The results are in, and five communities across British Columbia have won the Small Business Roundtable’s Open for Business Award in recognition of their efforts to support the growth of small businesses, create jobs and drive local economic growth.

The Province has announced changes that will allow businesses with only outdoor patio seating to apply to offer liquor service, a move that will create new opportunities for small businesses and support increased consumer choice.

As part of the Province’s commitment to cut red tape and improve access to important programs and services, the Ministry of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction announced the release of the Aboriginal Small Business Resource handout. This one-stop reference handout is tailored specifically to Aboriginal entrepreneurs, and includes information on how to access the range of services and supports available to Aboriginal small-business owners.

Aboriginal high school students will benefit from new business and skills training opportunities, thanks to a partnership between the Province, JA British Columbia (JABC), Community Futures Development Corporation of the Central Interior First Nations and the Aboriginal Business Services Network.

With summer in full swing and more British Columbians and visitors taking the time to enjoy all of our province’s beautiful outdoor offerings, it is important to remember that alcohol should not always be in the mix.

“We are disappointed with the approach Alberta has taken with recent changes to its markup rates for craft beer, which create an unfair advantage for Alberta beer at the expense of the 118 craft breweries we have here in British Columbia.

Municipalities, regional districts and First Nation governments throughout B.C. have 15 more business days to apply for the B.C. Small Business Roundtable’s 2016 Open for Business Awards.

The governments of Québec, Ontario and British Columbia will work together to ensure consumers have greater choice, convenience and expanded access to wines produced in their provinces.