A Homegrown Strategy for Prosperity

The Gabriola Chamber launched an initiative in 2017 to explore and develop a support system for local businesses and entrepreneurs. The Community Economic Development team was formed by entering into a service agreement with the Regional District of Nanaimo for Tourism and Economic Development.  With the service agreement in place, the Chamber applied for and was awarded funding from the BC Rural Dividend for implementation of an Economic Readiness Plan. After wide community engagement and facilitated sessions with residents and business owners, an advisory group was formed and a community economic development officer (CEDO) was hired to begin the work. Our Community Economic Development Strategy is about looking at ways to collaborate, cross-promote and create full-circle systems on the island that feed and support the local economy.

Entrepreneurial Outlook:

• In our first year, foundational structures have been implemented and positive impact is underway, creating a new sense of island entrepreneurship
• The development of four inter-connected websites has provided a strong community profile and online presence for the Gabriola area. Visit: www.hellogabriola.ca
• The CEDO has coached 22 local entrepreneurs
• Growth of volunteers engaged in community projects
• $134,000 dollars leveraged to broaden the extent of our funding

A Family Business that Sources Direct from A World of Family Farms, on Cortes Island

In order to be with their children and make a decent living on Cortes Island, Lovena Harvey and her husband Ryan founded Gathering Place Trading in 2003. As small-scale organic farmers they wondered how they would make a living, but that all changed after a trip to South Africa. They met a local Rooibos farmer and had a fortuitous exchange, trading their camper van for a ton of organic Rooibos tea. Fast-forward to today, and Gathering Place Trading has increased their product line to include organic spices, culinary herbs, vanilla, coconut, and dried fruits, all directly sourced from values-based family or cooperative farmers around the world, as well as Canadian organic growers.

Entrepreneurial / Project Outlook:

• Products are now available in 100 retail stores across Canada
• Credits relationships with values based farmers to cultivate an exceptional line of organic, and fairly traded products
• Employs six people and continues to bring in foods based on their motto: “We only bring in foods that we want to feed to our family.”

Salt Spring Community Economic Development Commission: Rural Business Accelerator Ignites Entrepreneurs

SSI-CEDC launched the Rural Business Accelerator (RBA) in 2016-2018, helping 25 local entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Sectors included, food & beverage, green services, crafts & lifestyle. This pioneering program for rural economic capacity building provided mentoring, education and financial skill building. Many of the entrepreneurs who participated have since grown and expanded their businesses.

Entrepreneurial Outlook:

• RBA has resulted in boosting Island economic sectors and engaging businesses to strategically grow
• RBA has lead to the development of a shared business services program helping Island businesses leverage economies of scale
• The next phase of cultivating our entrepreneurial ecosystem will be the launch of a Green Business Learning Lab
• For more detailed information visit: http://opportunitysaltspring.ca/rural-business-accelerator/

Economic Partnership for Reconciliation & Cultural Recognition

Kwakiutl First Nation with Traditional Territory in Northern Vancouver Island near Port Hardy has a unique opportunity. With the Canadian Government’s investment in a new 12-million-dollar airport in the community, the Kwakiutl Band has been proactive in making this economic development project a part of Canada’s commitment to Reconciliation. By entering into dialogue with the Ministry of Transportation, Kwakiutl representatives stressed that the views of the Kwakiutl First Nation needed to be respected and inclusive. This lead to an agreement to erect signs of welcome in the Kwak-wala language, cultural displays, as well as $125,000 investment of art from Kwakiutl band members, including totem poles in the airport entrance, and a mural projected onto the terminal floor.

Entrepreneurial/Project Outlook:

• Kwakiutl First Nation representatives took this economic development opportunity to stress that their involvement should be a part of Canada’s commitment to Reconciliation and cultural recognition
• The main contractor for the project, Kinetic Construction Ltd., also promised that most of the employment opportunities would go to the Kwakiutl First Nation when possible
• This is a prime example of Reconciliation – when people get together, respect and understand each others’ views, this can have a lasting impact and legacy through the auspices of the notion of Reconciliation

Independent Entrepreneur Starts Unique Venture on Pender, Saturna Islands

Sea Star Vineyards features two beautiful vineyards located on Pender and Saturna Islands. The winery grows smaller, coastal grapes packed with powerful flavour. So much so the organic winery boasts the best wine in British Columbia according to wine experts. Owner David Goudge has taken the wine world by storm, “It’s been a big learning curve and taken us two years initially to get the vineyards back into shape, but the growth opportunity is enormous.” Now into its seventh season, Sea Star has become one of Canada’s most respected and up-and-coming wineries and due to demand, their wine consistently sells out.

Entrepreneurial/Project Outlook:

• Increased day trip visits to Pender and Saturna Islands from Vancouver and Victoria
• The largest vineyard on the Coast, employing 15 seasonal workers, and involving community members in production
• Award winning wines recognized across Canada for their aromatic quality
• Supports animal welfare causes and several smaller charities ongoing