From Fair Trade coffee in the Rockies to a growing First Nations-owned IT company, this month’s BC Job Makers feature both First Nations and women entrepreneurs who are creating jobs and building businesses throughout the province.

Two November Job Makers feature First Nations-owned companies: Indigena Solutions in Tsawwassen and the Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation. The other two feature businesses led by women – Canada’s number one organic coffee roaster and landmark cafe in Invermere and an eco-friendly 3D printing business in northeastern B.C.

BC Job Makers gives entrepreneurs a venue to share their success stories, highlighting the strength of our economy. What ties Job Makers together is inspiration, hard work and a strong desire to be successful.   

British Columbia’s November Job Makers include:

Kicking Horse Coffee (Invermere): http://ow.ly/Uj8vw Fair Trade java roasted in the Rockies  

Penticton Indian Band (Penticton): http://ow.ly/Uj66q Creating jobs on and off reserve

Indigena Solutions (Tsawwassen): http://ow.ly/UjbZ3 Expanding First Nations-owned IT provider  

Filaprint (Tumbler Ridge): http://ow.ly/UjbH9 3D printing introduces land in a brand new way

Why It Matters:

BC Job Makers provide an economic sense of certainty by investing in the province and building the economy to support British Columbia’s families.

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

Quote:

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

“BC Job Makers keep our province diverse, strong and growing. This month features four more amazing success stories from the Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation, Indigena Solutions - a First Nations IT Company, Kicking Horse Coffee in the Rockies, and Filaprint, a 3D printing business in Tumbler Ridge. I’m confident that their success will inspire others to think about how to be successful entrepreneurs and small business owners in our province.”

Quick Facts:

• There are more than 1,200 Aboriginal-owned companies in B.C.
• A database of information: www.fnedd.ca helps investors seeking information about doing business with B.C. First Nations.
• In 2014, women accounted for almost 38% of self-employed people in B.C. – above the national average of 36.4%.
• Between 2008 and 2013, the number of self-employed women rose 6% in B.C.
• B.C. has among the highest small-business confidence numbers in Canada and is projected to be second in the country in GDP growth.

Learn More:

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