IN THE KNOW:
Victoria Chamber Launches New to Canada Program for newcomer entrepreneurs
Helping newcomer businesses thrive is the goal of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s New to Canada program, launched last week at the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria’s office.
The New to Canada program aims to empower and support newcomer business owners as they grow their businesses in Greater Victoria. To qualify, business owners must have permanent residency or citizenship for less than three years. The program will offer participants comprehensive support in the development of their business through the provision of two years of membership with the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and other community engagement opportunities.
The Chamber’s New to Canada program is funded through sponsorship from Air Canada, the Victoria Airport Authority, the Victoria Foundation and Western Design + Build, and the program works in partnership with ICA and Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society.
“We know that newcomers are vital for the future of our region and the best way we can help build good business and great community is by connecting new entrepreneurs with our welcoming business community,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Fresh ideas add vibrancy and create resilience, and having the support of established organizations ensures a smoother path to success for everyone.”
Transit-oriented development seeks public engagement
The Province is hosting its first round of public engagement for a transit-oriented development near Uptown Shopping Centre August 19 until September 18, 2024.
This consultation gives locals an opportunity to provide input about the type of development they would like to see at this location.
It’s anticipated the site will feature multiple buildings with hundreds of housing units, new public gathering spaces, active transportation connections, and retail and commercial space, as well as the potential for amenities such as childcare, community health facilities and educational services.
The public engagement will seek feedback on a potential transit exchange beneath the residential buildings that could be integrated with the Lochside and Galloping Goose regional trails.
A transit exchange could make it a nexus for active transportation and public transit, with connections to downtown Victoria, the University of Victoria, the Westshore and the Saanich Peninsula.
A more-specific timeline for development at the Uptown site will be available when preliminary planning work is completed.
BC-focused impact fund receives investment from Canada’s social finance wholesaler
Boann Social Impact (Boann) has committed $2M to Thrive Impact Fund to invest in communities across British Columbia.
The Fund, launched in 2021, invests in and supports non-profit, cooperative and for-profit social enterprises in British Columbia that generate positive social, environmental, and/or cultural benefits.
Greater Victoria organizations receiving support include the Victoria Community Food Hub Society and The Makehouse.
“We are excited to work with the Thrive Impact Fund and are appreciative of how collaborative the investment process is… We know we’re working with an organization that understands what social enterprises need to grow, and are working towards creating a strong ecosystem of like-minded entrepreneurs,” says Jeff Ward, Founder and CEO of Animikii.
FROM THE PAGES OF DOUGLAS:
Why do some startups skyrocket to success while others barely take off? The answer often lies in the growth strategies they adopt. Justin Ferriman shares 5 key actions to consider for those looking to accelerate their startups.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
AUGUST
August 23: The VIATEC Summer Tech Get Together
SEPTEMBER
September 5: Westshore Chamber of Commerce Mixer
September 17: Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Mixer
September 19: Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Mixer
September 21: Hungry Hearts Gala
September 27: CARE Awards
September 30: South Island Powwow
OCTOBER
October 23 – 24: VIEA Economic Summit
NOVEMBER
November 14: Ecostar Awards
