The Chamber's New to Canada ProgramThe Chamber’s New to Canada Program aims to empower and support newcomer business owners as you grow your business in the Greater Victoria Region. To qualify, business owners must hold a valid business license and have been in Canada for three or less years. The program will offer participants comprehensive support in the development of your business through the provision of two years of membership with the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber) and other community engagement opportunities. The program is designed to facilitate the successful integration of newcomers into the business community in Greater Victoria. Please note membership is not guaranteed as it is dependent upon available program funding and review of the applicant’s eligibility. This program is funded through sponsorship from Air Canada, the Victoria Airport Authority and Western Design + Build. The Chamber's New to Canada Program works in partnership with ICA and VIRCS.
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Benefits of Chamber Membership
Connecting and Networking: We host more than 60 events every year for our members, so there are numerous opportunities to network and meet people. Advocacy Initiatives: The Chamber works to advocate on a variety of causes that impacts local businesses in our community, including, but not limited to: transportation options, immigration & integration, accessible childcare, food security, healthcare and more. Chamber Committees: Our committees advise Chamber leadership, while mentoring, welcoming and supporting a strong diverse business community. Check our website to learn about the Emerge, Family Business, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) Committees and more. Chamber Chats: As part of The Chamber's commitment to keep businesses up-to-date, Chamber CEO, Bruce Williams, engages in conversations with leading subject experts. |
Ads & Exposure: We have opportunities for extra exposure through free directory listings, online community calendar, ads in our newsletter and website, and sponsorship opportunities. We Celebrate Your Success: We want members to feel celebrated and informed. Through our member news, we make that happen by sharing stories from our members to our members on our social media channels and newsletter. Discounts & Savings: Aside from member-to-member discounts that are promoted weekly in our BizNews, members also get amazing savings from several Chamber partnerships. Community Building: Be part of a community who cares and works and networks to make our community a better place for all. |
Are you ready to apply?
Before applying, make sure you fit the criteria for the program. Unsure if you meet our program criteria? Contact us or submit an expression of interest.
✔ I am a newcomer and have been in Canada for three or less years. |
✔ I have a business license to operate in the Greater Victoria region. |
✔ I understand that applications are limited to one business per individual. |
Eligibility approval will be determined within fifteen business days from the expression of interest application. Membership approval is dependent upon program available funding. Please email Mabel Marin, at engagement@victoriachamber.ca for any questions.
Understand the need for this program
Immigrants account for 33% of all business owners with paid staff. |
There are more than 600,000 self-employed immigrants across the country, and over 260,000 of them have paid employees. |
There are more than 47,000 immigrants in senior management roles across the country. |
1 in 3 business owners with paid staff is an immigrant. |
All statistics are from the Statistics Canada 2016 Census.