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STARTING A BUSINESS IN KIMBERLEY
Innovation, imagination and a healthy dose of hard work - elements that combine well in Kimberley’s business landscape. Kimberley is one of those exceedingly rare places in which you can build a business and live and play in an engaged community with an enviable mountain lifestyle. Check out the City of Kimberley website for current Kimberley research and demographics and some of the resources you will need to start your business.
Kimberley is a diverse and growing community of over 8,100 residents with a multitude of opportunities for business investments. Economic development in Kimberley was initially centred around the Sullivan Mine, but now mostly involves recreational and tourism opportunities.
Kimberley is an ideal place for new businesses to thrive in a welcoming and sustainable environment. The city has a close-knit business community with several associations and a progressive local government.
In April 2022, Kimberley was crowned by CBC as BC's Best Small Town. After more than 800,000 votes across the province, Kimberley beat out 127 other municipalities to take the win! And we strongly believe that our local business community plays a huge role in this award.
Kimberley offers the perfect mix of business and pleasure. So, what are you waiting for?
SMALL BUSINESS BC
Small Business BC, a non-profit organization that exists to help BC entrepreneurs start and grow their own businesses, offers a range of support services including free resources and templates, seminars and webinars, and one-on-one expert advisors. Small Business BC provides business information and tools on topics such as:
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Business start-up and expansion information
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Online business planning tools and information guides
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Business planning advisory services
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Legislation and regulations
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Exporting and importing resources
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Information about financing sources
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Business research library
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Market research consultation
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Business seminars and workshops
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e-business solutions
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Regional access to business information resources throughout the province
WeBC is a not-for-profit that has been supporting women business owners across the province for nearly three decades. WeBC provides a range of business support services and funding options to help you start, develop, lead or sell your small business. From essential business skills to personalized business advice, WeBC knows the right questions to ask and the right resources to connect you with.
WE BC
Geared for the young entrepreneur, Futurpreneur has been fueling the entrepreneurial passions of Canada’s young enterprise for over two decades. Futurpreneur is the only national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business
owners aged 18-39.
FUTURPRENEUR
Tourism Kimberley, nestled in the heart of British Columbia's stunning Kootenay Rockies, offers travelers an unforgettable experience in a picturesque natural playground. From exploring pristine wilderness to immersing oneself in vibrant local culture, Tourism Kimberley promises an array of adventures for every type of traveler.
Is a provincially funded, industry-led Crown corporation that supports a strong and competitive future for BC’s tourism industry through a combination of global marketing, destination development, industry learning, cooperative community-based programs, and visitor servicing. Destination BC’s programs help to improve the visitor experience, support businesses and communities across the province, and strengthen BC’s worldwide reputation as a destination of choice.
Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association (KRTA) is one of British Columbia’s five official regional destination management organizations. KRTA has operated since 1978 and represents over 800 tourism businesses and operators. This includes resorts, accommodation properties, wellness retreats, golf, ski, adventure, communities, retail, food & beverage, transportation, arts & culture and attractions.
EDUCATION + TRAINING
COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES
College of the Rockies (COTR) provides education and workforce training for industry, organizations and businesses. COTR is a certified training provider who works with some of the industry leaders to provide valuable educational and training opportunities for employers and employees.
BASIN BUSINESS ADVISORS
The Basin Business Advisors (BBA) program helps entrepreneurs to succeed by providing
access to resources, mentorship, and skilled advice in order to foster economic capacity and
growth in the region. Businesses can get access to one-to-one business advisory services
tailored to their specific needs, education workshops on practical topics, program referrals to resources, and learning networks to facilitate growth.
GRANTS + FUNDING
PUBLIC FUNDS TO HELP SPRINGBOARD YOUR BUSINESS VENTURE! - Access grants, loans & other financial assistance. Some programs run annually or are updated with more frequency, check these websites often for updates!
Community Futures | East Kootenays
Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK) is committed to helping businesses and individuals access and use the tools and information that are available. Designed with entrepreneurs in mind, it offers flexible and affordable loan products or can partner with traditional lenders to address your unique financing needs. From micro loans of less than $25,000 to business loans up to $1,000,000, contact CFEK to explore resources and financing solutions.
NETWORKS
The BC Chamber of Commerce is the largest business association in British Columbia, representing 100 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, and 36,000 businesses of every size, and from every sector and region of the province. With a rich history that spans 70 years, the BC Chamber of Commerce is an established voice in the business community and has helped shape government public policy and decision-making to empower British Columbia’s businesses. In this post-pandemic era, now more than ever, the provincial association is committed to engaging with its members, listening to their concerns and evolving needs and responding through bold and proactive advocacy and the delivery of a curated suite of programs, services and business resources.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is a business association that, along with our network of local, regional, provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, communicates the needs of business to government at all levels to influence policies, regulations and decisions that are critical to creating a favourable environment where businesses can succeed and our families, communities and country can flourish.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Emergencies can impact businesses, visitors, and travel at any time. Be prepared.
Business Continuity Plan
The Business Continuity Plan helps you respond to disruptions like COVID-19, floods, fires, and more, protecting your employees and assets so your business can continue to operate. The Community Futures Business Continuity Plan Tool is free to use and will help you prepare for, and respond to, business disruptions.
Emergency Messaging Guidance - May 2023
Destination BC has prepared the Emergency Messaging Guidance which outlines emergency information resources for BC as well as suggested messaging, visuals and actions for BC's tourism industry during emergencies.
City of Kimberley Emergency Preparedness for Tourism and Small Business
Check out the video, brought to you by the City and the Chamber, and review the PrepareBC resources to get prepared!
COVID-19 Resources for Business
COVID-19 has resulted in uncertain and challenging times for small businesses. Although not updated as frequently, information and support is still available for this ongoing public health issue.
STAFF SUPPORT
Discover comprehensive staffing support resources, designed to assist businesses in finding the right talent and building a strong and capable team.
WorkBC offers a variety of resources for employers including labour market research, resources for hiring and managing employees, and information regarding industry and workforce loans and
grants. Job seekers can find information on how to search for and prepare for a job, plan a career and explore training and education opportunities
Kootenay Employment Services is a local one stop shop for employers and job seekers. Employers can access resources, post a job vacancy, find out more about wage subsidies and connect with an employer liaison. Job seekers can view available job postings, connect with an employment counsellor, access resources and enroll in training programs.
