Chamber and DVBA celebrate Small Business Month

VICTORIA, BC – We often hear small businesses called the backbone of a community. The fact is there is nothing small about the group of businesses that employ more than half of all British Columbians. When you shop at a locally owned business, you are investing in the quality of life of your hometown. The dollars that go to local businesses recirculate in the community about 4.6 times more than the same money spent at corporations that have head offices far away or even in other countries.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and heartbeat of our downtown,” Downtown Victoria Business Association Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bray said. “Small Business Month provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the unique, vibrant and creative businesses that make up our downtown small business community.”

“Small business month is an important time to reflect on the importance of and to double down on supporting our amazing small businesses,” Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said. “Our small businesses are a key character-defining feature of our downtown and our city. This month and always I encourage residents to pop in and visit them in person and resist the temptation of the online non-local alternative.”

Throughout October, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating Small Business Month, sponsored by Grant Thornton.

“We really experienced how important it is to spend locally over the last two years. Our support of businesses operated by friends and neighbours made a real difference in helping many make it through challenging times,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “This October, I encourage everyone to express their support by doing business locally — and by expressing gratitude to business owners for all they do to support our community.”

To learn more about the events and activities The Chamber has planned for Small Business Month, go to victoriachamber.ca.

“Small businesses empower our community by bringing people together, creating jobs, and helping our economy thrive,” Grant Thornton LLP partner Kyman Chan said, noting his firm is helping small businesses weather the current inflationary storm and plan for future growth. “We’re proud to support the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and businesses within the region during Small Business Month, and beyond.”

Every year, the DVBA highlights approximately 30 small businesses by introducing them on social media and writing dedicated blog posts. Visit dvba.ca/smallbusinessmonth to meet some hardworking business owners within downtown Victoria’s small business community.
 
About Downtown Victoria Business Association
The Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) focuses on nurturing and promoting the vitality and vibrancy of downtown Victoria and its business community. Through advocacy, marketing, events, and the fantastic Clean Team, the DVBA supports downtown businesses and encourages Victorians to experience Victoria’s beautiful core area. Visit dvba.ca to learn more.
 
About Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Since 1863, The Chamber has served Greater Victoria by working together to build good business and
great community for all through advocacy, networking, professional development and innovative services as changing times require. In 2020, the Chamber Champions initiative added a powerful resource to provide leadership and guidance to our organization. Current Champions are: BC Ferries, Big Wheel Burger, CHEK News, CIBC, Knappett Projects, Mike Geric Construction, MNP, PARC Retirement Living, RBC, Scotiabank, Seaspan, Spinnakers, TELUS Business, and the University of Victoria. Find out more at: victoriachamber.ca.
 
Media Contacts: 
Jim Zeeben, Communications and Project Manager 
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 
250 360-3471 | communications@victoriachamber.ca
 
Jeff Bray, Chief Executive Officer
Downtown Victoria Business Association
250-386-2239 | jeff@downtownvictoria.ca