SONJA NAGEL
COWICHAN VALLEY – The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce is proud to be part of October’s Small Business Month 2024! This is a time to honour the incredible contributions of our local businesses and the community that supports them. Recently, we spoke with all the candidates in the BC Election, and it was heartening to see that every candidate, regardless of their political stripes, showed genuine support for our small businesses. They all acknowledged that small enterprises are the backbone of our economy and shared their plans to help ease challenges like regulatory burdens, rising costs, and access to resources.
Beyond political advocacy, the Chamber is all about fostering community engagement and building strong connections among our local businesses. Our member mixers, luncheons, and community events are opportunities to connect on a meaningful level, share challenges, and find ways to work together that go beyond the typical business interactions. These gatherings help us share knowledge, experience, and inspiration with each other, creating a supportive environment where our business community can thrive together.
Small Business Month also aligns with several exciting initiatives happening across the Cowichan Valley. The BC Chamber of Commerce Small Business Week Summit, running from October 21-25, is all about “Cultivating Resilience through Innovation“. This virtual summit will provide business owners with valuable insights and tools to navigate today’s rapidly changing business landscape, featuring webinars on topics like social purpose, business automation, and leading with equity. Another highlight of the season is the series of Small Business BC workshops, which offer practical education on topics such as business planning, HR strategies, and accessibility. These workshops are a fantastic opportunity for small business owners to enhance their skills and stay competitive in today’s evolving market.
In addition, Community Futures Cowichan Valley is hosting fall workshops, including the Savvy CEO Program for Female Business Owners and the Business Peer Mentorship Program. These programs are designed to empower business owners by boosting confidence, providing peer support, and helping them navigate the unique challenges of entrepreneurship. The Leadership Lab offers a chance for business owners to invest in their personal growth and strengthen their leadership skills. These workshops reflect our ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and business growth, perfectly capturing this year’s theme of resilience.
Small Business Month is about lifting each other up, building lasting connections, and ensuring our businesses have the support they need to keep thriving. We invite everyone to join in, celebrate our incredible local businesses, and take part in the many events happening this October as we honour the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps our community strong.
Sonja Nagel is Executive Director of the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 250-748-1111 or manager@duncancc.bc.ca