the Northern Development Initiative Trust are looking for Northern BC's top 40 under 40 entrepreneurs.  The Bulkley Valley is home to many young, dynamic people who are making an impression in the business world.  Joel McKay, Communications Director for NDIT is spearheading the operation out of Prince George and is looking all over northern BC for talent.  

If you know of someone who may fit the profile, let me know at the BVEDA office.  I can be reached at 250-847-4355.