ARCHIVED: Small Business and Red Tape Reduction
The Province has proclaimed Feb. 15-19, 2016, Chamber of Commerce Week in British Columbia.
This proclamation recognizes more than 125 chambers of commerce across the province and the work they do to grow B.C.’s economy and create jobs, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Coralee Oakes announced today.
This year’s theme, Empowering B.C. Businesses, celebrates the leadership role that chambers play in their local communities where they build links as business advocates and encourage policies that support business and economic development.
In the past year, the B.C. government has worked closely with the BC Chamber of Commerce to ensure small businesses can participate in economic opportunities and that their voices are heard through participation on B.C.'s Small Business Roundtable. The chamber also helps business owners and their employees develop skills and learn new tools through promotion of the Canada – B.C. Job Grant to its membership.
The BC chamber has been consistent with its message: red tape is one of the biggest burdens business owners face in growing their businesses and creating new jobs. Government has heard that message loudly and clearly and is responding by reducing unnecessary regulatory requirements by more than 43% since 2001.
Quotes:
Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch Coralee Oakes –
“This week we’re celebrating the vital role chambers play in working with businesses to strengthen our economy and create vibrant communities throughout British Columbia. We’ve worked closely with the BC Chamber of Commerce to get input and advice so we can continue to create valuable resources for small business owners and assist future entrepreneurs.”
To view the minister's video message acknowledging the important role of B.C.'s chambers of commerce, please click here: https://youtu.be/0J26YX_fhbM
John Garson, president and CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce –
“It's hard to say enough about the impact of local chambers. Every day, throughout British Columbia, local chambers are finding new ways to empower B.C. businesses. Whether it's through strategic business advocacy or by providing professional development and networking opportunities, chambers are sharply focused on empowering each and every business to succeed. Chamber Week celebrates the vision, hard work and can-do spirit that our chambers bring to British Columbia.”
Quick Facts:
- The chamber network in B.C. is the largest, most broadly based business organization in the province.
- There are more than 125 chambers and boards of trade in the BC chamber’s network alone and 36,000 represented businesses.
- The BC Chamber of Commerce represents more than 36,000 small, medium and large British Columbia businesses. The chamber is a key partner and works with government to achieve the goal of making British Columbia the most business-friendly jurisdiction in Canada.
- Chambers exist in every corner of the province.
- Small business makes up 98% of all business in the province and employs more than one million people.
- Small business provides nearly 54% of all private-sector jobs in British Columbia, the highest rate in the country.
- In 2014, approximately 382,600 small businesses were operating in the province, 81% of which had fewer than five employees.
- British Columbia ranks first in Canada for the number of small businesses per capita, with 82.6 businesses per 1,000 people.
Learn More:
BC Chamber of Commerce: http://www.bcchamber.org/
B.C.'s Small Business Roundtable: www.smallbusinessroundtable.ca/Home.aspx
Canada – B.C. Job Grant: https://www.workbc.ca/Employer-Resources/Canada-BC-Job-Grant.aspx
