Small businesses make up 98% of all business in B.C. and employ over one million people.

B.C.’s top trades and technology students put their skills on display Wednesday, April 5, in a series of Olympic-style competitions to determine who will make up Team BC at the national finals later this spring.

The British Columbia government is investing $2.2 million to support greater Indigenous participation in the province’s vibrant and growing technology sector.

A tentative agreement has been reached between the Province, BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association and the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU) on labour succession in 27 highway maintenance service areas, ensuring job security and improved maintenance service levels on the highway network.

Residents in three Lower Mainland communities will have a chance to see some rare new attractions in local waters soon, thanks to a partnership with the British Columbia government and the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society.

A $500,000 investment will establish scholarships at public post-secondary institutions that encourage women to pursue education that aligns with the needs of the growing tech sector in British Columbia.

Skilled trades students in B.C.’s rural regions will benefit from the majority of funding from a three-year, $15-million investment by the provincial government with the purchase of new trades training equipment to support youth trades programs.

Under the BC Rural Dividend, the provincial government is providing $100,000 to the Fort Nelson region.

Twenty-one local governments throughout the province will share over $200,000 in B.C. government planning grants to help develop plans for local infrastructure investments. This is the second phase of funding following almost $300,000 in infrastructure planning grants awarded to 31 local governments last fall.