UPDATES & BUSINESS RESOURCES
the latest from your Chamber
|
|
Important Vaccine Passport Information for Businesses
- Proof of vaccination information for businesses
- Get your Vaccine Passport
From your Chamber and Local Partnerships
- Business Hours update from the Chamber/Visitor Centre
- Federal All Candidates Forum | Sept 15th
- Chamber update on new Economic Recovery Coordinator
From Local Partnerships
- Resident Alien returns to Ladysmith
- Town of Ladysmith 'Oot and Aboot' OCP Review | Survey
- Circular Cowichan Workshop – Business Opportunities in the Circular Economy
|
|
Resources for Members
- Announcing Destinations BC’s Latest Professional Development Opportunity: POWER UP
- Cybersecurity for Your Business - Small Business BC
- New fund launched for community events
- Tourism Relief Fund in Western Canada
- The Jobs and Growth Fund open for applications
- BUILD. GROW. THRIVE is back on Tuesday, September 28th!
- September is Accessibility Month
- Small business grant now available to create inclusive work environments
|
|
Important Vaccine Passport Information |
|
Proof of vaccination information for businesses |
Starting September 13, some events, services and businesses are required to check a person's proof of vaccination for access to their venue or space. The requirements are made by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO).
If you have any concerns or questions regarding these new restrictions please reach out to Mark at the Ladysmith Chamber to discuss. Email Mark | 250-245-2112 |
|
Get your Vaccine Passport |
Starting September 13, you need proof of vaccination to access some events, services and businesses. The easiest way to show proof is using the BC Vaccine Card. Get your card today.
If you do not have access to a smartphone or computer, please call 1-833-838-2323 and they will send you a physical paper copy in the mail.
|
|
The Ladysmith Chamber and Visitor Centre hours are returning to regular hours. Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 4pm. |
|
Federal All Candidates Forum | Sept 15th |
The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce to, once again, present an All-Candidates Forum to help you to make an informed decision on election day. This year the All-Candidates Forum will be live-streamed from the Vancouver Island Conference Centre on September 15th from 7:00pm – 8:30pm and you are invited to watch!! Please click the link below to access the link to the live-stream.
You’re also invited to submit questions for us to ask the candidates in advance via email.
|
|
The Ladysmith Chamber is happy to announce the addition of Millie Stirling and Chelsea Kensall to our small, but mighty staffing crew. |
Millie Stirling has been hired to fulfill the role of Economic Recovery Coordinator. The positions has been made possible by a grant from the Rural Business and Community Recovery Program administered by the Island Coastal Economic Trust. Ms. Stirling will coordinate a year-long program with three primary purposes: (1) to conduct a Business Retention and Expansion Program to identify short and long term needs of the business community, (2) to provide Individual Business Support Services to help those businesses most in need stabilize and recover from the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, and (3) to lead a broad-based Community Economic Development Response designed to maximize economic recovery through a comprehensive shop local and destination marketing campaign.
Ms. Stirling will be assisted by Chelsea Kensall who returns to her role as a Marketing Coordinator through the Canada Summer Jobs Program.
Stay tuned for more information about this very exciting and timely project coming very shortly.
|
|
Resident Alien returns to Ladysmith to film scenes for the 2nd Season! |
|
GEP Resident Inc. is returning to Ladysmith to film scenes for the 2nd Season of the TV Series, " Resident Alien" from Sunday, September 19th to Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021 in various locations near 1st Ave, Roberts Street and Gatacre Street. Over the coming weeks, a representative from the Locations Department will be circulating through Town speaking to Residents and Merchants about their planned filming activity... |
|
Town of Ladysmith 'Oot and Aboot' OCP Review | Survey |
The Town of Ladysmith is encouraging everyone to get ‘Oot and Aboot’ and show them what you love the most about our idyllic West Coast seaside community.
Where’s your favourite place to go in Ladysmith? What do you appreciate and value about this location in town? What would make this place even better?
As part of the ongoing public engagement phase for the Official Community Plan review, don’t just tell us using words, but also show them with pictures why this place is so important to you.
