Okanagan families, communities and workers are benefitting from the efforts of the four local companies that make up this month’s B.C. Job Makers. Each of the businesses profiled is helping to keep the local and B.C. economies diverse, strong and growing.

From a gluten-free snack company based in Oliver to quality child care centre in Kelowna, B.C. Job Makers are demonstrating how people are creating real jobs and making a difference.

The B.C. Job Makers stories are showcased on the website as a venue for entrepreneurs to share success stories and inspire others. Their efforts demonstrate the diversity and strength of the BC economy and how it benefits families and communities. 

B.C.’s April Job Makers include:

Great Bear Paleo Bites: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/job-makers/great-bear-paleo-bites-for-the-grizzly-within/  - gluten free means growing business for Oliver snack company  

Building Blocks Educational Child Care: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/job-makers/building-blocks-educare-has-long-waitlists-and-expansion-plans/ - expansion plans and waitlists at popular Kelowna Child Care Centre

The BX Press Cidery: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/job-makers/the-bx-press-cidery-benefits-from-rising-cider-consumption/ - Vernon area cidery triples production

International Bar Coding: ​http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/job-makers/pentictons-pioneers-in-bar-coding/ - business is growing for Penticton bar-coding pioneers

Why It Matters:

B.C. Job Makers help strengthen the economy by investing in our province and growing our economy to support British Columbia’s families.

Government is showing the power of yes by profiling B.C. Job Makers who are driving the economy forward. What ties all these stories together is inspiration - for an idea, for an investment.

If you run a company, or know of a company or person you think should be featured as a B.C. Job Maker, contact bcjobmakers@gov.bc.ca

Quote:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

“B.C. Job Makers are building a diverse and strong economy in the Okanagan. The stories of these individuals and previous Job Makers profiled offer British Columbians the chance to learn about successful businesses that are creating jobs all around the province.”

Quick Facts:

• About 382,200 small businesses were operating in the province in 2013, 81% of which had fewer than five employees.
• In 2013, B.C. exported $33.4 billion of goods, an increase of 32% from 2009.
• Small businesses account for 86% of all exporters in B.C.

Learn More:

To see the B.C. Job Makers, please visit: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/bc-stories/

Media Contacts:

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