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Business Expansion Resources
Check Check ChCheck out these innovative programs and funding options for local businesses:
The Digital Business Enhancement Program (DBEP)
Sponsored by the District of Port Hardy and the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP).
Free Technology and Marketing Services through August 2024:
Basic new or updated websites
Photography and videography
Social media
Logo design and branding services
Assistance with brochure or printing advertising
Help with creating a marketing plan or a curbside pickup program
Call (250) 902 – 5170, email dbep@porthardy.ca or click the button below to download the fillable form.
Once filled, send it our way and our team of professionals will get started on your enhancement plan!
Meet the Team
Carlye Haggett Brandon Slade
DBEP Coordinator, Brand/Web Design Web/App Design & Development
Carlye is one of two Economic Brandon has always enjoyed
Development Officers working. creating things, starting with
for the District of Port Hardy. only a blank canvas or an
With degrees in both Graphic idea. Certified in web/app
Design and Strategic design and development,
Communication, she has he is able to create for his
combined her passion for her community- enabling growth
community and her technical for small business.
knowledge to create marketing
and advertising materials, grant
writing services, strategic planning,
custom branding and websites for
all businesses and organizations
in Port Hardy.
Patti Smedley Geoff Heith
Strategic Planning/Grant Specialist Photographer & Cinematography
Patti is the second half of the Geoff is a cinematographer
Economic Development Team and photographer who has
working for the District of Port spent the 10 years working
Hardy. A long-time North and traveling the world. He
Island resident, she has specializes inworking with
worked with the Community tourism-related industries
Assistance Program,Targeted working in the outdoors.
WageSubsidies and as the Through this program,
Economic and Community Geoff is able to provide
Development Coordinator for beautiful media for all
the District under the tenure of DBEP clients.
former Mayors Hank Bood and
Bev Parnham. She brings her
passion for North Island life and
over 25 years of experience in
strategic communication to
this program.
Regional Business Advisory Services
An Advisory Service delivered by Community Futures Central Island and funded by Island Coastal Economic Trust.
Advisory services working one-on-one with existing businesses to help stabilize and increase revenues and, if required, help you with a business assessment to determine your specific needs so that they can advise and coach you as a business owner. There are NO fees for business owners. This program will run until August 2024. Their services include:
Human Resources
Operations Management
Financial Management / Financing
Business Transition
Business Strategy
Marketing, Sales and more
How can coaching make a difference for you and your business?
Work smarter, not harder
Increase revenues and profits
Diversify or expand markets
Develop a clear strategy and goals for better decision-making
Get started today and apply by visiting www.cfnanaimo.org/rural-advisory-program-regional-business-advisory-services/ or by clicking the button below:
Community Futures Mt. Waddington
A national economic development program that has been supporting rural-based small business and community economic development since 1986.
Provides small business loans, expert advice and a wide range of business tools and resources to the Vancouver Island North and Central Coast regions. To learn more, call (250) 956 – 2220 or visit their website by clicking the button below:
Creative Coast BC
A collaboration of artists, artisans, creative entrepreneurs and arts organizations working to connect the Vancouver Island/Rural Islands arts ecosystem.
Free information hub with resources and tools for artists and creative professionals. Sign up to their newsletter to learn about proposed initiatives to fill gaps in supports and services such as early stage business development and career coaching. Visit their blog page to learn about the research and pilot projects they’ve been implementing since 2019.
Lisa Harrison
Social Media/Curbside Development
Lisa is a long-time resident of
Port Hardy and owner of Love
Local Marketing. Lisa’s lifetime
community involvement and
passion for local business drive
her to help any company grow
and flourish. Lisa specializes
in social media marketing and
management as well as
curbside program
development.
Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)
Developed by the Federal Government of Canada.
A program created to help eligible small and medium-sized businesses expand online and adopt new digital technology with grants up to $2,400. CDAP is a complimentary program to the District’s Digital Business Enhancement Program (DBEP).
Small Business BC
An independent non-profit organization that exists to elevate every BC business.
When finding your way through the business world feels daunting, Small Business BC is here to help. We are an independent non-profit organization that exists to elevate every BC business. Our doors are open to everyone in BC, at every step along your business journey. If you’re just starting out or embarking on a growth stage, our trusted team will help you put your best foot forward.
Small Business BC sits at the heart of BC’s thriving business community. Whether we offer the service you need or connect you to another source, our goal is the game – to help you succeed. Learn more by going to smallbusinessbc.ca or click the button below.
North Island Employment
A leader in workforce development and the primary employment agency in the Vancouver Island North region.
Providing the North Island with support for job seekers and employers since 1986. Visit www.niefs.net, or click the button below to learn more about:
FREE job postings
Wage subsidy
Human resource information
Labour market information & resources
Employer forums & hiring fairs
Private office space for interviews and/or meetings
Certified personality dimensions facilitators
You can also contact Chris Callanan, Regional Manager Employer Services, at (250) 286 – 3441 or email him at chris.callanan@niefs.net.
Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce
Over the past 50 years the Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce has provided unwavering support to its members and the community we all call home. We focus on what matters most to you and how we can help.
The Chamber is in the business of:
Advocacy and Public Policy
Workforce Development
Economic Development
Communication and Awareness
Credibility for the Business Community
Let us know how we can help your business.
Find out more at www.porthardychamber.com
Email: manager@porthardychamber.com
or, you can click the button below: