Local business leaders, civic leaders and provincial government representatives hit the streets of Tofino and Ucluelet this week for a business walk to hear success stories, talk about barriers and discuss how government can help small businesses grow in their communities.

A business walk is an informal way for community leaders to get in touch with the pulse of the business community, to build relationships over time, and gather the business intelligence needed to stimulate the economy.

Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business Naomi Yamamoto was joined on Wednesday in Tofino by Tofino-Long Beach mayor Josie Osborne, Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce executive director Gord Johns and city councillors, along with other representatives from the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce.

On Thursday Yamamoto visited Ucluelet and toured multiple local businesses with mayor Bill Irving, Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centres executive director Susan Payne, and community business walk volunteers.

Five teams of business walk volunteers visited various small businesses in Tofino and Ucluelet including Remote Passages Marine Excursions, Cermaq, Mark Hobson Gallery, Salty Dolls Hair Salon, Crow's Nest and Blackberry Cove Marketplace. The Tofino-Long Beach and Ucluelet Chambers of Commerce led the planning and organizing of the walks, working in close partnership with both municipalities.

Businesses looking for additional resources or information will be provided with one-on-one assistance. Once the information and feedback is collated and analysed, community leaders can develop and implement action plans to support and stimulate the economic activity of the area.

For photos of the business walks, please visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/

Quotes:

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business -

“This was a great opportunity to speak directly with small business owners in Tofino and Ucluelet. I understand some of the concerns they raised and we will be following up directly with them. But I also heard a lot of optimism about opportunities for growth. We want small businesses in Tofino and Ucluelet to thrive - because when small business thrives, so do our communities.”

Josie Osborne, mayor of Tofino-Long Beach -

“Small business forms the backbone of Tofino's economy. The Business Walk program allows me and my council colleagues to hear directly from Tofino's small business owners about the successes and obstacles they face in doing business in this region, so we can help them to thrive and grow.”

Bill Irving, mayor of Ucluelet -

“The District of Ucluelet is very appreciative of the minister's hands on approach to understanding and supporting small business.”

Gord Johns, executive director, Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce -

“Business Walks provide the opportunity for small business owners to share and participate with their ideas directly to leaders at the local, regional and provincial level which will help identify clear and effective opportunities for decision-makers. With approximately one business for every four residents in Tofino, we know how critical is that the voice of the small business be heard. We really appreciate the time and energy contributed by the Province of B.C. to this valuable exercise.”

Susan Payne, Executive Director, Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centres -

“The Ucluelet chamber appreciates the ministry giving us this opportunity to visit our members and community with a unified approach to supporting their businesses. The feedback gleaned will be most important in moving forward with our strategic planning.”

Learn More:

For more information on Business Walks, please visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=DE445E2BD43B46FD96D1D7B9A9C838E1

For more information on the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce: http://www.tofinochamber.org/

For more information on the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce: http://ucluelet.ca/community/chamber-of-commerce

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business
250 387-2799