Support for Business Owners

Support for Local Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

The Sunshine Coast Business and Recovery Task Force

Our Federal and Provincial governments have introduced several new programs to support and protect local businesses through the COVID-19 crisis and into recovery. Many of these programs directly help our rural Sunshine Coast region, yet some specific needs in our business community remain.

We’re here to help.

A coalition of finance and business organizations on the Sunshine Coast (the Sunshine Coast Business and Economic Recovery Task Force) have come together to help local entrepreneurs and small businesses navigate the existing programs and fill these financial and non-financial gaps where needed. This group includes representatives from:

Our goal is to walk alongside you over the long-term, step by step, as we navigate new territory and build your business recovery plan. We are here to:

  • Serve all local small businesses on the Sunshine Coast
  • Streamline COVID-19 business related information
  • Fill financial and non-financial gaps with unique products and services
  • Advocate on your behalf through the COVID-19 response and recovery
  • Provide online and in-person advisory services

Federal and Provincial Support

In this rapidly changing landscape, new programs and supports are being announced daily. We recommend all local businesses start with the Small Business BC COVID-19 Support Service  to learn more about the programs available. It’s a one-stop shop based out of Vancouver, with advisors ready to help Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The online platform is easy to navigate and provides the most up to date information on all provincial and federal programs for businesses.

Small Business BC Hotline: 1-833-254-4357

Email: covid@smallbusinessbc.ca

Sunshine Coast Business Support

The Sunshine Coast Business and Economic Recovery Task Force is committed to working in partnership to fill any missing gaps in the small business support programs available, and advocate on your behalf. Each organization within the task force provides different services for the community to ensure you have the support you need.

Please feel free to directly contact the member organization below that best suits your needs.

Organization I’m looking for… Contact information
Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Organization (SCREDO)

 

 

 
  • The point of contact for all economic development and investment inquiries for the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia
  • An advocate on matters of shared regional interest and helping Coastal entrepreneurs start and grow their own business

 

 Website

604-821-4262

Colin Stansfield, Executive Director: exec@scredo.ca

 Facebook

 
Community Futures Sunshine Coast

 
  • Help refinancing my current loan (top ups, monthly payment/interest adjustments, deferrals, etc.)
  • A new loan to help with COVID-19 business recovery (up to $25,000)
  • One-on-one support in exploring options, and building my business’ COVID-19 recovery plan
  • Buying/selling a businesses
  • Bridge financing
  • Start up equity
  • Impact investing
 Website

604-885-1959

Mark Yellowley, Loans Manager: mark.yellowley@communityfutures.org

Janice Iverson, Executive Director: janice.iverson@communityfutures.org

 
Sunshine Coast Tourism

 

 

 Website

604-618-1963

Paul Kamon, Executive Director: paul@sunshinecoastcanada.com

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

 
Sunshine Coast Credit Union Member support with:

  • Payment deferrals, interest only payments
  • Access to Canada Emergency Business Accounts (up to $40,000 in interest free lending)
  • Customized business recovery financing
  • Business model evolution support – accepting digital payments

 

 

 Business Support during Covid-19

Community Support during Covid-19

604-740-2662

Erin McGregor, Manager of Commercial Lending: emcgregor@sunshineccu.net

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter
Gibsons & District Chamber of Commerce

 

 Member support with:

  • Keep members informed of latest Government COVID-19 updates and provide references and links to key support agencies
  • Promote businesses and keep the community updated on current business openings and operations
  • Advocate for their members with Government officials at all levels
  • Provide updates and links to workshops and webinars to support business with adapting to changes

 

 Website

604-886-2325

Chris Nicholls, Executive Director: exec@gibsonschamber.com

Deb Mowbray, President: debmowbray@gmail.com

 

Facebook
Sechelt & District Chamber of Commerce

 

 

 Member support with:

  • Assistance with available Government programs and supports
  • One-on-one business counselling services
  • Advocacy and access to Federal, Provincial, and local government elected officials to ensure member voices are heard, businesses are not overly taxed or burdened during the COVID-19 crisis, and that the right supports are in place to help businesses recover

              

 

 Website

604-989-1633

Ed Pednaud, Executive Director: exec@secheltchamber.bc.ca

Facebook

 
Work BC Centre – Sunshine Coast

 
  • Job seekers find employment in the community through WorkBC Employment Services, including persons with disabilities
  • Assist businesses with finding qualified staff for hire such as screening potential candidates, writing job descriptions, advertising positions, and interview support
  • Help businesses navigate WorkBC programs, wage subsidies and community-employer partnerships to create jobs
  • Help job seekers find financial support to meet job requirements including certification, essential work clothing and tools, and assistive technology
  • Support Self-Employed workers with tools and resources to recover from COVID-19

 

 WorkBC Website

Open Door Group Website

604-885-3351

Joan Schielbelbein, Associate Program Director:  joan.schiebelbein@opendoorgroup.org

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter
Sechelt Downtown Business Association

 

 Member support with:

  • Moving your product and services online
  • Promoting your business and products to the community
  • Supporting landlords and tenants with accessing the Commercial Rent Assistance Program
  • Providing resources and links to online webinars and workshops

 

 Website

604-885-9611

Theressa Logan, Executive Director: sdba@dccnet.com

Instagram

Facebook

Sunshine Coast Business Recovery Centre

If you are still unsure of where to begin or have general questions or inquiries, please visit www.scbrc.ca or call the Sunshine Coast Business Recovery Centre at: 604-747-4696 from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Our advisors will help connect you with the right programs and services to help you.

(The information on this page was received from SCREDO on May 8, 2020.)