The Government of BC has introduced the Small Business Task Force to ensure the little guys are taken care of, and that includes the Bulkley Valley.
Minister of BC Jobs, Trade, and Technology Bruce Ralston outlines the objective of the project.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. The new Small Business Task Force will listen to entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the province, so we can continue to improve B.C.’s small business climate,” says Ralston. “The Small Business Task Force will make recommendations to build on this sector’s strong growth, and enhance job creation for people in every corner of B.C.”
Michael Hwang, founder and principal lawyer at Amicus Lawyers, has been appointed to chair the new three-member Small Business Task Force. The other members are Cybele Negris, vice-chair of B.C.’s Small Business Roundtable and CEO and co-founder of Webnames.ca, and Shahraz Kassam, owner and CEO of Shamin Diamonds.
So how will this task force ensure the proper support to businesses in the Bulkley Valley? Ralston says the thriving small business economy in the BV is certainly on staffs radar.
“The Bulkley Valley is a great example of the rural economy where an effective small business can really create good employment. The businesses in the BV are responsive, lasting, and provide significant services that people both want and need. Minister Doug Donaldson and I have some great ideas for the region and we want the BV to know they are taken care of.”
The task force will host seven consultations throughout the province in June 2018, to hear from B.C.’s small business community, including chambers of commerce, entrepreneurs, and First Nations. People will also have a chance to participate online through a public engagement website.
The Small Business Task Force will hold consultations in the following cities:
- June 6 – Surrey
- June 8 – Nanaimo
- June 13 – Terrace
- June 14 – Prince George
- June 18 – Richmond
- June 26 – Cranbrook
- June 28 – Kelowna
More than one million British Columbians were employed by a small business in 2016 – more than half of all private-sector employment. Small business employment is growing faster than at any time in the past decade with 3.1% growth in 2016.