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Support for Island Businesses
February 2021 / By: Diana
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THE LATEST FROM VIEA… Small and Medium Business Grant Program
The Small and Medium Sized Business Grant Program was first launched in October 2020 by the Province of BC. After listening to businesses, business leaders, and many others, they have made it available for more small and medium sized businesses. |
| Grants of $10,000 to $30,000 are available to small and medium sized B.C. businesses impacted by COVID-19. An additional $5,000 to $15,000 grant is available to eligible tourism-related businesses.
The program runs until March 31, 2021 or until the funds are fully allocated, whichever comes first. |
| The first step is to apply for funding online on the program website. Included in the website is a subscription button so everyone can easily stay up to date, and program information is now in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Punjabi, French, Spanish, Tagalog, Farsi, Korean and Vietnamese.
The following Youtube video provides a summary of the grant Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEwR9hkbGP4 Update on Island Good
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| Island Good is gaining momentum with the support of partnerships with Island communities. The City of Langford, City of Campbell River Economic Development and Sidney Business Improvement Area Society are offering local producers a free Island Good licence for 2021. (Economic Development Cowichan and Community Futures Cowichan sponsored a similar program in 2020).
Local licensees are eager to share how proud they are to be associated with a brand that’s as passionate about promoting their products as they are. “Being part of the Island Good Program has created opportunities for me to collaborate with other businesses all over Vancouver Island,” says Christine Lilyholm, owner of Stonehouse Teas. “This strong Island Good brand is something I am proud to be part of!” “Island Good has been a great advocate that has greatly heightened consumer awareness of all of the local talent that exists right here in our own communities,” stated Jason Owens, Owner of Tilly’s Galley specialty foods. “Tilly’s Galley being one of the founding members of the Island Good brand provided an opportunity for our company to show our commitment to supporting local initiatives.” It isn’t just the licensees who benefit from the promotional opportunities Island Good offers. Boosting local sales also helps to boost the local economy. According to BC Buy Local, for every $100 spent at a local business, $63 is re-circulated back into British Columbia’s economy. According to VIEA, every one per cent increase in sales of local products equals 50 jobs. “The Island Good program allows people to easily identify local products. Look for the Island Good logo and support our local businesses and producers here in Campbell River and on Vancouver Island to help strengthen island-grown supply chains and our local economy,” says Campbell River Mayor Andy Adams. For more information on the Island Good program and to order your very own Island Good Gift Box go to www.islandgood.ca. |