Participating in the survey is quick and easy – pin a spot on a virtual map that’s important to you, upload a photo and answer a few short questions.
|
|
Circular Cowichan Workshop – Business Opportunities in the Circular Economy |
Following a hugely popular Circular Economy Lunch n’ Learn in January 2021, Economic Development Cowichan has once again partnered with the Synergy Foundation and Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce to further the circular economy movement in Cowichan. Business leaders are invited to attend a free virtual workshop on Tuesday, September 21 from 10 – 11:15 am entitled Circular Cowichan: Business Opportunities in the Circular Economy.
|
|
Resources for Members and more... |
|
Announcing Destinations BC’s Latest Professional Development Opportunity:
POWER UP
|
Destination BC’s Power Up! program is an application-based, digital mentorship program that will provide 75 eligible BC-based, small and medium sized tourism businesses, sole proprietors, and non-profits across the province with free access to digital audit and technical services designed to improve digital marketing activities and use of digital technology.
Businesses can choose one of the following service areas that they deem a priority for their business. The service costs will be directly covered through the program up to a maximum of $5,000 per participant and will include supporting educational resources for further learning and ongoing implementation in the future.
Subject areas include:
Digital Strategy
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Website Assessment
Email
Social Media Audit & Strategy
Digital Advertising
For full program information including eligibility, eligible expenses, timeline, and application process, please review the Program Guide.
How To Apply: Application will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis starting September 20th at 9am.
There are just 75 spots available, so we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible if you’re interested.
|
|
Cybersecurity for Your Business - Small Business BC: September 16 at 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
|
An introduction to cybersecurity and controls to protect your business
With more businesses relying on online platforms and digital tools to operate, strengthening cybersecurity is becoming as critical as installing a lock on your door. Cyber attacks can leave businesses vulnerable to financial losses and reputational damage.
Small Business BC is hosting a free webinar that will outline how CyberSecure Canada can help you protect your business. CyberSecure Canada is a voluntary cybersecurity certification program introduced in 2019 by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security and the Standards Council of Canada.
|
|
New fund launched for community events |
The Province will begin accepting applications immediately to support BC-based events through the new Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund. The Government of BC is providing up to $12.9 million in one-time grants to eligible event organizers to support their efforts to resume safely.
Grant amounts for each event will be up to 20% of the total event budget, to a maximum of $250,000 per application.
Eligible events include sport, arts and culture events, community celebrations, agricultural fairs, rodeos and exhibitions. Applications submitted by organizations will be required to demonstrate local or regional support and show the economic and social benefits for the community.
|
|
DER3 Program is Extended until Sept 30th |
Innovate BC and by Western Economic Diversification (WD) announced an extension of the DER3 Program. The program will run from NOW to September 30th, 2021 and be open to service a limited number of new and existing applications (new applications close Sept 17th).
The DER3 program provides one-one-coaching, guidance, resources and if needed, hands-on support. The program meets the clients where they are on their digital journey. The Program also provides recommendations to Digital Service Providers (where needed and if there is a budget).
|
|
Tourism Relief Fund in Western Canada |
The Tourism Relief Fund, administered by Canada’s regional development agencies and Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), supports tourism businesses and organizations adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth. With a budget of $500 million over two years (ending March 31, 2023), including $50 million specifically dedicated to Indigenous tourism initiatives, and $15 million for national initiatives, this fund will position Canada to be a destination of choice when domestic and international travel is once again safe. |
|
The Jobs and Growth Fund open for applications |
The Government of Canada launched the Fund to help job creators and the organizations that support them to future-proof their businesses, build resiliency, and prepare for long-term growth.
|
|
BUILD. GROW. THRIVE is back on Tuesday, September 28th! |
Join Small Business BC remotely for a day of education with the province’s leading tools and resources, and networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs.
Attendees can expect to engage in webinars, panel discussions featuring entrepreneurial experts, a virtual tradeshow, and breakout rooms for networking with fellow attendees.
-
|
|
September is Accessibility Month |
September is Disability Employment Month in British Columbia. It offers an important opportunity to celebrate and recognize inclusive employers and the vital contribution people with disabilities make in the workplace.
Small Business BC is marking the occasion by hosting Accessibility Month: ‘It Matters’, a month of free business education featuring ASL interpretation and closed captioning. Accessibility Month covers a variety of popular business topics, from business planning to marketing and payroll.
|
|
Small business grant now available to create inclusive work environments |
Small Business employers can apply for grants of up to $1000 per business. Grant applications are open from June 21, 2021 to April 30, 2022
Learn more about Accessibility Legislation in BC here.
|
|
The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce works with many partners to create and improve business opportunities for our members |
|
Proudly working with Provincial & local Chambers |
|
|
|
(250) 245 - 2112
33 Roberts St
Hours:
Monday to Friday
10am - 4pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
