Chamber initiative will help people New to Canada

A new Chamber initiative that will formally launch in August is already helping make Greater Victoria a great community.

The New to Canada Program aims to empower newcomer business owners in our region. To qualify, business owners must hold a valid business license and have been in Canada for three or less years. Black Press recently reached out to The Chamber to ask about the program and interview one of the first participants.

Alejandra Chacon Gallardo is from Mexico and founded Regenerative Futures Consulting Corp. in Greater Victoria because she believes Canada is at the forefront of climate action leadership. Gallardo connected with The Chamber, and recognized the value of being a member.

“If there is a possibility of helping you, (The Chamber) will be there,” Gallardo told Black Press. “It’s nice that they are building community.”

The New to Canada program includes two years of membership with The Chamber and is designed to help newcomers successfully integrate into the business community in Greater Victoria.

​​This program is funded through sponsorship from Air Canada, the Victoria Airport Authority, the Victoria Foundation, and Western Design + Build.

“Currently, we are making a few more connections to prepare for a promotional campaign to raise wider awareness of the program,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “Watch for our official launch and more coverage in August.”

Canadian business optimism improving, survey finds

The Business Expectations Index has moved into positive territory for the first time in a year. The index rose 2.7 points in the second quarter of 2024 from the first quarter, led by an improved outlook for sales.

Some of the key findings include:

  • Businesses expect employment to grow as labour market conditions continue to find a balance between supply and demand.
  • Eleven of 16 sectors are improving with finance and insurance leading the pack, followed by construction.
  • However, agriculture, information and culture, and transportation are contracting.
  • Firms with 1 to 4 employees say they are are stabilizing, though medium- and large-sized firms (100 or more employees) continue to be much more optimistic.
  • Among underrepresented groups, visible minorities are the most optimistic, while LGBTQ2+ and women business owners are more pessimistic.

Canadian Chamber releases proposed policies

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