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National Human Resource Pilot Project
Small Business Mentoring Project
Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative Project Report for Community Futures 16/37

National Human Resource Pilot Project

The National HR Pilot Project is currently being delivered by the Restigouche Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC), in partnership with 45 other organizations and 100 small businesses, across Canada. This three-year project, which will continue through till January 2010, is designed to explore a new approach to addressing human resource (HR) practices within small businesses. Community Futures 16-37 is acting as the agent to work with five local Terrace businesses participating in this national pilot project.

For more information on this project go to www.hrnationalrh.ca

Small Business Mentoring Project

The Small Business Mentoring Project makes available free of charge, the skills and experience of people who have proven themselves successful in business.

People in small businesses in Northwest B.C. are isolated. They can't just walk down the corridor and chat about their businesses with a colleague.

A mentor can help you look at the "big picture", and may identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that you have missed. They may help you refocus on your business goals and offer advice on strategies to better achieve them.

Mentors are coaches, not consultants. They do not take the place of existing professional advisers and they won't do the work for you, but they will assist you from their own experience.

The Small Business Mentoring Project offers expertise in all areas of business management. Client and mentor are matched according to the skills needed by the client.

Clients get an empathetic person to listen to the challenges and difficulties they face. Often that alone is all that is needed to identify strategies and opportunities for growth.

As a result clients gain confidence in their ability to plan and manage a venture, meet new challenges, and learn how to obtain the skills necessary for achieving results

For more information please visit www.smallbusinessmentor.bc.ca
or Contact Maatje Stamp-Vincent or Val Preston (250) 635-2311

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The Canadian Youth Business Foundation                                    

The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) is a national charity providing pre-launch coaching, business resources, start-up financing and mentoring to help you start your own successful business. If you are 18-34 and have a business idea...they can help!

Entrepreneurs need money - that's no secret. CYBF lends young entrepreneurs up to $15,000 for their start-up. Plus additional financing may be available through CYBF’s partnership with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), where you can get up to an additional $15,000. That’s not it. CYBF also has an expansion program, which offers up to $10,000. That’s a total of $40,000 possibly available for your new venture. CYBF supports businesses of all kinds – skilled trades, technology, retail, services, and everything in between. CYBF does not require security for its loans – They lend on character and a great business plan.

Along with your CYBF loan you will benefit from their mandatory world-class mentoring program. Every entrepreneur is hand-matched with an experienced business mentor for a minimum of 2 years to allow knowledge sharing and ensure a higher business success rate. A mentor is an invaluable resource with years of business experience, often it’s the difference between success and failure - and you get his or her assistance free for a minimum of 2 years with your CYBF loan!

The CYBF program is all about support from the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey right through all of your milestones. We are proud to be your official Community Partner for the CYBF Program.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Between 18-34 years old
  • Eligible to work in Canada (work permit holders not eligible)
  • Produces a complete and viable business plan
  • Has been in business, fully operating, for less than 12 months
  • Lives or opens the business in the community which is offering the CYBF program
  • Has some training / experience related to their business idea
  • Work with qualified business mentor for a period of two years
  • Has a business that creates full-time sustainable employment for the applicant
  • Must hold at least 51% voting share in the business (if a partnership)
  • Not a full-time student
  • Loan proceeds may NOT be used for the refinancing of existing debt

Plus, if you are a Newcomer to Canada and live in British Columbia or Ontario, CYBF offers a unique financial and cultural mentoring program to help you to understand how to do business in Canada and get you started.

GET STARTED NOW!

Visit www.cybf.ca for more information about the program, eligibility criteria and all their services.
or Contact Us, your local CYBF Community Partner at  Community Futures 16/37 – 250-635-5449 or 1-800-663-6396 today!

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Small Business Internship Program

What is Industry Canada's Small Business Internship Program?

The Small Business Internship Program provides small and medium-sized businesses financial support to hire a post secondary student intern to assist them in their adoption of information and communications technologies to increase their productivity and competitiveness.

Industry Canada's Small Business Internship Program is a collaborative effort with Canadian small businesses, post-secondary institutions, and non-government organizations that offer promising post-secondary students hands-on experience working on e-commerce projects under the mentorship and coaching of entrepreneurs. Student interns will gain an appreciation of entrepreneurship, and an opportunity to explore career possibilities.

What are the eligibility criteria?

To be eligible for this program, your firm must:

  • be a small or medium-sized enterprise with less than 500 employees;
  • be incorporated;
  • wish to enhance your e-business capability.

What are the benefits of this program?

Your firm will receive financial support towards the employment of post-secondary students who will work on information and communication technologies (ICT) projects. The Government of Canada will reimburse 75 percent of the eligible wages and related expenses such as statutory employee benefits, up to a total of $10,000. Your firm is responsible for covering other expenses such as fringe benefits and overhead costs.

