In this newsletter we’ve highlighted some of the helpful programs available through Community Futures Boundary and also some of the amazing and resilient local businesses that we have the privilege of working with.
Business Feature: Grand Forks Station Pub
The Station is housed in a historic building and is a well-known restaurant/pub in Grand Forks that was, unfortunately, shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2019. Covid-19 resulted in significant closures throughout Grand Forks, but the food and beverage sector was hit especially hard. Ken and Kristie, saw an opportunity and decided to dedicate their time and energy to see if they could make a go at this total new experience, fully understanding the risk of opening doors during a pandemic. Today, they have 22 employees whom they value and love like family. Kristie says they are all learning together to grow and nurture this historic place to visit and eat. The Station Is proud to offer craft beers on tap, domestic in a bottle, fresh item cocktails and locally grown and raised menu items for everyone to enjoy.
Kristie says,”Community Futures was a big part of why we had the opportunity to open the doors. Covid-19 was, for many small business owners, a show stopper over the past 18 months, but the hospitality industry was drastically affected and in return many loan requests and requests for financial assistance were being declined. Given the eligibility requirements of Government relief programs, The Station Pub fell between the cracks. Community Futures and WorkBC stepped up and offered us the assistance to help the Station bring on new employees with the help of wage subsidy and in return our employees were back in the working force and were able to take advantage of training and learning new skills along the way. Our employees got to be a part of opening a new business, and they were even able to take courses and attain new certificates”.
Kristie and Ken’s advice to other business owners is that you have nothing to lose when you invest in yourself and the programs offered through Community Futures Boundary and WorkBC can really take a huge load off, so go for it!
If you are looking for a great place to eat out this Holiday season, head to The Station Pub for delicious food and great people!
On the LCIC’s new Youtube channel you can find a recording of the recent business information session.
The business information session covers how the LCIC plans to act on the recommendations from the recently released Supply Chain report. The goal is to support local industry, address supply chain needs and highlight areas for economic growth.
At the business information session the LCIC introduced the consulting services that they are offering to local businesses. (For free!) The offer is an opportunity to work with Blue Monarch Management on supply chain management issues, risks, or challenges you may be facing. Blue Monarch Management specializes in supply chain management consulting and helping businesses adapt to changing environments.
The purpose of this program is to create value and find quick wins for your company. If you have an industrial business in the Kootenay catchment area with clear supply chain challenges, submit your application today.
Business Feature: Barb’s Mini Emporium
This is a wonderful place to shop local this Christmas! With something for anyone on your list, you’ll most certainly leave with your hands full! Barb has done a wonderful job of sourcing some beautiful products here in the store!
Imagine Kootenay connects small business buyers and sellers in our communities. We are here to help attract investment and support workforce development throughout the Kootenay and Boundary region.
Imagine Kootenay strives to:
- Showcase the outstanding work, business and lifestyle opportunities in our communities through a marketing program that raises the profile of the Kootenay region.
- Provide interested investors up-to-date information about a community’s business environment.
- Improve investor readiness at the community level by providing tools and facilitating planning.
- Connect people to the variety of employers and opportunities available in the Kootenay region.
Imagine Kootenay is a joint initiative of local governments, economic development organizations and Chambers of Commerce in the Kootenay and Boundary region.
Is your business prepared for a natural disaster or other unexpected business interruption?
Experience has shown that businesses that take the time to create a Business Continuity Plan fare much better in emergency situations. A Business Continuity Plan is an investment in the future of your business.
Visit boundarycf.com – services for more information on Disaster Preparedness
Pdf fillable Business Continuity plans are available at https://futures.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Business-Continuity-Workbook-May2019.pdf