Felicia Magee is a Director at Economic Development of Northern Development Initiative Trust.
PRINCE GEORGE – Northern Development has approved 13 applications for Regional Business Liaisons (RBLs) who will offer one-on-one support services for rural businesses and communities impacted by forest policy changes and other impacts to the forest sector.
The RBCR program was first announced in early April and was made possible due to a $1.5 million investment from the Province of BC’s Rural Business and Community Recovery Initiative, which will support regional business liaison positions throughout Northern BC for a one-year term. Funding was made available to Community Futures Development Corporations, local governments, Indigenous governments and economic development entities. The intake opened on April 3 and closed April 28.
“Rural businesses are deeply connected to their local communities. They tend to reinvest their profits locally, sponsor community events, and create partnerships with other businesses and organizations. Through the RBCR program, we can assist businesses and communities, creating a stronger, local economy,” said Felicia Magee, Director, Economic Development of Northern Development Initiative Trust.
The following organizations have been approved for RBL positions:
- Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin (two positions)
- District of Fort St. James
- Community Futures Peace Liard (two positions)
- Community Futures North Cariboo
- Community Futures Nadina (two positions)
- Community Futures Sun Country
- Community Futures Fraser-Fort George (two positions)
- First Nations Business Development Association
- Community Futures Pacific Northwest
“Preparation for long-term stability and resistance to disruptive events and subsequent recessions depends on economic diversification. The Regional Business Liaison positions will assist our communities in developing strategies to deal with the ever-changing economic environment and will support individuals, businesses, Indigenous-owned businesses and non-profits that require business start-up/expansion, mitigation, recovery, transitioning and general support,” said Kim Martinson, Executive Director of Community Futures Nadina.
Business Examiner Submitted