What is the process?

Your firm will develop and submit a project proposal to Community Futures 16/37 at info@1637cfdc.bc.ca Support will be available for twelve weeks.

How can employers participate in the SBIP?

SMEs that are planning an ICT project, and would like to have a student intern help them make it a reality can submit an application form electronically at info@1637cfdc.bc.ca   or fax @ 250-635-2698 for project approval

Delivery organization will assess the projects against the following criteria:

  • Will the internship meet SBIP's objectives?
  • Will it give a student intern meaningful work experience?
  • Will it give the student intern 12 weeks of work?
  • Will the employer provide a minimum of 25 percent of intern wages and related eligible costs?
  • Will the internship run between May 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010?

All employers will be notified as soon as possible whether their project was approved or unsuccessful. The SME is then responsible for hiring and advertising their student intern position at universities and colleges, on job boards or other job advertisements as the SME sees appropriate.

For more information on Industry Canada visit www.ic.gc.ca

 

Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative Project Report for Community Futures 16/37

The following is a brief report on the 11 of 12 approved projects for the 16/37 CFDC region. (One did not go forward).

TOTAL FUNDING SICEAI: $2,471,572        TOTAL PROJECT COSTS: $5,217,931

1. City of Terrace - George Little House   Was Awarded $306,909
    This project involved the refurbishing of the former residence of Terrace’s town founding father, George Little. The house is located close to the core business area for easy accessibility by tourists. This project is a catalyst for tourism development and downtown revitalization which was identified as the community’s top priority for economic diversification.
2. City of Terrace - Ferry Island Municipal Park   Was awarded $216,000
 

The City of Terrace received funding for expansion and improvements of the tourist-related facilities.  The project upgraded recreational facilities and expanded the tourist activity options such as camping and fishing, encouraging longer visits and increase tourist spending in the area.
3. Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site   Was awarded $425,900
 

This project enabled the Kitselas Band to re-establish a traditional Kitselas Village that would serve as a centre for tours to view the historic canyon’s ancient  petroglyphs.  The overall attraction will provide cultural and eco-tourism infrastructure needed for economic development and cultural sustainability for the Kitselas First Nation.
4. Gingolx Longhouse and Woodcarving Shed   Was awarded $395,500
 

This project involved the construction of a regional cultural centre featuring a traditional Aboriginal longhouse and woodcarving shed.   The longhouse will create a destination tourist attraction and provide both a space for cultural re-enactments and traditional ceremonies.  It will play a key role in anchoring other small businesses to capitalize on local market opportunities for arts and culture, services and hospitality.
5. Gitwinksihlkw Nass Bridge Project   Was awarded $335,700
 

This Nass Bridge project will provide a key piece of tourism and cultural infrastructure in the community.   It will provide a venue for local artisans and crafters to market their products, as well as to provide information about the local tourist and cultural opportunities and service in the Nass Valley.  The project was built near the existing tourist infrastructure – the Gitwinksihlkw Suspension Bridge.
6. Bulkley Valley Adventure Centre   Was awarded $173,500
 

This project will provide a venue for artisans, eco-tourism entrepreneurs and First Nation cultural interpreters.   The project will capitalize on the natural and cultural amenities of the famous Moricetown Canyon where tourists readily stop to view local Natives engaged in traditional gaffing and netting of salmon.  The facility will build economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.
7. Gitxsan Heritage Village   Was awarded $200,000
 

This project received funds to develop an authentic Gitxsan Heritage Village.   It will provide a participatory tourist and culture attraction near a well-traveled highway and give self-employed local artisans a retail sales venue.

8. 'Ksan Campground  

Was awarded $71,000
 

This project was awarded funds for improvement and developments to the ‘Ksan campground which included the construction of artisan kiosks.   The enhancement to the campground will allow an increased number of tourists to stay overnight, which will mean an increased use of local retail and tourism services in the area.
9. Kispiox Tourist Infrastructure  

Was awarded $247,063
 

This project was to encourage the development of local tourism opportunities.  The project entails construction of a longhouse/ activity centre, a dock and boat launch, washroom facilities and other infrastructure to serve as a strategic location from which tourism-focused businesses will operate. 

10. Gitxsan Treaty Society Capacity Building   Was awarded $50,000
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The Gitxsan Treaty Society received $50,000 for community capacity building in the Hazelton area.  They will develop co-operative strategies for developing tourism in the area including opportunities offered by the 2010 Olympics, as well as analyze potential commercial joint venture and partnership opportunities for the local First Nation Bands.
11. Kitamaat Village Capacity Building   Was awarded $50,000
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The Kitamaat Village Council received $50,000 towards the cost of developing and implementing a Community Economic Development Action Plan.  This plan will guide the development of long-term sustainable practices for the natural and human resources of Kitamaat Village. 



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