ARCHIVED: Small Business and Red Tape Reduction
The Province has proclaimed Feb. 20-24, 2017, Chamber of Commerce Week in recognition of the unwavering commitment of chambers of commerce and boards of trade throughout B.C. in supporting local businesses, boosting economic development and creating jobs.
Chambers play a vital role in supporting the people and businesses powering B.C.’s growing economy. For well over a century, chambers have worked with businesses and all levels of government to identify key issues and develop innovative policies that help businesses thrive and create jobs. Whether acting as loyal advocates on hot-button topics, facilitating co-operation and understanding with First Nation communities, or providing tailored resources to help members achieve their business goals, chambers are experts in getting business done.
In the past year, the Province has worked closely with the BC Chamber of Commerce to ensure that small businesses from all regions of the province have their regional priorities heard. With representation in B.C.’s Small Business Roundtable, the BC Chamber has a strong voice that offers pan-provincial, grassroots information and experiences about the state of business in B.C.’s diverse communities.
Unnecessary red tape is often the single largest burden on business, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. Since 2001, the B.C. government has reduced regulatory requirements by 47%. Through ongoing collaboration, the Province and the BC Chamber of Commerce are continuing to work to make B.C. the most small business-friendly jurisdiction in North America.
Quotes:
Premier Christy Clark –
“B.C.’s chambers of commerce play an invaluable role, offering support, economic development, and advocacy for small businesses. Together, the BC Chamber of Commerce and the Province have helped clear the way for small businesses success by reducing red tape, developing a strong economy and creating jobs.”
Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction –
“This year’s Chamber Week theme “Get Business Done” speaks to the ambitious and goal-driven spirit of B.C.’s small businesses that play such an important role in communities throughout the province. As a former chamber executive in Quesnel, I know first-hand how important the resources and networking opportunities are in helping chamber members succeed and grow.”
Val Litwin, president and CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce –
“While we spend much of our time advocating policies on behalf of businesses to all levels of the government, the provincial government continues to be one of our most vital collaborators when it comes to making business easier for our members. In fact, our provincewide Collective Perspective survey found that a large majority of our members believe that the province is the most supportive level of government for their business.”
Quick Facts:
- The chamber network is the largest, most broadly based business organization in B.C.
- More than 125 chambers and boards of trade represent 36,000 businesses of all sizes and sectors of the economy.
- Small business makes up 98% of all business in the province and employ over one million people.
- According to BC Stats ― B.C.’s small business sector grew 1,400% above the national average last year.
- British Columbia ranks first in Canada for the number of small businesses per capita, with 83 businesses per 1,000 people (national average is 70.3).
- Small businesses account for 35% of British Columbia’s GDP, tied for first place in the country and higher than the Canadian average of 32%.
- Small business provides nearly 54% of all private-sector jobs in British Columbia, the highest rate in the country.
Learn More:
BC Chamber of Commerce, visit: http://www.bcchamber.org/
The Small Business Roundtable, visit: www.smallbusinessroundtable.ca/Home.aspx
BC Canada job Grant link: https://www.workbc.ca/Employer-Resources/Canada-BC-Job-Grant.aspx
