Growing Opportunities
Building on the SSI-Community Economic Sustainability Commission’s (CESC) 2016-18 Rural Business Accelerator
program, the CESC learned that more support was needed to help local producers grow and sustain their businesses.
To achieve this goal, a Feasibility Study, was conducted in 2018, and served as the basis for a 2019 Rural Dividend
Fund Award to establish a shared business services program to enhance the economic productivity of local
businesses. To learn more: Shared Business Services Enterprise-overview
In 2017 we introduced an exciting program, thanks to funding from a Rural Dividend Grant, the Rural Business Accelerator provided training, mentoring, and access to funding and returns in 2019/20.
We’ve selected three specific sectors to work with. These sectors are maturing and have an existing presence on the island:
- Food and Beverage
- Green Services
- Craft or Lifestyle
If you’d like more detailed information about the program, visit the RBA section.
Add Some Skills
We've partnered with Small Business BC to provide you with tools to help you grow your venture. There are many resources available on the Small Business BC website, including how-to's, checklists, advice and articles.
You can also register for webinars that can help you market, streamline, and grow your venture. There are hundreds of topics offered each year, ranging from one hour to multi-day bundles.
Here's a link to BC Jobs, Training & Tech Webinars.
Another resource for small to medium-sized businesses is the Export Navigator Program. If you're wishing to grow and diversify, by developing markets outside of BC and Canada, they offer a way to expand your business beyond the local market.
Tech Links
Assistance for tech companies via:
The Venture Acceleration Network – VIATEC in Victoria:
http://www.viatec.ca/cpages/accelerator
Innovation Island in Nanaimo:
http://www.innovationisland.ca/
New Ventures BC:
http://www.newventuresbc.com/accelerate/
