Comox BIA Business Resources Hub
Comox BIA businesses have faced significant challenges since COVID arrived; pandemic related restrictions, supply chain disruptions, labour force issues, inflation and much more. To support BIA members to quickly access small business tools, information, and financial resources, the BIA has created this Comox BIA Member Business Resources page. It will continue to be updated and refined with a wide range of links to help you find the resources you need to thrive.
Tourism and Hospitality Survey
Take the Tourism and Hospitality Survey here.
Business Enhancement Resources
New Business Initiative Supports Indigenous Entrepreneurs
WeBC: Expanded support for women entrepreneurs
This free entrepreneurship program has launched 20 immigrant-owned businesses in B.C.
Small Business BC – Resources for Growing a Business: Several different business growth strategies available; from exploring new markets or new products to refining your marketing message.
Small Business Resources – Government of BC: A handout that lists resources available to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start and grow successful businesses.
WeBC Resources: How to write an effective business plan, cash flow template, identifying target markets and more.
Starting a Small Business – Government of BC: This publication has been developed as an introductory guide to help you with planning and starting a small business. It provides essential information as well as links to additional resources to help ensure that your new business is successful.
Starting a Business – Small Business BC: Provides easy access to practical resources and support you’ll find useful during the startup phase.
Go Global to Grow Your Business – Trade and Invest BC: Trade and Invest B.C. offers a wide variety of resources to help your business grow through international opportunities.
Financing and Grants:
Jobs and Growth Fund in BC: Provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth.
Start-up Financing and Grants – Small Business BC: Discover how to prepare for meetings with lenders, and whether lending or investing is right for your business. You’ll also find information on the almost $5,000 in grants available to improve your e-commerce, and make your business more accessible for those with disabilities.
Canada Digital Adoption Program: Helps small and medium-sized enterprises adopt digital technologies to increase their competitiveness. Eligible businesses will receive a grant to build their digital plan, followed by a 0% loan of up to $100,000 to implement it.
Business Benefits Finder – Government of Canada: A range of federal grants and funding programs for a range of business financial needs.
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy – Government of Canada: WES aims to increase women-owned businesses’ access to the financing, talent, networks and expertise they need to start up, scale up and access new markets.
Funding that helps your company grow into global markets
Workforce Development:
SmartMove: A partnership between Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) and Small Business BC, SmartMove helps to reduce labour market shortages by connecting small businesses with qualified newcomers to Canada.
Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium – Wilworks Program: Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, a preferred partner with the Government of Canada, delivers the Student Work Placement Program subsidy to Canada’s manufacturing and related sectors.
WelcomeBC: Learn about programs that can help you hire international workers and find out how you can support your new hires as they transition to life in B.C. and your workplace.