Over the last two decades or so there has been a dramatic shift in the BC economy. In a study done by the BC Small Business Accord it was revealed that 98 per cent of the business community in the province is made up of small business. Small business in BC employs more than one million people and accounts for 55 per cent of all goods coming from the province.
The 19th annual Horizon Business Awards, a project of Powell River Chamber of Commerce, took place on Saturday, February 1, at Dwight Hall. The lofty old hall, with its art deco spirit, was a perfect venue for the event, which ultimately saw many Powell River businesses recognized for the contribution they have made not only to the economic health of the region, but to the community itself. The celebration was well attended. A little more than 300 people—employers, staff, friends and family—representing 100 businesses filled the hall. The event was well organized and the enthusiastic, well-dressed crowd was well fed. The spirit of the evening was testament to the town’s emerging economic reality.
Business owners often support the community in ways many residents are not aware. They support youth organizations, team sports and non-profit societies. The small business community in Powell River is vital to the economy. It is an integral part of the town’s economic framework, and it is a big part of the town’s character and collective charisma.
The provincial government has recognized that the emerging small business economy is a vital institution and has launched numerous resource-based programs in support of development in rural communities. The BC Mentorship program is one among many supported by Powell River Regional Economic Development Society. It’s an organization with a mandate to identify emerging economic opportunity, to help build a healthy economic foundation and to provide support, information, and to put business owners and entrepreneurs in touch with resources.
The business accord is a government initiative launched to support the emerging small business economy in British Columbia. It recognizes that small business has indeed become the backbone of the BC economy and that small business owners are the heart and soul of communities across the province.
As businesses craft their mission statements, mandates and philosophies they are shaping the future of the community and defining how they will make a difference.
Kudos to all who attended the Horizon Business Awards, and appreciation flows to organizers at the chamber of commerce.
