Why This Matters
Getting support, advice, mentorship for your business or start-up can is quintessential. They say it takes a village to raise a child and this is also true in business. Each region and province has a plethora of supports for small business and entrepreneurs. Listed below are the most common we recommend reaching out to depending on your needs and stage of growth.
Recommendations
Community Futures – The only community driven, non-profit business loan and business development organization made up of 34 Community Futures offices throughout rural British Columbia. Some offices have digital loans/grants and some have grants/loans for persons with disabilities.
Chamber of Commerce – The BC Chamber of Commerce is the largest and most broadly-based business organization in B.C. We represent local chambers of commerce and boards of trade in communities throughout the province. For more than 60 years, the BC Chamber network’s policies and strategic advocacy have helped build a business-friendly B.C.
Canadian Federation of Independent Business – Canada’s largest non-profit organization devoted to creating and supporting an environment where your business can succeed. They also advocate for small business with politicians and decision-makers.
Economic Development Offices (local) -Typically one of the key mandates is to build connections between community, business, and local government. Each city will have its own Economic Development Office, search online for Economic Development office + [city name].
BC Economic Development Association – The British Columbia Economic Development Association of (BCEDA) is the leading professional association of economic development practitioners in the Province of BC.
Export Development Canada – Is a Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian companies of all sizes succeed on the world stage, equipping them with the tools they need – the trade knowledge, financial solutions, equity, insurance, and connections – to grow their business with confidence.
Export Navigator -Helps businesses diversify and grow beyond B.C. by guiding them through the export process. Once accepted into Export Navigator, you’ll have free one-on-one access to your personal export advisor. This advisor knows your region, your community, and will get to know your business to provide tailored guidance.
MaRS – MaRS helps Canada’s most promising founders build successful companies. Explore advice, lessons and tips from their community of entrepreneurs and operators.
Innovate BC – A Crown corporation that works with regional service provides (BCAN partners like Innovation Island) to deliver a variety of programs for start-ups – focusing on tech, applied science, manufacturing and innovation. Their most recognized program is the Venture Acceleration Program.
Procurement Concierge Program – A key component of the Province of British Columbia’s Procurement Strategy. It empowers the Province’s Procurement Transformation Branch to make meaningful connections between public-sector buyers with unique business problems and vendors with innovative solutions by facilitating market sounding to gather information that could assist the Province and public-sector buyers in the procurement planning process.
The Canadian Economic Development Network – (CCEDNet) – Is a national association of organizations and people throughout Canada committed to strengthening communities by creating economic opportunities that enhance social and environmental conditions. They also have a great Social Procurement Guide.
Small Business BC – Small Business BC helps BC entrepreneurs grow through expert business advisors, educational services, easy-to-use free resources.
Women’s Enterprise Centre – A not-for-profit that has been supporting women business owners across the province for over 25 years. Working with regional partners, they have provided thousands of entrepreneurs with business loans and expertise, training, resources, and peer network support to help businesses grow and thrive.
Trade Commissioner Canada (TSC) – Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) can help companies that are ready to start doing business online with customers abroad, or those already selling internationally.
Tourism Resiliency Program – The BC Tourism Resiliency Network is a long-term resiliency program providing BC tourism businesses with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt and work towards eventual recovery. Note this program is a time limited program.
University Support Programs
BCIT Industry Sponsored Student Projects – The Industry Sponsored Student Projects program (ISSP) provides students with real-life experience by working on IT or software development projects directly from industry. Students work in teams or individually with an industry sponsor, proceeding through the development life-cycle to develop IT or software solutions.